Visit Mystic Seaport for Free this Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is Final Free Weekend at Mystic Seaport. On the last free weekend at Mystic Seaport Museum, the Museum would like to thank visitors by making the weekend extra special! There will be fun-filled festivities celebrating A Spectacle In Motion: The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World exhibit, including a Hula demonstration by a Polynesian Dance Company, Cape Verdean Music and Dance, and Sea Music. The exhibit will last through March, but this is the last chance to see it for free.

The Panorama is a 1,275-foot-long painting and is being shown in sections at the Museum’s Collins Gallery in the Thompson Exhibition Building. Painted in 1848, it depicts in fascinating detail the voyage of a whaleship on its journey around the globe.

The Panorama Festival will be a weekend full of special programs and hands-on activities for kids and adults, celebrating the cultures, food, music, and journeys of the Panorama, from the Azores to West Africa, and Brazil to Hawaii. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

The Museum was able to offer free admission to visitors through Connecticut’s Summer at the Museum program. The free entry program is available only for Connecticut residents. Even though the funding for that program has already run out, the Museum decided to continue to offer free passes so the public could benefit from its offerings.

Some highlights of the Labor Day festival include:

A flavorful trip around the world with Brazilian, Nigerian, & Peruvian food trucks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Musical Performances, including:

• Ana Vinagre: Portuguese Fado Music Performance
• Kaiholunuie Polynesian Dance Company: Hula Demonstration
• Cape Verdean Music & Dance: Kim Alves, Gutty Duarte & Friends
• The Imbible: Sea Shanties Musical Revue
• Sea Music With Craig Edwards

Hear amazing stories from a panel of sailors who circumnavigated the world. Dive deeper into the subject matter with a Panorama lecture. See the stars of the Panorama in our Planetarium. Brush up on your nautical fiction with our theatrical production, “Moby-Dick in Minutes.” Younger visitors can enjoy crafts in our Home Port activity center. Go on a Panorama scavenger hunt. Check out wood-carving demonstrations by guest artists. Get creative with your own chalk panorama.

All events and activities are included in Museum admission. Connecticut children and one accompanying adult are free with Connecticut’s Summer at the Museum program all weekend.