The Allen Center offers a unique array of curated programs, historic tours, and special events in addition to offering facility rentals. The Allen Center is the premier facility under the direction of the Newton Cultural Alliance. Its abolitionist history as a center for progressive education makes this state-of-the-art performance facility worth a visit.
Upcoming Events
Artist Talk With Photographer Lou Jones
Tuesday, September 17
Lou Jones will discuss his current exhibit at The Allen Center, "The panAFRICAproject", and his recent trip to Africa. This event is Free with a Suggested Donation of $20.
Fall Village Concert Series
Sunday, September 22nd
The Allen Center will host the final concert by The Alexander Xhoja Trio on Sunday, September 22nd at 3:00 pm. The Fall Village Concert Series presents the final show here at The Allen Center.
Visual Art Exhibit: Bruce Hugh Wilson, Photographs
Opening Reception Thursday, September 26th
Please join us for a very special event in honor of the photographer and friend, Bruce Huge Wilson. His photography work will be on display in our gallery from Sept 26- Oct 25th.
Oded Tzúr
Monday, September 30th
New York saxophonist Oded Tzúr performs for one night only at The Allen Center. Tzúr is known for giving his instrument a whole new voice — one that is described by The Guardian as a “unique tenor sax whisper.” Get your tickets for an intimate performance with music from Oded Tzúr's newly released album, My Prophet. Tickets are $25, available here.
Toe-Tapping Snappy Hot Jazz
Saturday, October 26th
440- The Gypsy Jazz Quartet takes over the Allen Center with Toe-Tapping Snappy Hot Jazz. Led by “The Jazzy Violinist” Tomoko Iwamoto, with Jack Clark, clarinet; Jack Soref, guitar; and Gregory Toro, bass; 440 performs their own original tunes as well as those of their inspiration, Django Rheinhart. Join the fun for an evening that will transport you to an intimate night club where you’ll be tempted to dance the night away.
Tickets.
Cherry Street Music
Allison Eldredge is The Allen Center Artist-in-Residence and Founder of Cherry Street Music. CSM's music program has a simple mission: to create a space to meet new people, develop friendships, and find togetherness, passion, and hope through evenings of music. Our "Classical With a Twist" concerts are less formal with conversations between artists, special guests, and audience members. The dress is casual, the show has room for clapping and we often have a Q & A and reception afterwards.
Check out our 2024-2025 Musical Season Here.
Programming
Artist Residencies
The Allen Center hosts musicians and artists for short and long-term residencies. Residents make use of the Allen Center's state-of-the-art facilities, to work on new or ongoing projects in a historic setting.
Current Artist in Residence: Allison Eldredge, cello.
See Allison's newest project, Cherry Street Music, at the Allen Center.
Historic Tours
The Allen Center is home to a rich history that's rarely told. We're proud to keep the story of the Nathaniel Topliff Allen Homestead alive at the Allen House. Learn more about this former school and what it took to renovate and restore the space through our guided tours.
Tours can be organized for small groups by emailing our Allen Center staff at contact@newtonculture.org
Special Events & Fundraisers
The Allen Center's mix of historic and contemporary spaces make the facility the perfect home for intimate gatherings, photoshoots, and elegant affairs. View some images from our past events below and see our facility rental page to plan your next event.
Special Offers
The Allen Center/Newton Cultural Alliance offers discounted rates in order to broaden accessibility to cultural programing, like the concerts, performances, festivals, art installations, classes, and workshops offered by the many talented groups and artists here in Newton and beyond.
Please note that for all offers, some restrictions may apply.
Mass Cultural Council Card to Culture Program
The Allen Center/Newton Cultural Alliance is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders can purchase up to four tickets per card at $5 each; kids are free.
To access the discount online, please enter the corresponding promo code for your card from the list below. You can also contact The Allen Center/NCA by emailing operations@newtonculture.org or calling 617.332.4300 and identifying yourself as an EBT, P-EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare card holder.
For EBT and P-EBT cardholders, please use promo code EBTTAC.
For WIC cardholders, please use promo code WICTAC.
For ConnectorCare cardholders, please use promo code CARETAC.
See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.