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

Connecticut Spring Boat Show 2026

Safe Harbor Essex Island 11 Ferry Street, Essex

For the 10th year, the Connecticut Spring Boat Show returns to historic Essex, uniting boaters, builders, and marine businesses along the Connecticut River—set within a town celebrating 250 years and honoring the past, present, and future of boating.  Please click for tickets:  https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/ The 2025 Show featured 70 boats on display and over 50 exhibitors. Together with our sponsors and 2,000+ attendees, we raised over $17,000 for Sails Up 4 Cancer. While weather dampened some of the action planned for the five bands on the docket, 2026 promises even more—with expanded performance and exhibit areas and an even larger lineup of boats. This is a rain or shine event. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult; please be sure to select a Children’s ticket when purchasing online. Each ticket/bracelet provides entrance for all three days. The show is produced by WindCheck Magazine and hosted by Safe Harbor Essex Island. 2025 sponsors include Essex Boat Works, Maritime Insurance International, Surfridge Brewing Co., Mohegan Sun Casino, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Risk Strategies/Gowrie Group, The Griswold Inn, The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Experience Essex, and Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.

Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

Recurring
The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex

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!