Hard to the Thames River and bordering the United States Coast Guard Academy is that most underrated wooded grove called Riverside Park. After years of neglect, the park has been the focus of a renaissance effort and, to that end, on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 7th annual Down by the Riverside Festival takes place.

Sponsored by the Riverside Park Conservancy, the event features plein air artists, a bike helmet giveaway, a Critter Encounter with live animals, balloon sculpture, a living statue, food, and plenty of live music. Performing will be Sherwood, Baird Welch-Collins, Bruce McDermott, Hugh Birdsall, Golden Ration, Pat Daddona, Clayton Allen and Mike Bailey.

Down by the Riverside Festival, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Adelaide St. and Clyde Ave, New London; free; riversideparkconservancy.org.