Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Baking Basics: Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Celebrate the flavors of fall in this hands-on baking class featuring a cozy homemade apple crisp topped with a rich caramel sauce. Learn how to choose the best apples for baking, create the perfect buttery cinnamon oat topping, and make a smooth caramel drizzle from scratch. Whether you love baking or just love autumn desserts, you'll leave with a couple of cozy seasonal recipes perfect for sharing all season long.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration is for individuals bringing their own sewing machine. You must have a working knowledge of how to thread and operate your machine to register.
If you want to reserve a sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration will reserve a sewing machine for use. You must be certified for independent use to register for this program.
If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Open Cricut Studio (Bring Your Own Machine)
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Cricut Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle making with other makers. Come in and work on your Cricut projects in the company of others. A staff member will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own Cricut machine, power cords, supplies, and tools. Laptops with Cricut Design Studio are available if you do not have your own device.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration is for individuals bringing their own Cricut machine. You must have a working knowledge of how to set up your machine.
If you want to reserve a Cricut machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Open Cricut Studio (Reserve a Machine)
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Cricut Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle making with other makers. Come in and work on your Cricut projects in the company of others. A staff member will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own Cricut machine, power cords, supplies, and tools. Laptops with Cricut Design Studio are available if you do not have your own device.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration will reserve a Cricut machine for use.
If you want to bring your own Cricut machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Cooking for Wellness: Savory Butter Beans
Monday, September 14, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Embrace beans and plant-based proteins with this recipe that follows the Mediterranean diet. Discuss the benefits of this diet pattern and how it can help improve your health with a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Custom Engraved Leatherette Bottle Openers
Monday, September 14, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In the spirit of celebrating Carroll County Beer Week, join us in customizing your very own engraved bottle openers!
This is a beginner-friendly class; no prior software or laser experience is required.
Note: There are unique color options for the bottle openers, and they are highly limited! Attendees will get to choose their color on a first come, first served basis.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Greeting Card on the Cricut
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Cricut Design Space to create a simple greeting card design. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with design software or the Cricut machine is needed. Participants are required to set up their own free Cricut Design Space account prior to attending.
Cheers to Cheese!
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
Start Beer Week early with a tasting built around one of beer's best companions: cheese. Sample local brews, explore flavor pairings, and find a few new favorites. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more informationThis class is for customers looking to become certified for independent use of the Exploration Commons laser cutters. We will cover simple project creation in Adobe Illustrator, the basics of the Epilog Dashboard software, and Epilog laser machine use and safety. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently. Due to the amount of information covered in this class, we strongly encourage registrants who do not have Adobe Illustrator experience to do one of the following prior to attending this class:
- Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
- Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
- Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Zipper Bag (Class 3)
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with a lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Quick Stovetop Bread
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn a quick stovetop bread recipe to serve with any meal. In this hands-on class, you will prepare a fluffy skillet bread that can be made on a busy weeknight. While the dough rests, we'll make a simple lentil topping and dipping oil using pantry staples you can keep on hand for an easy appetizer or snack.
Custom Engraved Leatherette Bottle Openers
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In the spirit of celebrating Carroll County Beer Week, join us in customizing your very own engraved bottle openers!
This is a beginner-friendly class; no prior software or laser experience is required.
Note: There are unique color options for the bottle openers, and they are highly limited! Attendees will get to choose their color on a first come, first served basis.
Baking Basics: Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Celebrate the flavors of fall in this hands-on baking class featuring a cozy homemade apple crisp topped with a rich caramel sauce. Learn how to choose the best apples for baking, create the perfect buttery cinnamon oat topping, and make a smooth caramel drizzle from scratch. Whether you love baking or just love autumn desserts, you'll leave with a couple of cozy seasonal recipes perfect for sharing all season long.
Teens Cook: Asian-American Takeout Favorites
Friday, September 18, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 11 - 18
Class registration and more information
Join us during CCPS early dismissal day for an Asian-American feast! Teens will be paired together to make one traditional takeout favorite, which will be shared buffet-style at the end for all to enjoy:
- Crab Rangoons
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Orange Chicken and White Rice
- American Chinese Buffet Donuts
- Chinese-style Garlic Green Beans
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 11:00am - 11:45amAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 12:00pm - 12:45pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
Laser Project: Leather Pouch
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn about doing leather projects on the laser! We will design a custom engraving for a small leather pouch using Adobe Illustrator and then engrave and cut our pouches out on the laser. There will be a small amount of hand sewing required to assemble the pouches. All required materials will be provided.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC Sewing Machine Certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.
If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewn and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.
Prerequisite: None
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Make Your Own Crackers
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Love crispy crackers but hate all the extra ingredients in store-bought? Learn to make crackers from scratch. We will be making two types of crackers, simple cheese crackers and fancy fruit and nut crackers. These will be great additions to your next charcuterie board or just make a great snack.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Carroll County Beer Week 2026: Tastes and Tapas
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County Beer Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20. Registration for both sessions will open on September 8.
Laser Engraved Wood Mini Barn Quilts
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is recommended but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Carroll County Beer Week 2026: Tastes and Tapas
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County Beer Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20. Registration for both sessions will open on September 8.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. You will learn about adding a zipper to fully lined bags, using edge stitching, and how to box corners.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
