Got kids/grands? Children’s storytelling with George and Martha featuring George Washington and the General’s Dog, a children’s book inspired by a true Revolutionary War story. Complimentary popcorn and beverages served. Event appropriate for young children 5-9.
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
Join Us for the Rotary Club of Essex Shad Bake 2026 Click HERE to purchase tickets! Click HERE to become a sponsor! 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 6, 2026 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: $50 Online (available until June 5) $60 at the event
It’s a Dinner Party celebrating 250 years of history and hospitality, the “centerpiece” of our birthday weekend! Anticipate a festive experience alongside fellow diners – including George and Martha Washington – who share a fondness for The Gris, whether marking a milestone or simply celebrating the everyday. It’s an evening designed as a shared celebration, meant to be savored together. A nod to our colonial heritage, it includes food and drink, music, birthday cake… Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! Make Your History a Part of Ours!
Richard Franklin Donohue, Historian, Tenor & Harpsichordist, will explore the fiery repertoire of Revolutionary Era songs that in the words of John Adams “cultivated the sensations of Freedom.” This spirited musical program performed in our 18th-century Tap Room will bring us back to the early days of The Gris! Of course our own Revolutionary Ale will be on Tap!