Recurring

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free

RiverFare 2025

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

Join the Connecticut River Museum for RiverFare 2025! Delight in an evening of delicious food, wines, cocktails, music and more while enjoying the beautiful river views from the Museum’s front lawn. Local restaurants and caterers provide delectable samples of their culinary talents. Enjoy tastings from wineries and breweries of the Connecticut River Valley. Do not miss the luxury-filled silent auction! RiverFare 2025 takes place on the front lawn of the Museum, under a tent with fabulous views of the Connecticut River. $80 Individual ticket ($95 at the door) $165 Single Patron ticket. See it. Want it. Buy it. Use your Patron level ticket to lock in great prices on select items with no bidding needed. Plus, all patron-level tickets include a choice of complimentary drink or raffle ticket. Purchase Tickets

$80
Recurring

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Seaswept Reception

CT River Artisans 55 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

Come join the fun & meet the artisans! Nautical themed reception featuring the work of  four artisans. Refreshments will be served. 15% off sale price for Featured artisans' work.

Free
Recurring

Tuesday Night Trivia

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

Author Talk, Luncheon and Signing with Marie Botswick

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

We're delighted to host, Marie Botswick, and feature her latest uplifting and thought provoking work of historical fiction, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, at our Spring Literary Luncheon. The book is a work of historical fiction, exploring the lives of four housewives in the 1960s residing in suburban Virginia.  By many accounts these women are living the American Dream, yet they have a yearning for "more".  They start a book club - their first title is Betty Frieden's The Feminine Mystique.  The book has each of them examining and questioning their own lives - their fears and dreams - and also seeking change to make their longings a reality.  The cost is $65.00 which includes lunch, book and an opportunity to engage with Marie Botswick.

$65
Recurring

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free

Essex Library: Introductory Watercolor Workshop

Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

Discover the beauty and simplicity of watercolor using just the three primary colors. In this beginner-friendly talk and hands-on session, we’ll explore how red, blue, and yellow can mix to create a surprising spectrum of hues—while also learning how water, pigment, and paper interact in this luminous, fluid medium. With supplied materials and guidance, you’ll experiment with blending, transparency, and basic brush techniques. No experience necessary—just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to let the paint flow. This program is FREE and open to ALL regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Supplies are limited, so registration is required. This program is for adults, age 19+. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. About the Artist Theresa Zwart-Ludeman is a painter based in Chester, Connecticut, known for her evocative watercolors and thoughtful approach to storytelling—both on the canvas and the page. Her work often explores atmosphere, memory, and emotion through representational and abstraction and layered color. Drawing from years of personal practice and a deep connection to place, Theresa’s art invites viewers to slow down and look more closely. In addition to painting, she enjoys sharing her creativity at local art events. Visit theresazwart-ludeman.com for more information about […]

Free
Recurring

CT Sea Music Festival 2025

This family-friendly weekend includes a Symposium on the Music of the Sea, free day-time workshops and concerts featuring local, regional, and international maritime performers, a family stage, demonstrations of sailor skills, sails on the Connecticut River, a Sunday morning revival-style hymn sing, and late night Chantey Sings in the historic Griswold Inn and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. Main stage evening concerts are ticketed events. Stroll Main Street, Essex with ice cream in hand and hear sea chanteys and maritime music from all over the world!

Daytime: Free, Evenings: Ticketed
Recurring

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Recurring

CT Sea Music Festival 2025

This family-friendly weekend includes a Symposium on the Music of the Sea, free day-time workshops and concerts featuring local, regional, and international maritime performers, a family stage, demonstrations of sailor skills, sails on the Connecticut River, a Sunday morning revival-style hymn sing, and late night Chantey Sings in the historic Griswold Inn and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. Main stage evening concerts are ticketed events. Stroll Main Street, Essex with ice cream in hand and hear sea chanteys and maritime music from all over the world!

Daytime: Free, Evenings: Ticketed

Rotary Club of Essex Shad Bake 2025

Safe Harbor Essex Island 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT, United States

The Tradition Continues! Join Us for the Rotary Club of Essex Shad Bake 2025! Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon at this annual culinary tradition, dating back to 1958, that is a quintessential Spring ritual of the Connecticut River.  Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00 – 6:00 PM Location: Essex Island Marina, 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT Getting There: Park in Essex and take the ferry at the corner of Pratt and Ferry Streets.  What’s on the Menu? New England clam chowder, oyster & clam appetizers start at 3:00 PM (available at an additional cost) Cash bar with beer, wine, and soda open from 3:00 – 6:00 PM Shad Bake Dinner served between 4:30 – 6:00 PM  Live Entertainment by As Time Goes By Swing Band! ️ Tickets: ✅ $40 Online (available until June 6) ✅ $50 at the event Sponsorship opportunities are available: Captain $5,000 Fisherman $2,500 Shad $1,000 Roe $500 ️ Watch the Shad Bake in Action! Click to view Don’t miss out on this historic tradition! Secure your tickets today and be part of a true Connecticut River experience.  We can't wait to see you there!

$40
Recurring

CT Sea Music Festival 2025

This family-friendly weekend includes a Symposium on the Music of the Sea, free day-time workshops and concerts featuring local, regional, and international maritime performers, a family stage, demonstrations of sailor skills, sails on the Connecticut River, a Sunday morning revival-style hymn sing, and late night Chantey Sings in the historic Griswold Inn and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. Main stage evening concerts are ticketed events. Stroll Main Street, Essex with ice cream in hand and hear sea chanteys and maritime music from all over the world!

Daytime: Free, Evenings: Ticketed

Essex Library: Fulford History Lecture with former Governor of Connecticut Dannel P. Malloy

Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

Join Dannel P. Malloy, former two-term Governor of Connecticut and current Chancellor of the University of Maine System, for a reflection on pivotal moments in recent Connecticut history. Drawing from his years as Governor and Mayor of Stamford, Malloy will offer an insider’s perspective on leading through crises, reforming public education and criminal justice, and navigating the economic challenges of the Great Recession. His remarks will highlight how history is shaped not only by policy decisions, but by the values and resolve of those who serve — a fitting tribute to Barry Fulford, whose enduring legacy continues through this history lecture series. Refreshments will be served following the talk. Register HERE.

Free

Essex Library: Author Lisa Jewell (Virtual)

Virtual Event Virtual Event

You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Register HERE. Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work. For more information, visit www.youressexlibrary.org or call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560.

Free
Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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

Safe Futures Sip & Shop with J.McLaughlin

J. McLaughlin 3 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

We’re excited to invite you to a special Sip & Shop event at our Essex J. McLaughlin store, benefiting Safe Futures! Join us for an exciting shopping experience where you can explore our brand-new Summer Collection while enjoying a glass of wine and lite bites! 10% of all sales will support Safe Futures, a non-profit organization with the mission of stopping abuse, restoring hope, and saving lives of those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse in Southeastern Connecticut. We’d love for you to be part of this fun, meaningful event – bring a friend, enjoy some refreshments, and shop for your new summer wardrobe! If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute, please respond to this email, or call us at (959) 265-3048. We are more than happy to hold items or offer complimentary shipping!

Free
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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

Connecticut History Book Club

Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

All are invited to join us for the first meeting of EHS’s Connecticut History Book Club. EHS will host this quarterly book club to explore the state's past through both fiction and non-fiction works, highlighting key events, figures, and themes that shaped the state or played a larger role in America’s history. We will focus on works that illuminate the bring marginalized stories to the forefront, offering a deeper understanding of Connecticut's diverse history. Join us for insightful discussions that connect the past to the present, revealing the histories that shaped our state. For our first book we have chosen the novel: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. While Connecticut natives may have had this as required reading in grade school, newer residents may not yet be familiar with this 1959 Newbery Medal Winner about a young woman in colonial Connecticut. This title is appropriate for ages young adult and up. Books can be checked out from Ivoryton Library or Essex Library Association, or purchased wherever you get your books. On Wednesday, June 18, we will meet at Pratt House for a book discussion lead by EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak. This event is FREE and lite refreshments will be […]

Free
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Dog Days Adoption Event

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

Join the RiverLane for a heartwarming weekend of new beginnings! The RiverLane is partnering with Dog Days to host an adoption event on Saturday, June 28th and Sunday, June 29th from 11 AM to 4 PM. The event will take place outside, next to their Essex store. Dog Days has been rescuing dogs for 15 years, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone! If you're interested in adopting, applications are available ahead of time. More info coming soon! Let's make this a weekend of second chances and forever homes for these deserving dogs. For more information about adoption or to donate, visit: https://www.godogdays.org/adopt/ https://www.godogdays.org/donations/

Free

Essex Village Walking Tour

Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

Take a trip down Main Street in Essex Village to capture the rich maritime history of 18th century “Potapaug,” its working waterfront and ship-building prominence in the early 19th century as well as its development as a beautiful visitor destination of today. Our tours meet at the "Foot of Main Street" in front of the CT River Museum and start at 5:00pm.  Walking tours are open to the public but we do appreciate an RSVP that you plan to attend by emailing our Director at mjosefiak@essexhistory.org.  We ask for a $5 donation per person but tours are free to active 2025 members. Our walks last about an hour and are on mostly flat ground covering a little less than a mile.  We try to adapt our tours a bit based on our audience of the day, but if  you would like a fully customized tour, please contact our staff 860-767-0681 to arrange, giving us at least 3 weeks to arrange our guide scheduling. Summer 2025 walks will be on Sundays: June 29, July 27, August 31 and September 28.

$5

Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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 Concert Series – Middletown Symphonic Band

Essex Village Main Street Park 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

Essex Park and Recreation is excited to be able to offer another great set of bands this year for our 2025 Summer Concert Series.  Hosted on alternating Tuesdays at The Ivoryton Green and Wednesdays at The Essex Main Street Park, concerts take place at 6:30pm from July 2 through August 13th. Please carefully note the location as our venue changes each week. July 2 – Essex Village Main Street Park – Middletown Symphonic Band has an extensive repertoire: classical and semi-classical pieces, Broadway, jazz, marches, holiday favorites and traditional concert band music.  

Free
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free

Ivoryton Village July 4th Parade

Ivoryton Green Ivoryton, CT, United States

The Ivoryton Village Alliance invites you to join Annual 4th of July Family Parade and Patriotic Presentation, celebrating our nation’s independence. This is a FREE, fun filled family. Gather your family, neighbors, groups of any kind and decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, tractor, truck or antique car. Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Summer Concert Series – Local Honey

Ivoryton Village Green Ivoryton, United States

Essex Park and Recreation is excited to be able to offer another great set of bands this year for our 2025 Summer Concert Series.  Hosted on alternating Tuesdays at The Ivoryton Green and Wednesdays at The Essex Main Street Park, concerts take place at 6:30pm from July 2 through August 13th. Please carefully note the location as our venue changes each week. July 8 – Ivoryton Village Green – Local HoneyBorn out of a mutual respect for all things auditory and a humble appreciation for an organic evolution, lifelong friends Frank Natter, Erin Smith, and Abraham Wilson have embarked on an unforgettable musical journey. Steely and deliberate songwriting that casually staggers down the line between rhythm and melody, laced with loose yet conscious jams, and extraordinary vocals will transport any listener to another realm.

Free
Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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 Concert Series – Shorebreak

Essex Village Main Street Park 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

Essex Park and Recreation is excited to be able to offer another great set of bands this year for our 2025 Summer Concert Series.  Hosted on alternating Tuesdays at The Ivoryton Green and Wednesdays at The Essex Main Street Park, concerts take place at 6:30pm from July 2 through August 13th. Please carefully note the location as our venue changes each week. July 16 – Essex Village Main Street Park – Shorebreak. Shorebreak is a 4-piece indie rock band playing original music with a wide range of influences. Led by singer-songwriter Sharif Okasha, the songs pull from a wide range of musical styles, and range from indie pop to reggae, rock, folk, and blues.  

Free
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free

Summer Concert Series – The Blue Cherry Band

Ivoryton Village Green Ivoryton, United States

Essex Park and Recreation is excited to be able to offer another great set of bands this year for our 2025 Summer Concert Series.  Hosted on alternating Tuesdays at The Ivoryton Green and Wednesdays at The Essex Main Street Park, concerts take place at 6:30pm from July 2 through August 13th. Please carefully note the location as our venue changes each week. July 22 – Ivoryton Village Green – The Blue Cherry Band is a powerhouse ensemble comprised of talented and experienced musicians each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Enjoy an amazing evening filled with a vast repertoire of songs and fun.

Free
Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free
Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!

Blacksmith Demonstration

Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

As part of our 70th Anniversary celebration, Essex Historical Society announces a blacksmith demonstration on Saturday, July 26 from 1 - 4pm at Pratt House—to showcase the trade that sustained the Pratt family. Pratt House is Essex’s only historic house museum and home to nine generations of the Pratt family, many of whom were blacksmiths.  Local blacksmith Baird Welch-Collins will demonstrate historic blacksmithing techniques to illustrate the workmanship that skilled tradespeople such as the Pratts contributed to a Connecticut seaport town. Visitors may also enjoy the FREE tours of Pratt House, where knowledgeable guides provide information on the home’s history and you can explore rotating exhibits featuring objects from the EHS’s collections and archives. While on the grounds, please enjoy Pratt’s barn, kitchen garden and pollinator garden. This family-friendly program is FREE to the public and welcomes donations. Registration NOT required.

Free

Essex Village Walking Tour

Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

Take a trip down Main Street in Essex Village to capture the rich maritime history of 18th century “Potapaug,” its working waterfront and ship-building prominence in the early 19th century as well as its development as a beautiful visitor destination of today. Our tours meet at the "Foot of Main Street" in front of the CT River Museum and start at 5:00pm.  Walking tours are open to the public but we do appreciate an RSVP that you plan to attend by emailing our Director at mjosefiak@essexhistory.org.  We ask for a $5 donation per person but tours are free to active 2025 members. Our walks last about an hour and are on mostly flat ground covering a little less than a mile.  We try to adapt our tours a bit based on our audience of the day, but if  you would like a fully customized tour, please contact our staff 860-767-0681 to arrange, giving us at least 3 weeks to arrange our guide scheduling. Summer 2025 walks will be on Sundays: June 29, July 27, August 31 and September 28.

$5
Virtual Event

Tuesday Night Trivia

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 Concert Series – Brian Blumenthal aka “Bloomer”

Essex Village Main Street Park 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

Essex Park and Recreation is excited to be able to offer another great set of bands this year for our 2025 Summer Concert Series.  Hosted on alternating Tuesdays at The Ivoryton Green and Wednesdays at The Essex Main Street Park, concerts take place at 6:30pm from July 2 through August 13th. Please carefully note the location as our venue changes each week. July 30 – Essex Village Main Street Park –Brian Blumenthal aka “Bloomer” has been entertaining the masses for the past 17 years.  His song selections span decades and many genres of music.  Bloomer knits these songs into a seamless show making sitting in your seat nearly impossible.  

Free
Virtual Event

Thursday Sip & Shop

The RiverLane 7 Main Street, Essex, United States

TGIT aka Thank Goodness it's Thursday! Come celebrate the week coming to an end with some champagne and shopping!  TGIT happens every Thursday starting May 1st at the RiverLane.  We hope to see you soon!

Free

Virtual Event

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

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!