Seasonal & Holidays
Summer Starts Here In The Essex Area: 6 Things To Do This Season
From a brand partner: Find festivals, family-friendly fun and community events happening throughout the season.
Summer is here, and the Essex area is packed with ways to enjoy the season. From outdoor gatherings and local markets to community festivals and family-friendly events, there's plenty happening close to home. Below are some events and activities to add to your calendar. Before you head out, it's always a good idea to confirm hours, weather plans and ticket details with event organizers.
1. Essex Lions Annual Lobster Bake
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Essex Town Green | Main St, Essex
Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Essex Lions’ annual Lobster Bake Fundraiser returns for its 42nd year, bringing delicious food, live entertainment and a raffle to the Town Green. For a $60 ticket, attendees can enjoy their choice of lobster or steak, plus a variety of side dishes and an ice cream dessert; appetizers are available for purchase.
More info: e-clubhouse.org/sites/essex_ct/calendar.php
Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Essex Summer Concert Series
When: Wednesdays, July 8 through August 12, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Main Street Park and Ivoryton Village Green | Main St, Essex
On Wednesdays through the summer, Essex Park & Recreation will host its free Summer Concert Series, with dates alternating between Main Street Park and Ivoryton Village Green. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to enjoy live music under the summer sky in a casual, picnic-style setting.
More info: essexct.com/event/essex-park-recreation-2026-summer-concert-series-middletown-symphonic-band
3. Deep River Summer Concert Series
When: Thursdays, July 9 through August 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Various parks throughout Deep River; see link for schedule
For even more live music nearby, the Deep River Parks & Recreation department will host a summer concert series across the city. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs, as well as their appetites to enjoy on-site local eats.
More info: facebook.com/deepriverparksandrec
4. Thursdays On The Dock
When: Thursdays, July 9 through August 27, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Connecticut River Museum | 67 Main St, Essex
This longstanding shoreline staple brings live music and waterfront sunset vibes to the Connecticut River Museum. The event is free, with donations encouraged; guests can also purchase drinks from the cash bar, dinner and snacks from Porky Pete’s BBQ and sweet treats from Deep River Ice.
More info: ctrivermuseum.org/thursdays-on-the-dock-2026
5. Chester Fair
When: Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026 | Friday: 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Chester Fairgrounds | Kirtland Terrace off Rt 154, Chester
The Chester Fair returns to the Fairgrounds this year for a weekend of carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live music and family-friendly fun. General admission is $10; senior citizens and military members with ID can enter for $8, and children 12 and under enter free.
More info: chesterfair.org
6. Chester Sunday Market
When: Sundays through October 11, 2026, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Main St, Chester
The Chester Sunday Market brings local vendors to Main Street, selling produce, meats, cheese, breads and more to the community. Note: There is no on-street parking downtown, but there are public lots within walking distance; carpooling is recommended.
More info: chestersundaymarket.jimdofree.com/about-1
Looking for more things to do in Essex this summer? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.
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