Art, music, markets, amazing food and the funnest dog parade around: this year marks the 31st Midsummer Festival on the riverfront grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. A quintessential New England celebration, the festival takes place in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district with family-friendly activities at 11 sites along Lyme Street.

The festival kicks off with a free concert Friday, July 28 from 7-9 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m. enjoy free admission to the exhibition “Flora/Fauna: The Naturalist Impulse in America”. Then kick up your heels with Nick Anderson and the Shady Creek Band. The group captures the essence of bluegrass with drive, soulful singing, and a genuine love for the music.

On Saturday, July 29, cultural and social service organizations partner with local artists and businesses to celebrate the arts in Old Lyme with a mix of music, art exhibitions, and food. In its over 30 years the festival has grown in visitation and offerings, but has always stayed true to its mission of highlighting the culture of the community, organizers say.

New this year is a Bohemian Street Fair. In the spirit of the bohemian artists who once lived in the house, festival favorite Market En Plein Air is becoming a Bohemian Street Fair. Evoking the colorful Old Lyme Street fairs of the early 20th century, this will offer guests a wider and more diverse selection of products from farmers, specialty purveyors, artisans, and more.

Visit oldlymemidsummerfestival.com for a complete list of events and vendors and like Old Lyme Midsummer Festival on Facebook for up-to-the-minute notifications and information.