Acton Public Library

Join Jessica Penfield from Wild Birds Unlimited for a public presentation on supporting local bird populations during the cold months. Learn how to transform your yard into a critical sanctuary by providing essential food, water, shelter, and vital cover when natural resources are scarce.

Local Event: Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

Middlesex County

Old Saybrook

Connecticut

Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

Join Jessica Penfield from Wild Birds Unlimited for a public presentation on supporting local bird populations during the cold...

Essex Library Association

Join us for an empowering, eye-opening virtual conversation with renowned wellness expert Yasmine Cheyenne as we discuss her transformative new book, The Comeback Era: From Limiting Beliefs to Living Without Limits.&nbsp;Consider this your official permission slip to stop pretending everything is fine and start building a life you genuinely love.&nbsp;This Essex Library Association program is free and open to all. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Shifting from Surviving to Thriving with Yasmine Cheyenne (Virtual Author Talk)

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Shifting from Surviving to Thriving with...

Join us for an empowering, eye-opening virtual conversation with renowned wellness expert Yasmine Cheyenne as we discuss her...

Shifting from Surviving to Thriving with Yasmine Cheyenne (Virtual Author Talk)

This&nbsp;interactive workshop, led by Amy Weiss, will introduce participants to&nbsp;several artificial intelligence apps to explore their varied uses.&nbsp;Together, we’ll discuss how AI can streamline daily tasks at work and at&nbsp;home, while also recognizing the ethical and environmental implications&nbsp;of this technology. The responsibilities that AI companies have in&nbsp;keeping its users safe and what we can do to protect our personal&nbsp;information will also be discussed.







Amy Weiss&nbsp;is an assistant professor of Judaic Studies and History at the&nbsp;University of Hartford. She recently received a 2026 Teaching and&nbsp;Learning Grant on AI from the University of Hartford’s Center for&nbsp;Teaching Excellence and Innovation. The university also named her an AI&nbsp;Faculty Facilitator, tasked with creating a professional development workshop for faculty. During the 2025 – 2026 academic year, Amy has&nbsp;served as the lead faculty fellow for the Humanities Center’s Honors&nbsp;Seminar, where she is teaching a two semester course titled “AI in&nbsp;Action: The Future of Humans.” She holds a certificate from the&nbsp;Generative AI: Technology, Business, and Society Program at Stanford&nbsp;University.

Local Event: AI for the Everyday: An Interactive Workshop, presented by Essex Library Association

AI for the Everyday: An Interactive Workshop,...

This interactive workshop, led by Amy Weiss, will introduce participants to several artificial intelligence apps to explore...

AI for the Everyday: An Interactive Workshop, presented by Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate the magic of the season with stories, songs, movement, and a festive fall craft as we explore the colors, sounds, and wonders of autumn together!
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
What to expect:
Each Little Learners session begins with a welcome song where each child is invited to dance and celebrate themselves. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then read a story together. After the first book, we sing a few more songs and read another story. We conclude our time together with 3-4 craft and play centers that help children develop their early math, literacy, and motor skills.
After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=596380&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Autumn (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Autumn (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate the magic of the season with stories, songs, movement, and a festive fall craft as we...

Jay Heritage Center

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators to our site during September 2026, Constitution Month, to commemorate our nation’s journey towards independence and democracy. The free program is co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Social Studies Council. The event will be the first of many lively conversation about America at 250 with some of our country’s leading history scholars. It is open to teachers throughout the Mid Hudson and Sound Shore communities as well as Fairfield County.
Professors David Blight, Frank Cogliano, Joanne Freeman and Beverly Gage will take the stage at the new Wachenheim Center to examine the history of the nation-state and the contested nature of American national identity. The panel will discuss what the United States and the Constitution have meant to citizens over time and how that vision has changed or stayed constant. &nbsp;The event is FREE but registration is required. RSVP to Suzanne Clary at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org/2026/08/31/america-at-250-panel-for-educators-september-19th-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AND SPEAKERS HERE.</a>

Local Event: America at 250 for Educators

Westchester County

New York

America at 250 for Educators

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators to our site during September 2026, Constitution Month, to...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Explore the science of aerodynamics with us! Kids will use everyday objects to create an awesome glider that is part game, part toy, and part physics experiment! Ready, set, fly!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required, space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=596384&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders (Ages 5-12)

STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Explore the science of aerodynamics with us! Kids will use everyday objects to create an awesome...

STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders (Ages 5-12)

Chester Meeting House

The Art of the Guitar series returns to the Chester Meeting House this fall. The series kicks off with Jazz and folk legends Guy Van Duser &amp; Billy Novick on Saturday, September 19. Together as a duo for 50 years, these favorites of "A Prairie Home Companion" will swing their way through American Songbook with their dynamic blend of guitar and clarinet. The series also features jazz virtuoso Frank Vignola with Vinny Raniolo on October 17 and boundary-pushing artist Kaki King on December 5. Individual tickets are $35. Limited discounted Season Passes are available for $90. Learn more at<a href="https://acousticmusic.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMnhhVlJIdXBIcGMySDFMT3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6edznmMbOc0ewKcI9N5g8EUmSGRXydqdcEEszKz76mF5xm7lkFFhS0z-b4uA_aem_NJ4fyK2TGdSNswcpoT3JWg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> AcousticMusic.Org.</a>

Local Event: Art of the Guitar Concert Series: Guy Van Duser & Billy Novick

Art of the Guitar Concert Series: Guy Van Duser...

The Art of the Guitar series returns to the Chester Meeting House this fall. The series kicks off with Jazz and folk legends...

Art of the Guitar Concert Series: Guy Van Duser & Billy Novick

River Valley Dance School

RVDP&nbsp;has classes for children and adults.
Yoga
Dance
Fitness&nbsp;

Local Event: River Valley Dance Project- Dance, Yoga and more. Movement for Life!

River Valley Dance Project- Dance, Yoga and...

RVDP has classes for children and adults.
Yoga
Dance
Fitness 

River Valley Dance Project- Dance, Yoga and more. Movement for Life!

Program for kids ages birth-3 and their caregivers. A play-based music and movement story time for young children and their caregivers!
At Essex Library, we are committed to providing high-quality story time experiences that foster early literacy, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
What to expect:
Each Wiggle Worms session begins with a welcome song where children (or caregivers) are invited to introduce themselves (or their little one), helping build confidence. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then share a story together while modeling early literacy skills by pointing to words, turning pages, and engaging with the book. After the first book, we play and sing with interactive toys such as shakers, scarves, and rhythm sticks before we wrap up with one final story and a goodbye song.
After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together.
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required.

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

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

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3) 

RiverFire Glass

Pick Your Project Glass Class
Try your hand at kiln-formed glass in this fun, hands-on class. Learn the basics of cutting and shaping glass, explore a variety of colorful glass and see what makes a design successful. Then choose your own project and create!
Your class fee includes up to 16 square inches of glass, with additional glass available if you’d like to make something larger. Beginners are welcome, and returning students can jump right into a project with guidance from Jeni as needed

Local Event: RiverFire Glass Workshop

RiverFire Glass Workshop

Pick Your Project Glass Class
Try your hand at kiln-formed glass in this fun, hands-on class. Learn the basics of cutting and...

Ivoryton Library

Join the Ivoryton Library and Ms. Jessica from the Community Music School for fun songs and jam sessions!

Local Event: Music with Ms. Jessica!

Music with Ms. Jessica!

Join the Ivoryton Library and Ms. Jessica from the Community Music School for fun songs and jam sessions!

Pick Your Project Glass Class
Try your hand at kiln-formed glass in this fun, hands-on class. Learn the basics of cutting and shaping glass, explore a variety of colorful glass and see what makes a design successful. Then choose your own project and create!
Your class fee includes up to 16 square inches of glass, with additional glass available if you’d like to make something larger. Beginners are welcome, and returning students can jump right into a project with guidance from Jeni as needed.

Register for this virtual program <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/y8Rxw9d7Q7OwgfaD2_DR4Q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE.</a>
Is&nbsp;having a trust in your estate plan the best option for you? In this&nbsp;session, estate planning and elder law attorney Erin Duques of Daly&nbsp;Perri Arnold &amp; Knierim in Madison, will demystify trusts and explain&nbsp;why a trust may – or may not - be suitable for you and why. First,&nbsp;you’ll learn about some of the most common types of trusts and the&nbsp;purpose and benefits of each, such as protecting assets, avoiding&nbsp;probate, minimizing taxes, and keeping public benefits for a loved one&nbsp;with special needs. Whether you are new to trusts or even understand&nbsp;them well, you’ll walk away understanding how and when to use these&nbsp;powerful planning tools to your advantage.This Essex Library Association program is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Trusts: Everything You Wanted to Know but Didn’t Know To Ask (Virtual)

Trusts: Everything You Wanted to Know but...

Register for this virtual program HERE.
Is having a trust in your estate plan the best option for you? In this session, estate...

Trusts: Everything You Wanted to Know but Didn’t Know To Ask (Virtual)

Online

<a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/197735/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Register and ask questions of the author here</a>
Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man.
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!
Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, this beautiful story invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner.
Register today and discover how we can all bring a little more sweetness and community spirit into our daily lives!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required, see above link.

Local Event: Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz (VIRTUAL)

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of...

Register and ask questions of the author here
Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an...

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz (VIRTUAL)

Want to reduce the waste you create?
 Join Karen Evans, environmental educator and member of Sustainable Essex, for a hands on workshop focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking!

Local Event: Become a Green Superhero! (with Sustainable Essex)

Become a Green Superhero! (with Sustainable Essex)

Want to reduce the waste you create?
 Join Karen Evans, environmental educator and member of Sustainable Essex, for a hands on...

Local Event: Become a Green Superhero! (w/ Sustainable Essex) 

Become a Green Superhero! (w/ Sustainable Essex) 

Join us for retro gaming glory and level up with vintage games on the big screen. Snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged as space is limited. Ages 12 - 18.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=597160&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=597160&amp;PK=</a>

Local Event: Retro Game Day

Retro Game Day

Join us for retro gaming glory and level up with vintage games on the big screen. Snacks will be provided. Registration is...

Kids and families are invited to join the Ivoryton Library in celebrating National Fall Foliage Week by crafting with the beautiful nature all around us!

Local Event: Crafty Leaves

Crafty Leaves

Kids and families are invited to join the Ivoryton Library in celebrating National Fall Foliage Week by crafting with the...

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

A professional artist's glass studio for creative expression

RiverFire Glass, LLC

RiverFire Glass, LLC is a kiln glass studio and teaching space located at 500 Main Street in Deep River, Connecticut. Established in 2015, the studio serves as a creative hub within the SoMA (South of Main Art) collective, offering both a gallery for original works and a public teaching facility for glass art enthusiasts. Specializing in kiln-formed glass, the studio provides hands-on workshops and classes that guide students through the process of transforming glass shards into finished pieces. Beyond education, RiverFire Glass features an online shop and gallery showcasing handcrafted home decor, jewelry, and fine art inspired by the natural beauty of the Connecticut River Valley. Founded by artist Jeni GrayRoberts, the studio is built on a philosophy of sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship, often incorporating reclaimed materials into its designs. Customers can expect a welcoming, professional environment where individual creative expression is encouraged, making it an ideal destination for unique gifts or personal artistic development.

RiverFire Glass, LLC is a kiln glass studio and teaching space located at 500 Main Street in Deep River, Connecticut. Established in 2015, the...

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...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

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

Thursday, September 17

Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

SEP

17

6:00 PM

Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT

Saturday, September 19

America at 250 for Educators

SEP

19

3:30 PM

Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Thursday, September 17

Friday, September 18

Saturday, September 19

Monday, September 21

Tuesday, September 22

Wednesday, September 23

Thursday, September 24

Saturday, September 26

Monday, September 28

Tuesday, September 29

Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

America at 250 for Educators

RiverFire Glass, LLC

Masonicare

California Closets

Kaleidoscope LLC