Newton Cultural Alliance

Queer Open Studios at Night
2024-06-05 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join New Art Center on June 5 for Queer Open Studios! Located at our main location, this event will feature local queer community artists and makers, along with live music, crafts, and entertainment so that attendees can experience everything that Newton’s arts and culture community has to offer.
Interested in being a vendor? View our Call for Art page on our website!

Sheffield Chamber Players presents "Event Horizon"
2024-06-15 15:00 - 17:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Sheffield Chamber Players will present an intimate public performance on Saturday, June 15th at 3pm at The Allen Center. This concert will close out their 10th season. Event Horizon will feature Hawa Kassé Mady Diabaté’s rustic and catchy Tegere Tulon, Valentyn Silvestrov’s mesmerizing String Quartet No.1, and Dvořák’s monumental “American” String Quintet. Tickets are available here.

Walking Tour: 100+ Years Ago in Auburndale
2024-08-14 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
Walking Tour: 100+ Years Ago in Auburndale
Wednesday, August 14, 6:00 pm
Did you know that Auburndale was almost called Pigeonville? Historic Newton’s newest tour takes you past sites of importance from the 18th through the early 20th century, telling you colorful stories about the people and institutions that shaped the village we know today. You’ll see one of Newton’s oldest homes, hear about student life at Lasell Female Seminary, and see where the families of missionaries once lived in between assignments abroad. Most tours last approximately 1 hour, with an easy pace, and typically cover ½ – 1 mile.

2024 Fall Village Concert Series
2024-09-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Trio Newton, 243 Walnut Street, Unit 213, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Newton Community Pride is pleased to announce our 2024 Fall Village Concert Series in Newtonville, Waban, and West Newton! The concerts will take place on three Sundays in September: September 8th, 15th, and 22nd.
All performances are free and accessible to all.

Sunday, September 8
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Newtonville
Trio Courtyard, 845 Washington Street
TRIOLOGY
Mixing Jazz and Latin in eclectic arrangements of old and new, famous and obscure, hot and cool, Triolgy plays a wide variety of material with international influences. Bassist Tal Shalom-Kobi, drummer Itai Meshorer, and singer/pianist Reed Cournoyer originate from different continents and each brings their own unique experience to the group. Experience and enjoy straight-ahead swing, explorations of Latin rhythms, odd-time signatures on Jazz tunes, standards, original compositions, folk melodies, and the occasional pop hit.
Register here

2024 Fall Village Concert Series
2024-09-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Suzuki School of Newton, 1615 Beacon St, Waban, MA, 02468, United States
2024 Fall Village Concert Series

Sunday, September 15
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Waban
Suzuki School of Newton
1615 Beacon Street
CROWES PASTURE
Join Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin for a night of moving and inspirational songs. The duo, Crowes Pasture, intimately blends vocal harmonies with a unique instrumental style that is best described as “a banjo-guitar romance.” The soulful folk duo has released two EPs and three full-length albums in just six-years, and they are presently recording their third full length album. The origin of the group’s name, Crowes Pasture, comes from the salt marsh and tidal flats on the north side of Cape Cod. Register here

In the Key of Now
2024-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Allen Center in partnership with Berklee Voice Department presents “In the Key of Now” on Friday, December 6th at 7:30 pm. Featuring the Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Prof. Ned Rosenblatt and a special cameo appearance by renowned vocalist and Professor Emeritus Donna McElroy. Step into “In the Key of Now”, a live experience that celebrates the power of the present moment through the dynamic energy of jazz.

FUUSN Holiday Fair
2024-12-07 09:00 - 14:30 | First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
The FUUSN Holiday Fair is a fun, festive Holiday marketplace. Shop for gifts, toys, homemade baked goods, wreaths and swags. Buy baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and sweets, or pick up a fresh green wreath, topped with a colorful bow. Join in on the fun of singing with a holiday caroling session open to all who want to join.

Find Your Light
2024-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join the New Art Center in Newtonville for Find Your Light, celebrations of Kwanzaa and Chanukah. The event will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at 61 Washington Park and is part of New Art’s Cultural Access Program, a robust Community Outreach program providing free and inclusive art experiences.
Find Your Light will feature a series of art-making and performance activities centered on the principles of Chanukah and Kwaznaa. Presenters aim to highlight the similarities between the two celebrations, showcasing the diversity in our community, while connecting us to themes of unity. This is a family-friendly event, free and open to the public.
Rasheeda Brown will lead art-making centered on the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Participants will create seven unique handcrafted gifts, one for each day of the festival, to share with seven special people in their lives.
Shira Weiss poses the question, “What brought you light this year?” They will lead a family-friendly, immersive art experience celebrating Chanukah through artmaking, storytelling, and theater. Guests join in a collaborative performance and in the process share how light connects us all.
The Kwanzaa workshop starts at 12pm, and runs until 3pm., while the Chanukah sessions begin at 1pm and runs until 4pm.

Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair
2024-12-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Rd, Newton, MA, 02459
Celebrate Newton is a one-day holiday shopping extravaganza with live music and local artisans. With over 50 vendors to choose from you can buy a unique gift for everyone this season. For 2024 we have tons of textiles, loads of Fine Art, Jewelry galore, and new vendors you’ve never seen before. Admission is $7 and all proceeds go to the Newton Cultural Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization operating The Allen Center for Arts and Culture.

Tui T. Sutherland, Author of Wings Of Fire
2024-12-09 17:00 - 18:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
As part of the Newton Children’s Book Festival, West Newton Cinema is excited to host a children’s book event with Tui T. Sutherland, the New York Times best-selling author of the much beloved Wings of Fire series and other books. Tickets are $20/person and include a limited edition copy of THE DRAGONET PROPHESY or a $10 gift certificate to Newtonville Books, available at time of entry.
Learn more about the Newton Children’s Book Festival taking place on December 14th at the New Art Center: newtonchildrensbookfest.com

New Phil & Boston Ballet present Celebrations!
2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Brown Middle School, 125 Meadowbrook Road, Newton Centre, MA, 02459
Celebrations!
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 pm
The New Philharmonia Orchestra + Boston Ballet School perform scenes from the Nutcracker at Brown Middle School. Celebrations! is all the Tchaikovsky you love, plus other holiday favorites like Sleigh Ride, Frozen, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Historic Newton Presents Newton History Series: A Pressing Matter - 18th Century Media Literacy and Bias
2024-12-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Media and information literacy are essential 21st-century skills in order to be an informed citizen. These are also skills that, when applied in a historical context, help us become better historians. In this discussion, we will analyze perspective, language, and bias in 18th-century newspapers, with a critical lens on how news was consumed in colonial America.
About the speaker: Michele Gabrielson is a local history teacher and historic interpreter of the 18th century. When she is not teaching in the classroom, Michele can be found leading tours, lectures, and demonstrations at historic sites in the greater Boston area. She specializes in interpreting the history of colonial women printers, the stories of loyalist refugees, and of 18th century chocolate makers! Most recently, she has taken on building a first-person impression of the revolutionary playwright and poet Mercy Otis Warren. Michele additionally serves on several historical committees dedicated to helping preserve the history of colonial America, is a member of the Authenticity Standards Committee for Minuteman National Historic Park, and is the coordinator for the Battle Road Guides for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. She was recently awarded a 2024 Rising Star Award for Public History by the Massachusetts History Alliance for her programming titled, “The Revolutionary Classroom,” and named a finalist for the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year.
This program is part of the Newton History Series, co-sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. Look out for lectures in both February and March 2025.
Thursday, January 16, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Free, registration not required

Historic Newton presents Winter Craft Series: The Art of Embroidery
2025-01-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Join Historic Newton for a hands-on embroidery workshop where participants will recreate a design inspired by an object from the museum’s collection. This beginner-friendly session is open to all skill levels, from first-time stitchers to experienced embroiderers. Discover the art of embroidery while connecting with history through thread and needle. All materials will be provided!
Price: $20 general admission | $15 members
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/winter-craft-series-the-art-of-embroidery

Sensory Garden
2025-01-20 - 2025-02-28 | New Art Cooridor, 245 Walnut Street, Newon, MA
The New Art 2025 Sensory Garden Exhibition is your chance to Support our Local Artists.
Artists offer a wintertime oasis amidst political, social, and cultural transition. Fostering a connection with nature, art, and ourselves through all our senses, grounds and preserves us. We invite sight and smell and touch and taste (indicated by signage) in this self-contained terrarium or sanctuary. We honor and prompt your experience as a lodestar for self-awareness and emotional healing.
Exhibition Dates
January,17th 2025 – February 28th 2025
Opening Reception
January 20th 5-7pm, Free and Open to the public.
Join the New Art Center in celebrating the opening of the 2025 Sensory Garden Exhibition. Mingle with some of this year’s 23 participating artists, while exploring over 54 pieces in this year’s sale.
Artist Talk
January 30th 5:30-6:30pm, Free and Open to the public.
Curator Guided Tour
February 12th: 6:00-7:30 PM, Free and Open to the public.
The New Art Corridor (Trio)
245 Walnut St.,
Newton, MA 02460
About The New Art Curatorial Program:
Established in July 2020 as the BIPOC Curatorial Program, the New Art Curatorial Program features three exhibitions annually curated by mid-career New England area BIPOC community writers, artists, and thinkers. This series enables curators of color to develop and share their personal vision through exhibitions that spark dialogue.

Lunar New Year
2025-02-02 12:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join the New Art Center in Newtonville for the fourth annual Lunar New Year event. The event will take place on Sunday, February 2 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at 61 Washington Park and is part of New Art’s Cultural Access Program, a robust Community Outreach program providing free and inclusive art experiences.
The Lunar New Year event will feature a series of art-making and performance activities centered on the celebrations associated with Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is an important time for celebration in the majority of East and Southeast Asian cultures. We welcome the New Year by spending time with family making food, playing games, telling stories, and cleaning our homes! This is a family-friendly event, free and open to the public.
This year is the year of the Blue Snake in the Korean calendar, or Wood Snake in the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Blue Snake is a year for wisdom, intuition, creativity, and personal growth! The Snake zodiac symbolizes wisdom and carefulness, and the Blue element, or Wood, is associated with movement and growth, as well as cooperation and idealism. This year, we should encourage ourselves to focus on self-growth and planning long-term goals for the future. Focus on your personal relationships, and find stability in reflection and mindful practices!
Ren Li Song will present on the art of calligraphy. Performers include the GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble, members of the Boston Korean Dance Academy, and a Global String Band JUL.

All Over Newton presents Valentine's Day Craft Crawl
2025-02-08 13:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Saturday, February 8th · Time: 1:00-4:00 pm EST
The event is organized by All Over Newton
Come to New Art Center to create your own faux stained glass sun catcher in the shape of a heart to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Each participant will create their own sun catcher and be able to use their own colors and inspiration. All suncatchers will include a string so you can hang it in your window!”
$5 per participant (meaning a family of four would have to pay $20)
Classroom: ELVAS (not handicap accessible)
We will be able to take cash or tap pay card systems.
ATTENDANCE
We will be photographing this event and by registering, you agree that there is a possibility you may be photographed and the resulting images used for marketing purposes (in email, social media, print, and on our website).
For more information, contact New Art Center Senior Education Manager, Seline Smith at Seline@newartcenter.org, or call (617) 964-3424.

Sensory Garden Exhibition: A Guided Tour
2025-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | The New Art Corridor (Trio), 245 Walnut St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02460, United States
The New Art 2025 Sensory Garden Exhibition is your chance to Support our Local Artists.
Artists offer a wintertime oasis amidst political, social, and cultural transition. Fostering a connection with nature, art, and ourselves through all our senses, grounds and preserves us. We invite sight and smell and touch and taste (indicated by signage) in this self-contained terrarium or sanctuary. We honor and prompt your experience as a lodestar for self-awareness and emotional healing.
Join the New Art Center in celebrating the opening of the 2025 Sensory Garden Exhibition. Mingle with some of this year’s 23 participating artists, while exploring over 54 pieces in this year’s sale.

All About Love
2025-02-15 16:00 - 18:30 | Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
All About Love
“Sappho begins with a sweet apple and ends in infinite hunger.”
(From “Eros the Bittersweet”, by Anne Carson)
Too often throughout history, we’ve seen women’s love and desire depicted through a male gaze, while authentic expressions of love and desire by women in art have been considered taboo. Cappella Clausura challenges this by centering voices of women and gender non-binary composers in this program on the topic of love in all its forms. Romantic verses by Sappho, Elizabeth Barret Browning and Pablo Neruda set by composers including Evelin Seppar, Modesta Bor, Rafaella Aleotti, Laura Nevitt, and others.
February 15th, 2025 @ 4PM Grace Church
76 Eldredge St. Newton, MA 02458
February 16th, 2025 @ 4PM Emmanuel Church
15 Newbury St. Boston MA 02116

New Art Center presents Brigham House Tea party
2025-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Brigham House, 341 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, Massachusetts, 02472, United States
Join us for the Brigham House Tea Party on Sunday, February 16th, from 2–4 PM to engage with and admire the artwork created by the participants while brewing your own tea.

Holi Festival of Colors
2025-03-30 12:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
The New Art Center invites you to join the Holi Festival of Colors.
We will have art-making, performances, food, dancing, and music throughout the day.
The event includes outdoor color play where you become the canvas for artmaking!
You have the opportunity to participate in the very fun (and messy) tradition of throwing organic color powder at each other.
Please wear white clothes you do not mind getting stained, protective eyewear or sunglasses, and bring towels for clean up afterward.
Guests are welcome to bring their color powder from home. There is no re-admittance to the New Art Center building after color play.

Historic Newton presents the Newton House Tour
2025-05-18 12:00 - 17:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Welcome to Historic Newton’s Newton House Tour! Each year, Historic Newton presents the Newton House Tour to showcase historic homes in the city. Each private residence is carefully selected by a committee to exhibit how homeowners have made creative renovations and interesting interior design choices that add to the life of a historic structure. You’ll come away with a greater appreciation for historic homes and inspiration for your own projects!
This is the 42nd annual Newton House Tour, and all proceeds benefit Historic Newton’s mission.
Event begins at 12 noon, but in-person ticket sales and wristband pick-up begins at 10AM.

A Far Cry 2025 Spring Soirée
2025-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
We are pleased to invite you to our 2025 Spring Soirée. Together, we’ll celebrate the end of another fantastic season at A Far Cry and unveil what we’re dreaming up for the future.
Featuring highlights such as:

A special interactive performance by the Criers, showcasing new initiatives and musical teasers for the 2026-2027 Season and beyond

Outdoor cocktail hour & generous hors d’oeuvres

Fabulous auction items, dessert under the stars, and more!

Cones 'n Cars 2025
2025-08-27 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
Due to the inclement weather on August 20, we have postponed our Cones ‘n Cars event until Wednesday, August 27, from 5:00PM – 8:00PM.
THE GOOD NEWS: You now have more time to register if you haven’t! Visit our website at https://newtv.org/cones-n-cars-2025 (linked below) to reserve your spot.
Cones ‘n Cars is generously sponsored by The Village Bank and KS Partners, LLC.
Sweets ‘n treats will be provided by: Baker’s Best Catering, Cabot’s Ice Cream, J.P. Licks, Lizzy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream, and Volante Farms.

Blue Heron Songbook Benefit
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
A fun and fabulous afternoon of cabaret and canapés, featuring Blue Heron artists performing favorite works from 15th-century Burgundy to Broadway! This intimate, festive, and one-of-a-kind event celebrates the start of the 2025-2026 season and supports Blue Heron’s mission. All proceeds benefit Blue Heron’s season of evocative, historically-informed performances.

Film Screening of An Uncommon Education: The Allen School
2025-10-14 18:30 - 21:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Historic Newton, West Newton Cinema, and Newton Cultural Alliance are excited to present a showing and panel discussion of the film “An Uncommon Education: The Allen School”! Join us on Tuesday, October 14 to view the original film (released in 2023) followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers. Tickets are $20 and equally benefit all three non-profit organizations.

Jack Lemmon: A Centennial Tribute!
2025-10-24 08:00 - 2025-10-26 17:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Our hottest event of the season, West Newton Cinema will present the Jack Lemmon 100th Anniversary Celebration from October 24–26, 2025, marking the centenary of the birth of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and Newton’s own native son.
One of the most beloved actors in movie history, Jack Lemmon (1925–2001) was born John Uhler Lemmon III, in Newton, Massachusetts. He grew up in Newton Center and attended Ward Elementary, the Rivers School, and Andover. After Harvard University, where he was president of the Hasty Pudding Club, and a brief stint in the Navy, Lemmon moved to New York City and made his start in radio and early television before transitioning to film roles. Over five decades and more than sixty films, Lemmon built a career as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his witty, relatable “everyman” persona.
The three-day program will feature screenings of Jack Lemmon’s most acclaimed films, a commemorative reception, and a special conversation with members of the Lemmon family. Courtney Lemmon, Chris Lemmon, and Sydney Lemmon will take part in the event, celebrating their father and grandfather’s enduring legacy.

40th Anniversary Boston Jazz Voices Concert
2025-11-02 15:00 - 17:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Join Boston Jazz Voices as we celebrate 40 years of making beautiful music together.
The group was founded in 1985 by a bunch of barbershoppers looking to expand their musicianship by singing the great arrangements of Gene Puerling, The Singers Unlimited, and The Hi-Los. This concert will include songs from each decade of our history.
Reception to follow.

Ty Burr's Movie Club: Children of Men
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
TY BURR’S MOVIE CLUB is hosted by the nationally recognized film critic Ty Burr.
Each month Ty presents and discusses one of his favorite films with the audience. His selections span the spectrum from classics that have stood the test of time to contemporary films that merit a second viewing.
ABOUT THE FILM
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have become somehow infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.

Sy Montgomery & E.B. Bartels: A Turtle Celebration
2025-11-15 11:00 - 13:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
West Newton Cinema Reads and Newtonville Books present:
Famed naturalist Sy Montgomery, author of THE TRUE AND LUCKY LIFE OF A TURTLE, and E. B. Bartels, author of GOOD GRIEF, together for a talk and book signing to benefit the Turtle Survival Alliance!
Our day begins with a turtle meet and greet. Sy and E.B. will then share big-screen stories and more from their animal adventures, followed by a Q&A. Guests are invited to stay for a screening of THE SLOWEST STAMPEDE ON EARTH and join Sy and E.B. for a book signing in our lobby.
And don’t forget to bid on items—like turtle quilts—in the silent auction!
The day’s events:
11am-11:30:
Turtle meet & greet; mingle in the lobby to browse books & turtle merch & bid on the silent auction items
11:30-12:30:
Authors talk books & turtles, followed by a Q&A, in the theater
12:30-1:30:
Join us for a screening of THE SLOWEST STAMPEDE ON EARTH (20 mins, in the theater) & a book signing (in the lobby)
National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller SY MONTGOMERY is the author of thirty-nine books for both adults and children, including Soul of an Octopus and Of Time and Turtles, and has been honored with a Sibert Medal, three Sibert Honors, two Science Book and Film Prizes from the National Association for the Advancement of Science, four honorary degrees, and many other awards. She lives in Hancock, New Hampshire, with her husband, Howard Mansfield, and their border collie, Thurber.
E.B. BARTELS is a nonfiction writer, a teacher, an editor, and a former bookseller with an MFA from Columbia. She is the author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter (out in paperback from Mariner Books/HarperCollins on 11/11/25), a narrative nonfiction book about loving and losing animals, which has received positive press from many media outlets including The Associated Press, NPR, The Boston Globe, WBUR, Kinship, Psychology Today, and the American Kennel Club, and which has been translated into Korean. Her essays and interviews have appeared in Salon, Slate, WBUR, Literary Hub, Catapult, Electric Literature, The Believer, and The Rumpus, among others. E.B. lives in Arlington, Massachusetts, with her husband (Richie), her son (Luca), and a pair of red-footed tortoises (Terrence and Twyla).

FUUSN presents Holiday Fair
2025-12-06 09:30 - 14:00 | First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
The FUUSN Holiday Fair is a fun, festive event on Saturday, December 6. Join us as the Parish Hall is transformed into a Holiday marketplace. Shop for gifts, toys, homemade baked goods, wreath,s and swags. The Baked Goods table is overflowing with homemade cookies, cakes and sweets, pick up a fresh green wreath, topped with a colorful bow. Buy a ticket for the Quilt Raffle. You might win a handmade quilt. There’s a holiday caroling session open to all who want to join. Come one, come all to the FUUSN Holiday Fair.
