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  • Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth – 5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages birth-5. 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! 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. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Beat the afternoon heat, soak up the air conditioning, and join us for family-friendly movies that connect us with food, farms, & nature. Popcorn provided. See the Essex Library Website for Movie Titles, Descriptions, & Age Ratings.

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Decorate Your Bike for 4th of July!

    Ivoryton Library Association 106 Main St, Ivoryton, CT, United States

    Join the Ivoryton Library and decorate your bike to take part in the 4th of July parade! We will provide supplies to make your bike festive to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free
  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • Olive Oyl’s 4th of July Block Party

    Olive Oyl's 6 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us with your family, friends, and 4 legged pals to celebrate our country's 250th birthday with good food and better times! Car show from 9 to 11 am with classic cars, hot rods, vintage trucks and motorcycles Live music from 10 to 12 am Del's frozen lemonade Open 7:30 am to 1 pm

  • Ivoryton Tavern – 4th of July bar & breakfast sandwiches!

    Ivoryton Tavern 8 Summit Street, Ivoryton, CT, United States

    We are happy to announce that we will be open during the Ivoryton Parade selling breakfast sandwiches. This is the first time we will participate in the parade as we are typically closed on this day. We will also set up a kids' table with complimentary bubbles, temporary tattoos and face glitter.

  • Independence Day Boat Parade

    Connecticut River Museum 67 Main St, Essex, CT, United States

    Join the Connecticut River Museum this Independence Day for an afternoon of excitement, learning and fun! Enjoy a spectacle of dazzling boat displays and cannon fire after visiting the Museum exhibits and participating in a children’s activity. In celebration of America’s 250th, admission to the Museum will have a discount of $2.50. Event Schedule: 12:00 pm: Museum opens 2:00 pm: Independence Day Boat Parade begins 3:00 pm: Museum closes

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Celebrate World Chocolate Day!

    Ivoryton Library Association 106 Main St, Ivoryton, CT, United States

    Kids and families can join the Ivoryton Library to celebrate all things chocolate! Learn about some of the history, and taste test different chocolates to discover your new favorite!

  • Plant the Seed Learning Series: Pet Care 101 (Ages 8-12)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages 8-12. The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll explore a different hobby, skill, or craft. Do you love animals? Ever wonder what it takes to keep a pet happy, healthy, and thriving? Join Zoe and Kerry from the Connecticut Humane Society for a fun, hands-on adventure into the world of pet care! Throughout this interactive program, kids will learn the ins and outs of pet ownership, reviewing what they already know about pets and building upon their knowledge to better understand what pets need to thrive in their environment. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here to register.

  • Tuesday Night Trivia

    Recurring
    Essex Indoor Golf 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT, United States

    What’s better than “Taco Tuesday?” Tuesday Nite Trivia at Essex Indoor Golf Center! Join us in our clean, family-friendly atmosphere, against the backdrop of golfers playing courses from around the globe. And yes, you can even combine golf (or mini golf) AND trivia at the same time! Free admission, as well as prizes every week for the ‘smartest smarty pants’ might be enough to get you off the couch on a Tuesday night. Then, declare Tuesdays as a No-Cooking Nite when you order from our fantastic Grumpy Caddy menu, along with our extensive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine from our 35-foot custom bar…Tuesdays might just become your favorite day of the week. So, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friends’ families! Call (959) 265-8979 or visit essexindoorgolf.com

    Free

  • Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth – 5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages birth-5. 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! 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. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!

  • New Volunteer Open House

    Recurring
    Hills Academy 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Interested in leaving your mark on Essex History? Then, please join us our Monthly Volunteer Open House! If you want to learn how to support EHS as a volunteer, please join us for this meet and greet. This is a no-commitment, hour long introduction to volunteerism with Essex Historical Society. One of our staff will give you a tour of Hills Academy and outline our volunteer positions including: Collections and research Education and Programming Event planning and fundraising Tour Guide for Pratt House and Walking Tours Maintenance of Gardens at Pratt House Preservation and up-keep of EHS’s two historic sites No need to RSVP, simply arrive at Hills Academy (22 Prospect Street, parking and entrance in rear) between 10:30-11:30 am, and we will give you the information. If you can’t join us this month, we hope to see you at the next Open House. Open Houses will be held in the same place, at the same time on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted.

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Beat the afternoon heat, soak up the air conditioning, and join us for family-friendly movies that connect us with food, farms, & nature. Popcorn provided. See the Essex Library Website for movie titles, descriptions & age ratings.

  • Federalist Fathers and Republican Mothers: The Fashions of John and Abigail Adams (Virtual)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Register HERE. Join us virtually as we host nationally renowned textile expert Lynne Bassett, who will present an illustrated lecture entitled “Federalist Fathers and Republican Mothers: The Fashions of John and Abigail Adams.” Through a variety of different primary artifacts, Bassett will show how both early and contemporary American have expressed their national and personal character through their clothing choices. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs. About Lynne Bassett Lynne Zacek Bassett is an independent scholar specializing in American historic costume and textiles. Bassett graduated with honors with a degree in American studies from Mount Holyoke College and earned a master’s degree in costume and textile history from the University of Connecticut. From 1995‒2000 she was the curator of textiles and fine arts at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Since going independent, Bassett has undertaken a number of large projects, including award-winning exhibitions and publications on textile topics ranging from the 17th century to the present day, which have taken her all over the United States and Zoomed to England. Her contribution to the field of historic costume and textiles has been recognized by the American Antiquarian Society, the Massachusetts […]

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Athor Talk: Christopher Shaw Myers on Jaws Actor Robert Shaw (For adults and teens)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Register HERE or call the Library at 860-767-1560. It's Shark Week! In celebration, the Essex library will host an author talk with Christopher Shaw Myers. Christopher is the nephew of actor Robert Shaw, the shark-obsessed fisherman Sam Quint in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster, Jaws. Christopher will share insights and entertaining tidbits from his book, Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond. For adults and teens. A screening of Jaws will follow the book talk promptly at 3:30 p.m. This program is free and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Christopher Shaw Myers Chris Myers attended Trinity College, where he double majored in English Literature and Mathematics, and Columbia University, where he received a Master of Business Administration. After a thirty-year career in the hi-tech field, working with companies across the U.S. and Europe, Chris delved deeper into his family’s history to explore the magic that the Shaws cultivated in their lives. ROBERT SHAW: An Actor’s Life On The Set Of JAWS And Beyond is not your traditional biography. Written in narrative style, it tells the story of actor and writer Robert Shaw—best known as Quint in Jaws—from the perspective of the women who shaped his life. At its heart are […]

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Food Group: The Big Cheese (Ages 4-12)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program designed around The Food Group book series by Jory John, written for an audience age 4-8. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to join! Today we will be reading The Big Cheese! The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best? Cook, read, and explore with us in this deliciously fun program inspired by Jory John’s Food Group series, one of our featured authors in our “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading theme. This program will combine stories with simple snack-making. We’ll kick things off by washing hands and learning a few basic food safety tips, because every great chef starts with good habits. Then, we’ll introduce the day’s featured book, and participants will create a themed snack inspired by the story. While our creations bake, chill, or come together, we’ll gather for an interactive read-aloud of the book. Once everything is ready, participants can enjoy their snack or take it to […]

  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • French Fries Tasting!

    Ivoryton Library Association 106 Main St, Ivoryton, CT, United States

    Kids can join the Ivoryton Library in celebrating National French Fry Day by tasting fries from local businesses and ranking their favorites!

  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Plant the Seed Learning Series: Intro to String Bracelet Making (Ages 8-12)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages 8-12. The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll explore a different hobby, skill, or craft. This session is an introduction to embroidery string bracelet making! Join Miss Nicole for a fun and creative afternoon of crafting & chatting while learning how to make colorful embroidery floss bracelets. Participants will learn simple knotting techniques and create two classic friendship bracelet patterns: the Candy Stripe and the Chevron. Whether you're a beginner or have made bracelets before, this hands-on workshop is a great way to learn a new skill and express your creativity. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here to register.

  • Tuesday Night Trivia

    Recurring
    Essex Indoor Golf 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT, United States

    What’s better than “Taco Tuesday?” Tuesday Nite Trivia at Essex Indoor Golf Center! Join us in our clean, family-friendly atmosphere, against the backdrop of golfers playing courses from around the globe. And yes, you can even combine golf (or mini golf) AND trivia at the same time! Free admission, as well as prizes every week for the ‘smartest smarty pants’ might be enough to get you off the couch on a Tuesday night. Then, declare Tuesdays as a No-Cooking Nite when you order from our fantastic Grumpy Caddy menu, along with our extensive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine from our 35-foot custom bar…Tuesdays might just become your favorite day of the week. So, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friends’ families! Call (959) 265-8979 or visit essexindoorgolf.com

    Free

  • Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth – 5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages birth-5. 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! 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. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • 250th Basket Twining Class, presented by Essex Library Association

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us at Essex Library for a basket twining class, led by Brenda Vynalek, a local artist and teacher. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560. Twining is one of the oldest basket making techniques, historically used to create tightly woven vessels for food storage and carrying water. In this session, participants will create a modern rope-twined basket in red, white, and blue. These baskets are perfect for holding napkins at a 250th America Celebration, decorating a porch, or serving as a plant holder. During the class, participants will see examples of the twining technique using various materials. This method is an excellent introduction to basket making, and participants will quickly feel inspired to experiment with new colors and textures. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited. Registration is required. About Brenda Vynalek Brenda Vynalek is a local artist and teacher dedicated to preserving traditional techniques like broom making, basketry, and weaving. Her goal is to guide students from initial doubt to the pride of creating something beautiful and functional for the modern home.

  • Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth – 5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages birth-5. 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! 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. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Xen’s Critters @ Ivoryton Library

    Ivoryton Library Association 106 Main St, Ivoryton, CT, United States

    Join the Ivoryton Library and Xen’s Critters to meet lots of new friends!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Food Group: The Good Egg (Ages 4+)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program designed around The Food Group book series by Jory John, written for an audience age 4-8. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to join! Today we will be reading The Good Egg! Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed. But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change… Cook, read, and explore with us in this deliciously fun program inspired by Jory John’s Food Group series, one of our featured authors in our “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading theme. This program will combine stories with simple snack-making. We’ll kick things off by washing hands and learning a few basic food safety tips, because every great chef starts with good habits. Then, we’ll introduce the day’s featured book, and participants will create a themed snack inspired by the story. While our creations bake, chill, or come together, we’ll gather for an interactive read-aloud of the book. Once everything is ready, participants can enjoy their snack or […]

  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

  • 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 to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Plant the Seed Learning Series: Coding with LEGO® WeDo! (Ages 5-12)

    Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages 5-12. Join Miss Nicole to build, engineer, and code with LEGO® WeDo! Create exciting projects like a light-up snail, a spinning fan, and Milo the moving Mars rover while exploring the basics of engineering, robotics, and coding. With endless possibilities to build and discover, LEGO® WeDo is a great introduction to coding!Registration is required. Click here to register. Registration is required. Click here to register.