What is the main concert venue in New London, CT?

The Garde Arts Center is New London's flagship — a restored 1926 movie palace with about 1,500 seats and a striking Moroccan-style interior, at 325 State Street. It hosts concerts, comedy, film, dance, and Broadway tours.

How old is the Garde Arts Center?

The Garde opened on September 22, 1926 as a vaudeville house and movie palace. A nonprofit was formed in 1985 to save and restore it, and it remains one of the few surviving historic movie palaces in Connecticut.

Is New London close to the casinos?

Yes. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are both about 15–20 minutes from downtown New London, so the area's concert options extend well beyond the city itself.

How do I find concerts in New London?

The free CT Concert Center app lists upcoming New London shows — and the nearby casinos — alongside 40+ Connecticut venues, updated daily.

City guide

New London Concert Venues: The Garde & More

Updated June 2026 · 6 min read

The short version

New London punches above its size: the historic Garde Arts Center (1926, ~1,500 seats) anchors downtown, the waterfront comes alive with festivals like Sailfest each summer, and the casinos — Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods — are 15–20 minutes away. Together they make southeastern Connecticut a genuine live-music destination.

A small city on the Thames River with a big arts streak, New London has long been one of Connecticut's most characterful music towns. The scene centers on a beautifully preserved movie palace, spills onto the waterfront in summer, and is bracketed by two of the Northeast's busiest casino concert venues.

The Garde Arts Center (~1,500)

The Garde Arts Center at 325 State Street is the heart of it. Opened on September 22, 1926 as a vaudeville house and movie palace, the Garde is famous for its Moroccan-themed interior, complete with hand-painted murals. A nonprofit formed in 1985 to save the building, and today the roughly 1,500-seat hall runs a full season of concerts, comedy, dance, film, and touring Broadway. It's one of the few surviving historic movie palaces in the state and well worth a visit on its own.

Best for: concerts and touring shows in a one-of-a-kind historic hall.

Never miss a New London show

See every upcoming Garde concert — plus Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and 40+ Connecticut venues — in the free CT Concert Center app.

Download on theApp Store

The waterfront & summer festivals

Come summer, New London's downtown waterfront becomes a stage. Sailfest — one of the region's biggest street festivals — draws huge crowds for live music, food, and fireworks, and series like Celebrate New London bring free music to the Custom House Pier and Parade Plaza near the train station. It's some of the best free live music on the Connecticut shoreline.

Best for: free outdoor music and summer festival weekends.

The casinos next door

New London's biggest advantage is its neighbors. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are each only about 15–20 minutes away, putting two of the Northeast's busiest concert operations — an arena, multiple theaters, and free shows — within easy reach. See our guide to Connecticut's casino concerts for the full picture.

Best for: arena tours and big-name headliners minutes from the city.

Planning your visit

Getting there: New London is on I-95 and the Northeast Corridor rail line, with Amtrak and Shore Line East stops downtown.
Pair it with the casinos: read the casino concerts guide and the Mohegan Sun guide.
See what's on now: check what's on across Connecticut for upcoming shoreline shows.

New London venues FAQ

What's the main venue?

The Garde Arts Center (~1,500 seats), downtown at 325 State Street.

How old is it?

The Garde opened in 1926 and has a famous Moroccan-style interior.

How close are the casinos?

About 15–20 minutes to both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.

How do I find upcoming shows?

The free CT Concert Center app lists the Garde and the casinos in one feed.