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

The Garde Arts Center is New London's flagship. It's 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 formed in 1985 to save and restore it. 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 to 20 minutes from downtown New London. The area's concert options reach 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 too, alongside 40+ Connecticut venues. It updates 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, about 1,500 seats) anchors downtown. The waterfront comes alive each summer, with festivals like Sailfest. The casinos sit just 15 to 20 minutes away. That's Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Together they make this corner of CT special.

New London is a small city on the Thames River. It has a big arts streak. It's long been one of CT's most colorful music towns. The scene centers on a beautifully kept movie palace. It spills onto the waterfront each summer. Two of the Northeast's busiest casinos sit just outside town.

The Garde Arts Center (about 1,500)

The Garde Arts Center sits at 325 State Street. It's the heart of the scene here. It opened on September 22, 1926. Back then it was a vaudeville house and movie palace. The Garde is famous for its Moroccan-themed interior. Hand-painted murals cover it. A nonprofit formed in 1985 to save the building. Today the 1,500-seat hall runs a full season. Concerts, comedy, dance, film, and touring Broadway all play here. It's one of the few surviving movie palaces in the state.

Best for: concerts and touring shows in a grand old hall.

Never miss a show

See every Garde concert. Plus Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and 40+ CT venues. All in the free CT Concert Center app.

Download on theApp Store

The waterfront & summer festivals

Come summer, the downtown waterfront becomes a stage. Sailfest is one of the region's biggest street festivals. It draws huge crowds for live music, food, and fireworks. Series like Celebrate New London bring free music too. You'll find it at the Custom House Pier. Or Parade Plaza, near the train station. It's some of the best free live music around, right on the CT shoreline.

Best for: free outdoor music and summer festival weekends.

The casinos next door

New London's biggest edge is its neighbors. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods sit just 15 to 20 minutes away. Together they run two of the Northeast's busiest concert scenes. Think one arena, several theaters, and free shows. See our guide to CT's casino concerts. It has the full picture.

Best for: arena tours and big names, minutes away.

Planning your visit

Getting there: New London sits on I-95 and the Northeast Corridor rail line. Amtrak and Shore Line East both stop 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 shoreline shows.

New London venues FAQ

What's the main venue?

The Garde Arts Center, about 1,500 seats. Downtown at 325 State Street.

How old is it?

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

How close are the casinos?

About 15 to 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.