Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
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.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Friday, September 25, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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.
Sfoglia di Mozzarella
Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Stretch fresh curds into mozzarella cheese, then create an iconic Italian appetizer, sfoglia. Sheets of mozzarella filled with roasted vegetables, prosciutto, and greens, then rolled and sliced and served with balsamic dressing. Each student will make one pound of fresh mozzarella for the recipe.
Next Steps with Adobe Illustrator: Image Tracing
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over the image trace feature in Adobe Illustrator. We will be looking at a few different images and going over the multiple options of image tracing to get the best result for each image. Previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended but not required.
Books and Bites: Translated Fiction
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Translated fiction refers to novels and short stories written in a language other than English, then adapted for an English-speaking audience. These works offer a profound window into global cultures, diverse writing styles, and international storytelling traditions. We'll create a globally inspired treat followed by a book review led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Teen Laser Intro: Engraved Chopsticks and Wooden Box
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 11 - 18
Class registration and more information
Learn about our laser and engrave your own custom set of wooden chopsticks and carrying case.
Laser certification is not required, but we recommend starting the certification process before class by taking the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser Machine Use and Safety Training online.
Teens Cook: Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make a quick and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that is perfect for busy weeknights. In this hands-on class, you'll prepare a recipe that is faster than ordering take-out and tastes even better.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Thursday, October 1, 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 sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated handles.
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.
Soft Pretzels
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:45pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Quick Lunch: Singapore Noodles
Friday, October 2, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
While Singapore Noodles is actually a misnomer, it's popular in Asian-American takeout menus today. For this quick lunch, we will work in pairs to make a delicious meal of this popular rice noodle dish and enjoy it together for lunch in the kitchen.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 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.)
Cooking for Wellness: Pep-o'-Lantern
Monday, October 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Enter spooky season with a fun recipe that’ll spook the inflammation right out of you! This stuffed pepper recipe is a nutritiously dense way to celebrate. Enjoy this recipe with a presentation by a registered dietitian on anti-inflammatory diets. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating: Pumpkin Patch
Monday, October 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your fall evening! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and use it to decorate pumpkin-shaped prebaked sugar cookies. Learn how to add pretty details with molded fondant flowers or fun jack-o'-lantern faces using custom 3D-printed cutters.
No piping required! Perfect for all skill levels—come ready to learn, create, and leave with beautiful (and tasty!) treats.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Japanese Knot Bag (Class 6)
Tuesday, October 6, 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. Sew a fully lined, curved project bag. Learn to sew and finish a bag with two handles that are incorporated into the design of the bag.
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.
A Is for Apple...Pie That Is!
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Find out what makes an apple a good baking apple. Try some samples and choose the types of apples to use in your pie. Prepare a scratch pie crust and assemble the pie here, then take it home to bake right away or freeze for later. Guest instructor Tracy Peters from Peters Orchards in Gardners, PA, will share her award-winning recipe!
Intro to Carvera CNC
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
