Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

Recurring
Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex

Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

Free

Adult Board Game Fun at Essex Library!

Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex

Are you looking for a casual way to meet new people and socialize in a fun way? Visit the Essex Library this month to play a low-stress, engaging adult board game! Participants can choose from a variety of games including Parcheesi, Scrabble or Checkers, among other options. This program is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration is necessary, drop-in!

Free

Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

Recurring
Essex Village

The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

Free

Virtual Author Talk: Unlock the Hidden Power of Dreams with Sleep Expert Michelle Carr

Online

Learn how to harness your dreams to improve your sleep and health with dream engineer Dr. Michelle Carr in this virtual author talk presented by Essex Library. In Nightmare Obscura, Dr. Carr unlocks the science behind the sleeping body. Drawing on her expertise in nightmares, lucid dreaming, and the cutting-edge field of dream engineering, she reveals how we can revolutionize our sleeping—and waking—health. REGISTER HERE.

Free

All About Axolotls (Ages 5-12)

Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex

Join educators from the Amphibian Reptile Center for their All About Axolotls presentation, filled with engaging education, hands-on fun, and fascinating facts to remember and share with friends and family. Participants will learn about axolotls’ origins in Aztec culture, the scientist whose laboratory discoveries have helped shape modern research, the responsibilities of caring for one as a pet, the three ways axolotls breathe, and how some can even glow! The Amphibian Reptile Center’s mission is to help change the world for people and animals who need it most. Serving as a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves, the Center promotes proper care, health, and responsible ownership as top priorities. Through educational programs for all ages, the Amphibian Reptile Center aims to inspire individuals to be the change they wish to see and to work toward a more responsible and compassionate future for the reptile and amphibian community. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Free

EBOT Business After Hours at Pencil & Wool

Pencil & Wool 12 Main Street Suite 6, Essex

Join the Essex Board of Trade for our next Business After Hours, a relaxed time with light refreshments, great conversation, and the chance to explore one of our local member businesses. Date: March 11thTime: 5:30 to 7 pmPlace: Pencil & Wool,12 Main Street Suite 6, Essex, CT This event is a special perk for EBOT members, but if you're curious about joining, this is the perfect time to learn more! Membership connects you with our vibrant local business community, gives you a voice in town events, and offers valuable networking opportunities.  Learn how to become a member: https:// essexct.com/membership-2/

Free