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!
With generous support from The Petit Family Foundation, the Connecticut River Museum is pleased to provide sensory friendly items including bean bag chairs, noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys available for this special one-hour program. Exhibits with loud noises and/or bright lights are modified to allow people with a range of abilities to experience all the Museum has to offer. A designated quiet room is set up for the duration of the event to allow visitors to decompress, take a break, and experience the Museum at their own pace.
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!
We hope you will join us for a book talk and luncheon at the Griswold Inn, with Drawn Tripp who will be discussing her book, Jackie. The ticket price includes a copy of the book, luncheon, and the opportunity to hear the author's keynote and engage with her through Q & A.
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!
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: September 25Time: 5:30 to 7 pmPlace: Graceful Aesthetics, 67 N Main St Office A, Essex, CT. https://www.gracefulaestheticsct.com/ 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/
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!
Join us in-store on Saturday, September 27 at 10:30 AM for a special author meet & greet, reading, and book signing with Matthew Gudernach, originally from Tolland, CT. Matthew will share the story behind our best-selling children’s book, written for his own kids and celebrating the people who shape our lives. Books will be available for purchase online or in-store for $22. Don’t miss this free community event in Essex—perfect for families, book lovers, and anyone who treasures meaningful stories.
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.
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
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!
Join exhibiting artist Evie Lovett for a hands-on experience making photographs using objects, the light of the sun, and water. With cyanotype photography, photographs are made by placing objects on specially coated non-toxic light-sensitive paper, exposing it to the light of the sun, and developing the image in water. The result is a captivating image in shades of dark blue to white. Create a work of art and discover the process behind Lovett’s artwork, on view in Watermark: Capturing the Connecticut exhibit. Although supplies will be provided, attendees are welcome to bring their own flowers, leaves, or plants, which can be used to make cyanotypes. RSVP is required. Members $10; Non-Members $15
Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history. Crafts will take place in the Museum’s Boathouse. A program just for kids 4+ and their caregivers, River Tales includes a story and craft activity themed around nature. Join us for an extra-spooky River Tales as we read Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, a beautifully detailed exploration of bat behavior and navigational skills as they hunt for food. Questions? Email astromberger@ctrivermuseum.org.
Ahoy maties! And Shiver me timbers! Gather all ye Buccaneers and Scallywags and head to Essex for the 2025 FestiFall, Saturday, October 4 from 11 to 4. We’re setting sail with this year’s theme: PIRATES! The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites, and voting to start Saturday, October 4th online at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest/ Fun activities include: *bandana coloring*face painting*tattoos*hats & eye patches*pumpkin scavenger hunt*pop-up vendors*costumes optional
Essex Art Association White Elephant Sale Please support the Essex Art Association during our annual White Elephant fundraiser to benefit EAA! We’ll have a treasure trove of artwork, textiles, pottery, jewelry, books, and art supplies — you’ll surely find something inspiring. Sale Dates: Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5 Time: 12–4 pm on the 4th, 10 to 2 on the 5th Location: Essex Art Association Gallery, 10 North Main Street, Essex, CT Donations Accepted: Friday, October 3, from 1–5 pm Bring your gently used art-related items — objects d’art, books, supplies, jewelry, and more. Contact Ellen at 860-377-7750 for more information. Thank you for helping local art thrive!
Join us for a special talk featuring one of the artists behind our Watermark: Capturing the Connecticut exhibit. During this program, Evie Lovett will touch on the historical origins of cyanotype photography and its contemporary usages in education and fine art. Lovett walked the watershed where she lives in Vermont, from its headwaters in a damp spot in a forested nature preserve, down past her home, alongside dirt roads, backyards, an auto repair shop’s junked cars, fields of corn, beaver dams, wetlands, a bird “hot spot”, the village of Putney, Vermont, the shuttered Putney Paper Mill (once powered by the brook), under I-91 and the railroad tracks, until it reached the Connecticut River. Along the way, she made photographs, gathered plants, shapes, and patterns. Back in her studio, she incorporated this material, along with text, research, and maps, into her art. This lecture will be available in person and over Zoom. To access the live stream, please purchase a Virtual Ticket. Members Free; Non-Members $5 RSVP is required.
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
Essex Art Association White Elephant Sale Please support the Essex Art Association during our annual White Elephant fundraiser to benefit EAA! We’ll have a treasure trove of artwork, textiles, pottery, jewelry, books, and art supplies — you’ll surely find something inspiring. Sale Dates: Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5 Time: 12–4 pm on the 4th, 10 to 2 on the 5th Location: Essex Art Association Gallery, 10 North Main Street, Essex, CT Donations Accepted: Friday, October 3, from 1–5 pm Bring your gently used art-related items — objects d’art, books, supplies, jewelry, and more. Contact Ellen at 860-377-7750 for more information. Thank you for helping local art thrive!
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
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
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
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
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
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
Costume donations for our Kid's Halloween Costume Swap will be collected on October 10 from 2-5 PM. Gently used or new costumes can be dropped off to the Children's department!
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!
Join Tumble Science Podcast for Kids for a live event at the Connecticut River Museum. Expect a delightful morning with games and stories inspired by their popular episode “What’s That Bird Song?” Together, families will explore the vibrant world of Northeast birds—how they sound, where they live, and their special ties to our surroundings. Special guest Emmy Brockman, an award-winning singer-songwriter and early childhood education specialist, will be performing as well. This interactive event promises curiosity, joy, and discovery—Tumble style! Tumble is a science podcast to be enjoyed by the entire family. It is hosted and produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) and Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Join Lindsay and Marshall as they ask questions, uncover mysteries, and share what science is all about. Members $10; Non-Members $12
ESSEX GARDEN CLUB FALL POP-UPSATURDAY, OCTOBER 1111 am - 3 pm @ the Essex Town ParkDon’t miss this special opportunity to purchase:-the Unveiling of the Unique Enchanting Autumn Troll-Essex Garden Club Garlic Salt-Fall Wreaths, Decorated Pumpkins- and…Much, Much More
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
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
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
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
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
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 this free class as we move together in support of Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. Donations are encouraged and will go directly to this incredible cause. Wear PINK to show your support!
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
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!
The Ivoryton Library Association's annual Pumpkin Chase 5K and Kids’ Pumpkin Fun Run are back! Register to join the 16th annual Pumpkin Chase 5K taking place on Saturday, October 18 at 9AM. Check in opens at 7:30AM on the Ivoryton Green. Participants will receive a free t-shirt with registration before September 18. Registrations after September 18 and day-of registrations will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last. Group pricing available! The Pumpkin Chase course starts along North Main Street, Ivoryton for approximately half a mile before turning left down Falls River Drive. At the one mile mark, the course enters the Essex Land Trust’s Falls River Preserve for a 1.1 mile trail loop that meanders along the Falls River, then it heads back to Ivoryton Green. This year's Kids’ Pumpkin Fun Run kicks off at 8:30AM at the Ivoryton Library, and is FREE and open to runners seven and under. All Pumpkin Fun Run participants will receive a voucher for a free book at Ivoryton Library! The Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase 5K Road/Trail Race and Kids’ Pumpkin Fun Run are held annually to benefit the Ivoryton Library and they take place in our beautiful, peak foliage season! Registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Ivoryton/IvorytonPumpkinChase
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
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
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
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
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
Known best today for his literary masterpieces and frank observations on society, Mark Twain was an active participant in the spiritualism craze that swept the United States during the 19th century. Throughout his life, including the time he spent living in Hartford, he took an interest in the spirit world by attending seances, palm readings, and meeting mediums. Join historian Jason Scappaticci for a lecture that explores the supernatural through the lens of one of America’s greatest literary minds. This lecture will be available in person and over Zoom. To access the live stream, please purchase a Virtual Ticket.
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 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: October 23rdTime: 5:30 to 7 pmPlace: The RiverLane, 7 Main St. Essex, CT https://theriverlane.com/ 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/
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
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!
Celebrate fall in full festive spirit at the 25th Annual Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2025! This beloved community event draws over 1,500 visitors to the Ivoryton Village Green for a fun-filled day of FREE activities for all ages. From autumn traditions to Halloween fun, the Pumpkin Festival has something for everyone, so come in costume and get into the spirit! Returning this year is the ever-popular Costume Parade, open to all but geared toward children 12 and under. Parade kicks off at 4:30 PM from the corner of Walnut and Main Street and travels through the heart of the village. --- Pre-Festival Fun Start your day early with a Pumpkin Carving Party hosted by Bushy Hill Nature Center from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 253 Bushy Hill Rd., Ivoryton, CT. All ages and skill levels are welcome to carve a pumpkin that will be featured in the festival's evening Pumpkin Stroll. Special thanks to the Essex Police Union and Bushy Hill Nature Center at Incarnation Center for providing pumpkins. --- Festival Highlights (Starting at 5:00 PM): · Live Music by The FEDERATION (5:00 – 7:00 PM) · Face Painting by The Painted Smile at Brickside Pizza’s […]
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