Stroll through the village and shop for seasonal savings from your favorite local businesses, discovering hidden gems along the way. Participating businesses in downtown Essex will be exploding with specials and sales. Don't miss out on the good finds at this annual sidewalk sale event!
Stroll through the village and shop for seasonal savings from your favorite local businesses, discovering hidden gems along the way. Participating businesses in downtown Essex will be exploding with specials and sales. Don't miss out on the good finds at this annual sidewalk sale event!
Essex Park & Recreation is pleased to announce the return of the Essex Summer Concert Series, a beloved community tradition featuring free, live outdoor music on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. The concert series will take place Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, alternating weekly between Main Street Park in Essex Village and Ivoryton Village Green. These family-friendly concerts invite residents and visitors alike to relax, connect with neighbors, and enjoy live music in a casual, picnic-style setting. “Join us on Wednesdays for an evening of music and fun on the town greens in Essex and Ivoryton,” said representatives from Essex Park & Recreation. “This series is a wonderful way to celebrate summer, community, and live music.” 2026 Essex Summer Concert Series Schedule July 8 – Middletown Symphonic Band Main Street Park, Essex Village July 15 – Southern Voice Ivoryton Village Green July 22 – Bloomer Main Street Park, Essex Village July 29 – Mitch Nelson Ivoryton Village Green August 5 – Chris Marra Band Main Street Park, Essex Village August 12 – Local Honey Ivoryton Village Green Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky. All concerts are free and open to the public, and attendees of all ages are welcome. For schedule […]
Thursdays on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple for 17 years and remains the premier destination for waterfront music. Swing by each Thursday evening in July and August, bring a chair or blanket, listen to a free concert, and watch the sun go down over the river. July 30- Not Sorry August 6- 102D Army Band August 13- Cherry Pie August 20- The Italics August 27- Local Honey Click here for more details: https://ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026/
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Essex Board of Trade invites photographers of all ages to capture the people, places, traditions, and moments that make Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton uniquely American. Theme: The Essex Experience America 250 Prize: The winning photograph will be professionally framed and exhibited at the historic Essex Art Association Gallery. Contest Timeline Photo Submission Period: August 1–15 Public Voting on EssexCT.com: August 15–22 The five photographs receiving the most public votes will advance to a final judging panel. How to Enter Capture a photograph that reflects the spirit, history, character, or community of Essex, Centerbrook, or Ivoryton. Submit up to five high-quality photographs between August 1 and August 15 through EssexCT.com using this link: https://essexct.com/the-essex-experience-america-250-photo-contest-submissions/ Encourage friends and family to vote during the public voting period. The top five vote-getters will be reviewed by a judging panel, which will select the winning image. Whether it’s a historic landmark, a local tradition, waterfront beauty, community gathering, or everyday village life, show us what makes The Essex Experience special as we celebrate America 250.
Essex Park & Recreation is pleased to announce the return of the Essex Summer Concert Series, a beloved community tradition featuring free, live outdoor music on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. The concert series will take place Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, alternating weekly between Main Street Park in Essex Village and Ivoryton Village Green. These family-friendly concerts invite residents and visitors alike to relax, connect with neighbors, and enjoy live music in a casual, picnic-style setting. “Join us on Wednesdays for an evening of music and fun on the town greens in Essex and Ivoryton,” said representatives from Essex Park & Recreation. “This series is a wonderful way to celebrate summer, community, and live music.” 2026 Essex Summer Concert Series Schedule July 8 – Middletown Symphonic Band Main Street Park, Essex Village July 15 – Southern Voice Ivoryton Village Green July 22 – Bloomer Main Street Park, Essex Village July 29 – Mitch Nelson Ivoryton Village Green August 5 – Chris Marra Band Main Street Park, Essex Village August 12 – Local Honey Ivoryton Village Green Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky. All concerts are free and open to the public, and attendees of all ages are welcome. For schedule […]
Thursdays on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple for 17 years and remains the premier destination for waterfront music. Swing by each Thursday evening in July and August, bring a chair or blanket, listen to a free concert, and watch the sun go down over the river. July 30- Not Sorry August 6- 102D Army Band August 13- Cherry Pie August 20- The Italics August 27- Local Honey Click here for more details: https://ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026/
Essex Park & Recreation is pleased to announce the return of the Essex Summer Concert Series, a beloved community tradition featuring free, live outdoor music on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. The concert series will take place Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, alternating weekly between Main Street Park in Essex Village and Ivoryton Village Green. These family-friendly concerts invite residents and visitors alike to relax, connect with neighbors, and enjoy live music in a casual, picnic-style setting. “Join us on Wednesdays for an evening of music and fun on the town greens in Essex and Ivoryton,” said representatives from Essex Park & Recreation. “This series is a wonderful way to celebrate summer, community, and live music.” 2026 Essex Summer Concert Series Schedule July 8 – Middletown Symphonic Band Main Street Park, Essex Village July 15 – Southern Voice Ivoryton Village Green July 22 – Bloomer Main Street Park, Essex Village July 29 – Mitch Nelson Ivoryton Village Green August 5 – Chris Marra Band Main Street Park, Essex Village August 12 – Local Honey Ivoryton Village Green Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky. All concerts are free and open to the public, and attendees of all ages are welcome. For schedule […]
Thursdays on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple for 17 years and remains the premier destination for waterfront music. Swing by each Thursday evening in July and August, bring a chair or blanket, listen to a free concert, and watch the sun go down over the river. July 30- Not Sorry August 6- 102D Army Band August 13- Cherry Pie August 20- The Italics August 27- Local Honey Click here for more details: https://ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026/
CELEBRATE ESSEX 250! Join us THIS WEDNESDAY for a special Essex 250 Family Concert at the Ivoryton Village Green! Wednesday, August 19 6:00 PM Ivoryton Village Green Featuring Southern VoiceBring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, friends, and a picnic and help us celebrate 250 years of Essex! The evening will also feature: Photo Booth Face Painting Dessert & Special Essex 250 Commemorative CakeCome enjoy a great night of live music, community, and celebration as we mark this very special milestone for Essex. Happy 250th, Essex — we hope to see you there!
Thursdays on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple for 17 years and remains the premier destination for waterfront music. Swing by each Thursday evening in July and August, bring a chair or blanket, listen to a free concert, and watch the sun go down over the river. July 30- Not Sorry August 6- 102D Army Band August 13- Cherry Pie August 20- The Italics August 27- Local Honey Click here for more details: https://ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026/
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: August 27Time: 5 to 7 pmPlace: Essex Corinthian Yacht Club 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/join-now-contact-form/
Thursdays on the Dock at the Connecticut River Museum Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple for 17 years and remains the premier destination for waterfront music. Swing by each Thursday evening in July and August, bring a chair or blanket, listen to a free concert, and watch the sun go down over the river. July 30- Not Sorry August 6- 102D Army Band August 13- Cherry Pie August 20- The Italics August 27- Local Honey Click here for more details: https://ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026/
An 80th Anniversary is something to celebrate, and we are excited to share details about the upcoming show! with the theme "Celebrating EAA’s 80th" The annual meeting will start at 5 pm, followed immediately be the opening reception, with awards at 7 pm. The winner of the Essex Board of Trade's 2nd Annual Photo Contest will be on display. We will have chef-created small bites, wine, refreshments, and sweets by JOY Chocolate Co and the Marshmallow Factory. There will also be a raffle for a free EAA 2027 membership! Please join us in celebrating our 80th year; admission is free!
New: Lunch and Learn! Please join us for "At the Table", a Lunch and Learn Feature with special host Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism at the State of Connecticut Tourism Office. Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Brickside Pizza in Ivoryton starting at noon with speaker at 12:30 pm Reserve your spot HERE. Members are $20 and Non-Members are $30
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. This year’s theme is "Haunted History"! Scarecrow drop-off is September 29th and 30th at Essex Plaza Laundry. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start Saturday, October 3rd online at essexct.com
FestiFall is on Saturday, October 3rd from 1 to 4 pm. This years theme: Haunted History! FestiFall is proudly sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade, Blissful Beauty, Brickside Pizza, Edward Jones - Essex, Essex Financial, Essex Historical Society, and The Hosting Company. Fun free activities include: Pencil & Wool – “Faces of Essex” canvas – in front of post office (rain plan inside) Blissful Beauty – face painting, temporary tattoos, and hair tinsel CT River Museum – RiverTales crafts outside, and music by Ben Grosgrove inside Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt Free crafts throughout town Dirty Soda food truck Lawn games Free caricatures Petting Zoo Free photos at the gazebo Music by The Saltines We will also have free pumpkins available; donations are welcome. Get yours to carve for the Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival! Click here for the activities map: EBOT Scarecrow Festifal Flyer Oct 2026 8.5x11