Mystic, CT — June 17, 2025 — Dive into the deep this summer at Mystic Seaport Museum as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary thriller, JAWS! Islanders, tourists, and locals alike are invited to join us for JAWSFest, a day-long celebration of the classic movie, culminating in an evening of live music, local food, and an outdoor screening of the original JAWS film under the stars.
Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Tickets: One general admission ticket covers all daytime and evening programming!
Activities and programming 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
- Meet the Experts: Hear a panel of shark scientists from the Atlantic Shark Institute and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy discuss their research.
- Exclusive Screening: Watch the pre-premiere of National Geographic’s “JAWS @ 50”: The Definitive Inside Story with opening remarks and Q&A by Wendy Benchley, renowned public speaker, ocean advocate, and wife of the late Peter Benchley, author of JAWS.
- Behind the Scenes of Shark Week: Listen to a talk by Joe Romiero, award-winning cinematographer and naturalist who specializes in shark behavior and research, on his work with the Discovery Network’s Shark Week.
- “From Junkyard to Museum”: NPR’s Cory Turner shares The Unlikely Journey of the Last JAWS Shark
- Explore the Living Sharks Museum Pop-Up Exhibit: This JAWS Anniversary Exhibition tent will feature original artifacts and memorabilia from 1975, with curator Keith Cowley sharing knowledge on the film’s impact and the evolution of our relationship with sharks over the past 50 years.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Enjoy story time, shark-themed crafts, face painting (12:00–3:00), and unforgettable photo ops with a 25-foot inflatable shark and an anti-shark cage!
- Water Rescues: Watch Newfoundland dogs perform live water rescues in a display of aquatic teamwork.
- Stop by the Narragansett Beer tent on the Village Green and interact with local shark conservation organizations.
Evening Programming on the Village Green, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
- Live Music, Lawn Games, and Concessions
- Outdoor Screening of JAWS: Cap off the night with an outdoor showing of the movie that started it all, introduced by special guest Wendy Benchley.
It’s gonna be JAWS-ome!
This unique event promises to thrill fans of all ages, educate curious minds, and honor the legacy of a film that left an indelible mark on pop culture and ocean awareness. General admission will cover both daytime and evening programming. Spend the whole day with us, or come back for the evening events, all for one special JAWSFest price.
For tickets and more information visit mysticseaport.org/jawsfest.
