Essex Library Association

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place on Tuesday mornings. Join us!
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO WIGGLE WORMS ON MAY 26
No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place on...

<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-0BEVUlrRKepRXEfi3PK8g" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE.</a>Join the Essex Library Association and the Essex Garden Club for a talk on the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. The virtual talk, led by Peggy Cornett, curator of Plants at Monticello, and Frances Sewell, nursery manager for the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, will focus on native plants, historic ornamentals and varieties associated with Thomas Jefferson, in addition to heirloom fruits and vegetables. The presenters will also touch on the overall restoration of Monticello’s gardens and grounds as well as the Center’s mission of education and preservation. This program is free and open to the public.&nbsp;Registration is required for all virtual programs. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: A Presidential Garden Talk with the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants (Virtual)

A Presidential Garden Talk with the Thomas...

REGISTER HERE.Join the Essex Library Association and the Essex Garden Club for a talk on the Thomas Jefferson Center for...

A Presidential Garden Talk with the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants (Virtual)

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible…was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work,&nbsp;Beyond Belief. <a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/157270/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE.</a>Registration is required for all virtual author talks. For a full program description, visit the Events Calendar on www.youressexlibrary.org.&nbsp;

Local Event: Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal (Virtual Author Talk)

Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True...

What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible…was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling...

Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal (Virtual Author Talk)

Join us at Essex Library for a mini Cello concert performed by Jihyeon “Celina” Berman. Berman will be performing a short program of Bach, Elgar, Saint-Saens and Piazzolla. The concert will be 30-minutes in length with opportunities to ask questions of the performer afterward. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Registration is suggested.&nbsp;This program is free and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register&nbsp;<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=585720&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>.&nbsp;
Jihyeon “Celina” Berman Mrs. Jihyeon “Celina” Berman is an active cellist, soloist, and chamber musician. Celina was trained as a classical cellist at Sunhwa Art School and Sunhwa Art High School, before making her first debut at age fifteen at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul, Korea. She won many major international music competitions such as the Korea-Germany Brahms Competition, the Korea-USA International Competition, and the Mozart International Competition. Celina came to New York in 2009 to study at the Mannes School of Music, where she received the Merit Based Scholarship for both her Bachelors and Masters of Music, as well as graduating with honors. Celina studied cello with Fred Sherry and Jeffery Zeigler. She studied chamber music with Carl Schachter, Victor Rosenbaum, Edna Michell, Hiroko Yajima, Daniel Phillips and Todd Phillips of the Orion String Quartet. Celina frequently holds recitals as a solo musician and chamber player. Celina is passionate about teaching music, and has taught cello lessons in New York City from 2009, New Jersey from 2017, and in Connecticut from 2022. Celina most recently worked as a String Adjunct Teacher at Cheshire Academy. Today, Celina focuses on composing and improvising Christian cello music, creating works that blend her classical training with spiritual inspiration.

Local Event: Mini Cello Concert at Essex Library 

Mini Cello Concert at Essex Library 

Join us at Essex Library for a mini Cello concert performed by Jihyeon “Celina” Berman. Berman will be performing a short...

Join us for a special screening of the 2025 documentary:&nbsp;The Librarians.&nbsp;Maureen&nbsp;Sullivan, former president for the American Library Association, will&nbsp;make introductory remarks, placing the film's main themes in the context&nbsp;of Connecticut. A short discussion with the audience will follow the&nbsp;screening.




In the film,&nbsp;librarians emerge as first responders in&nbsp;the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. As they well&nbsp;know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities. In&nbsp;Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+&nbsp;stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an&nbsp;unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots&nbsp;from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the&nbsp;underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite&nbsp;facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work –&nbsp;the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling&nbsp;cautionary tale (Unrated, 92 minutes). Watch the official trailer <a href="https://youtu.be/Ykll4MWltsQ?si=SbTZb3zDRtzjoIUo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE.</a>&nbsp;This&nbsp;film was directed and produced by Kim A. Snyder and produced by Janique&nbsp;L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole and Jana Edelbaum. Read more about the&nbsp;filmmakers <a href="https://thelibrariansfilm.com/filmmakers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE.&nbsp;</a>

Local Event: "The Librarians:" A Documentary Screening at Essex Library Association

"The Librarians:" A Documentary Screening at...

Join us for a special screening of the 2025 documentary: The Librarians. Maureen Sullivan, former president for the American...

"The Librarians:" A Documentary Screening at Essex Library Association

37 Main St, Deep River, CT

Directly across from the Deep River Firehouse.
<ul><li>When: Sat 5/23 (7am – 4pm) &amp; Sun 5/24 (7am – 3pm)</li><li>Where: 37 Elm St, Deep River</li><li>The Goods: Tools, jewelry, art, stained glass, and women’s clothing.</li></ul>
Stop here first on your way to the Chester Town-Wide! See you at 7am!

Local Event: Estate Sale: The "Chester Tag Sale" Warm-Up Stop!

Estate Sale: The "Chester Tag Sale" Warm-Up Stop!

Directly across from the Deep River Firehouse.
When: Sat 5/23 (7am – 4pm) & Sun 5/24 (7am – 3pm)Where: 37 Elm St, Deep RiverThe...

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below.
Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for purposeful story time sessions promoting key early literacy skills that invite caregivers and young children to learn, play, and experience stories together, following the CT Ready to Read with Sparkler curriculum, developed by the CT State Library.
Sparkler is a parent-focused app that sparks healthy early development for children (0-5) and families! Through the app, parents can check in on their child’s development and get a library of 1000+ play activities just right for your child’s age. Get regular coaching and advice. Sparkler is in English and Spanish, for iOS or Android.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Ready To Read! (Ages 5 and below)

Ready To Read! (Ages 5 and below)

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below.
Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for purposeful story time sessions...

Kaleidoscope

Woodburning Coasters Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of pyrography and create a set of 2 custom wood coasters, with the option to bring home two addition blank coasters to work on at home!
In this beginner-friendly class you'll cover: 
<ul><li>*Woodburning basics*: Safety, tool types, temperature control, and wood prep</li><li>*Technique practice*: Lines, shading, texture, and tips for clean, consistent burns</li><li>*Design + burn*: Hand-draw your own artwork or choose from our wide selection of stencils</li></ul>

Local Event: Woodburn Coasters

Woodburn Coasters

Woodburning Coasters Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of pyrography and create a set of 2 custom wood coasters, with the option...

RiverFire Glass

Create a vibrant, freestanding glass garden that feels alive with color, texture, and movement. Designed specifically for advanced beginners and intermediate students, this is a focused, skill-building class where we work step by step toward a finished piece together.
In the first session, you’ll design and create your dimensional elements, adding depth and personality to your scene. After the initial firing, we return for session two to thoughtfully compose and assemble your full panel, about 8" x 5", before its final firing.This is an advanced beginner (or higher) class. We will certainly do a refresher for those for whom it's been a minute since your last glass cutting experience but we are not doing a full beginner class. &nbsp;The focus will be on sifting, making wafers, creating cabochons, all the elements that make this piece extra special.&nbsp;This photo shows a half completed piece. there will be more color and components when it is done.

Local Event: Glass Garden Panels, 2 session class

Glass Garden Panels, 2 session class

Create a vibrant, freestanding glass garden that feels alive with color, texture, and movement. Designed specifically for...

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm
Join local glass artist Carrie Yenovich for a fulfilled day focusing on creativity and the art of glass fusing.
Discover the art of fused glass in this engaging hands-on workshop! Learn to create your own vibrant land scape using a glass edge piece and a variety of other colorful glass pieces and expert guidance. Watch how your design comes to life as light dances through the finished piece. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, all materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
 Beginner Class ~ You'll learn How to score and cut glass safely Which glass materials are suitable for glass fusion Tools are necessary for glass art How to plan and layer your glass art design A brief overview of the process of glass kiln firing to fuse those glass layers together
 Skill Level: Beginner Ages: 14 and up. (8-13 with a paid adult) Instructor: Carrie Yenovich **Pick-up in 2 weeks. Each piece has to be fired twice!** ****Long pants, shoes, and rubber/garden gloves required.****

Local Event: Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th...

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm
Join local glass artist Carrie Yenovich for a fulfilled day focusing on...

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm

Valley Shore YMCA

Join us for a fun-filled day of activities including a petting zoo, rock climbing, and a bouncy slide. This free community event features local fire and police departments, eye screenings, snacks, games and much more. Admission is free.&nbsp; Donations to the Shoreline Food Pantry are encouraged!

Local Event: Healthy Kids Day

Westbrook

Healthy Kids Day

Join us for a fun-filled day of activities including a petting zoo, rock climbing, and a bouncy slide. This free community...

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set
Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester! On Saturday May 30Th from 2–4 PM, you’ll learn the beautiful Bloom Pour Painting technique while making a set of four coasters.
Choose your own colors and embellishments to make each piece uniquely yours. You’ll be able to pick-up one week later - once they’re fully dried, simply seal them with your choice of varnish spray for a lasting finish.
Cost: $50 per person Skill: Beginner Class Instructor: Kim Barboza

Local Event: Create Your Own Coaster Set - Bloom Technique

Create Your Own Coaster Set - Bloom Technique

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set
Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56...

SoMA

SoMA Marks Five Years with Community Art Celebration — Saturday, May 30 The three businesses of SoMA are celebrating five creative years with an afternoon of art, music, and community on Saturday, May 30, from 2:00–5:00 pm. Visitors can enjoy pop-up flash tattoos with Sean Ford of Gasoline Alley Tattoo, kids’ temporary tattoos, live music by Frank Natter Jr. of Face Art Music, and a face painter; while RiverFire Glass and Shell &amp; Bee open their studios to the public. River Valley Dance Project will present a special video performance inside the dance studio. Gallery walls throughout SoMA will feature a wide range of artwork by students from Shell &amp; Bee Studio’s 2025–2026 classes, alongside glass fusion by Jeni GrayRoberts, mixed media pieces by Chelbi Wade, and dance photography and a slide show by Linalynn Schmelzer. “This space was built to bring people together through creativity, and over the past five years it has grown into something even more meaningful than we imagined. This celebration is a chance for the community to experience that energy, meet the artists, and be part of what we are continuing to build here,” said Chelbi Wade, founder of SoMA. The event is free and family-friendly, welcoming the community to experience the creative spirit that defines SoMA. Location: SoMA (South of Main Art Collective), 500 Main Street, Deep River, CT Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Local Event: Anniversary Party and Annual Art Show

Anniversary Party and Annual Art Show

SoMA Marks Five Years with Community Art Celebration — Saturday, May 30 The three businesses of SoMA are celebrating five...

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester! On Saturday 30th from 11:30-1:30 PM, you’ll learn the beautiful Bloom Pour Painting technique while making a set of four coasters.

Choose your own colors and embellishments to make each piece uniquely yours. You’ll be able to pick-up one week later - once they’re fully dried, simply seal them with your choice of varnish spray for a lasting finish.

<ul><li>Cost: $50 per person</li><li>Skill: Beginner Class</li><li>Instructor: Kim Barboza</li></ul>



A perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring color, creativity, and flow!

Local Event: Create Your Own! Coaster Set - Bloom Technique -

Create Your Own! Coaster Set - Bloom Technique -

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56...

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. 
Due to space, please choose 1 session per day to attend.

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time...

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us!
Program funded in part by the <a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. Drop in!

Local Event: Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime...

Join&nbsp;us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on&nbsp;the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon&nbsp;quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more! <a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/161196/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE</a>! This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual author talks.About the Author: Mary&nbsp;Savig is The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge of the&nbsp;Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. She holds a PhD in&nbsp;American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Local Event: The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig (Virtual Author)

The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian...

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state...

The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig (Virtual Author)

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm
Welcome to Thank Glass Thursday -The Pride addition
Discover the art of using up your scrap glass by fusing them into engaging master pieces! Learn to create your own vibrant Piano Peace using 7 vibrant colors of glass pieces and expert guidance. Watch how your design comes to life as light dances through the finished piece. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, all materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

Beginner Class ~ You'll learn How to score and cut glass safely Which glass materials are suitable for glass fusion Tools are necessary for glass art How to plan and layer your glass art design A brief overview of the process of glass kiln firing to fuse those glass layers together
***Long pants, shoes, and rubber/garden gloves required.***

Local Event: Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm - Fused Glass

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th...

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm
Welcome to Thank Glass Thursday -The Pride addition
Discover the art of...

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm - Fused Glass

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

Masonicare

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by a longstanding, mission-driven commitment to enhancing quality of life for older adults. Masonicare offers vibrant residential communities and a comprehensive range of health and wellness services designed to promote independence, longevity, and purposeful living. Its statewide continuum includes independent living, assisted living services, skilled nursing, medical and non-medical home health, hospice, adaptive memory care, acute inpatient and outpatient senior behavioral health, outpatient rehabilitation, and audiology services, redefining how aging is experienced by advancing proactive wellness, integrated care, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Vincent Salzo

Wallingford

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by...

Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home

California Closets

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in the art of home organization. California Closets is distinguished by a legacy of innovation, organizational expertise, quality craftsmanship, and design authority. Our teams of professional design consultants and installers are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience throughout the entire process of creating and installing organizational systems for the whole home. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. We are excited to share that our Greenwich showroom is now open. This vibrant space merges creativity and innovation, showcasing a carefully curated environment that emphasizes our latest products and offers an immersive experience for our customers.

Fairfield County

Hayleigh Evans

Monroe

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in...

Kaleidoscope Strategic Arts Collective in Downtown Chester

Kaleidoscope LLC

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional artists and artisans. Strategically located in the historic downtown Chester, Connecticut, our gallery serves as a cultural cornerstone for art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors seeking authentic, handcrafted treasures. Unparalleled Artisan Collection Our carefully curated collection features works from over 60 distinguished Connecticut artists and authors, representing the finest in regional creativity and craftsmanship. Kaleidoscope offers an ever-evolving selection of quality paintings, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan glasswork, textile arts, fine woodworking, designer jewelry, and locally-authored literature. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit that defines Connecticut's creative community. Dynamic Cultural Programming Beyond our gallery walls, Kaleidoscope functions as a vibrant community hub, hosting signature events including exclusive book signings with local authors, live artist demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops, and engaging community gatherings. Our programming calendar ensures continuous opportunities for artistic discovery, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Integrated Culinary Experience Complementing your artistic journey, KaraBella's Kitchen—our in-house restaurant—provides a sophisticated dining experience, allowing guests to savor exceptional cuisine while surrounded by inspiring artwork. This unique integration of culinary and visual arts creates an immersive destination experience unmatched in the region. Visit &amp; Engage We invite art collectors, gift seekers, and culture enthusiasts to experience Kaleidoscope firsthand. Visit our downtown Chester location to explore our rotating exhibitions and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. For information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events visit our website or stop by our gallery.

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional...

Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost

Monaco Ford of Niantic

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922. With over a century of automotive experience, Monaco Ford is committed to providing exceptional customer service, a transparent sales process, and a wide selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned Ford vehicles. Our dealership offers the full lineup of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, including popular models like the F-150, Explorer, Bronco, and Super Duty series. In addition to vehicle sales, Monaco Ford provides expert automotive service and maintenance, genuine Ford parts and accessories, and a variety of financing and lease options tailored to meet each customer’s needs. Built on a legacy of integrity, community involvement, and customer satisfaction, Monaco Ford continues to uphold its mission: to deliver a better dealership experience where customers become lifelong friends.

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922....

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Events and Things to Do in Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

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Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Tuesday, May 19

Wednesday, May 20

Saturday, May 23

Sunday, May 24

Tuesday, May 26

Thursday, May 28

Saturday, May 30

Tuesday, June 2

Wednesday, June 3

Thursday, June 4

Masonicare

California Closets

Kaleidoscope LLC

Monaco Ford of Niantic