Newton Cultural Alliance

Historic Newton presents Revolutionary Newton
2026-03-28 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Historic Newton celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution! Join us in exploring what life was like in 18th-century New England. Reenactors will scatter the museum exhibits and grounds to create an immersive experience of revolutionary life. Guests can participate in hands-on period-specific activities and listen to reenactors debate politics, describe daily life, reminisce on military service, and much more. A scavenger hunt will guide visitors through interactive spaces where they can ask questions and engage with the exhibits and the people who once occupied them. View special 18th-century artifacts from the collection on display for the first time this decade. Shop new and exclusive merchandise and see what your local museum can do for you! This event is free and open to the public.

All Newton Music School presents Alex Thomas Faculty Recital- Discovering Grieg
2026-04-04 16:00 - 18:00 | All Newton Music School, 321 Chestnut St, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
All Newton Music School Piano faculty Alex Thomas invites you to an inspiring concert of Edvard Grieg’s most captivating piano works. From tender lyricism to fiery Nordic passion, each performance captures the essence of Grieg’s genius. Immerse yourself in a concert where artistry and imagery blend in perfect harmony.

Suzuki School of Newton Presents 40th Anniversary Gala
2026-04-11 18:00 - 21:00 | American Legion Hall, Nonatum, MA
Join the Suzuki School of Newton as they celebrate 40 years of inspiring young musicians, nurturing talent, and sharing the joy of music. An elegant evening of music, fine dining, and celebration awaits commemorating four decades of artistic excellence and dedication. All proceeds benefit SSN’s need-based James Thornblade Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Historic Newton presents Naughty Newton at Night: Hamilton's World
2026-04-11 19:00 - 22:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Join the historic cocktail party of the year on Saturday, April 11 from 7-10pm at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds. The theme for this year will be the smash musical Hamilton.
Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the more scandalous topics of the 18th-century through the life of Alexander Hamilton.
What were the favorite drinks of the day? What did people do for fun? How were topics like sex and pregnancy out of wedlock handled? Were there really rules to dueling?
This event is 21+ only. Wear your favorite cocktail party outfit or a historically-inspired outfit.

The Allen Center Presents An Uncommon Education
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Allen Center and Historic Newton present a special screening of An Uncommon Education, a documentary exploring the legacy of Nathaniel T. Allen—right here where his groundbreaking work took place. Learn about Allen’s English and Classical School, a forward-looking program of study at a time when slavery was still the law of the land and women’s suffrage yet a distant goal.

Artist Talk: Hands to Earth with Patty Rosenblatt
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join artist Patty Rosenblatt and her co-presenter and video collaborator Kathryn Brodie for a special artist talk that explores the evolution of Hands to Earth and the environmental concerns that shape it.
Rosenblatt noted that green space is disappearing so rapidly that it might soon be possible for people to live their lives without ever touching the earth under their feet. Hands to Earth is her proposal to encourage others to engage with the Earth.
This program provides an opportunity to look back at Rosenblatt’s project through conversation, artwork, and film. Her series, First Violin, An Octave of Prints, which will be on display, offers a powerful visual example of her process and material exploration.
We invite you to join us for an engaging afternoon of art, reflection, and dialogue about touch, transformation, and our shared responsibility to the natural world.
www.newartcenter.org

Andromeda of Boston and Spark Newton present Spring Hafla 2026
2026-04-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
Andromeda of Boston and Spark Newton present a vibrant showcase of world dance at Grace Episcopal Church featuring local students and professional performers. Styles include MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, Turkish), as well as Asian, Balkan, and Eastern European–inspired traditions. Light refreshments provided; Free for Newton residents with reservations.

Hyde Community Center presents Newton Taiwan Day
2026-05-02 11:30 - 15:00 | Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands, MA, 02461, United States
Mark your calendar for the largest outdoor Taiwan festival in Massachusetts. Each year the community comes together at the Hyde Community Center to enjoy vibrant cultural performances, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a joyful celebration of Taiwanese culture. Free admission. Everyone is welcome!

West Newton Cinema presents Join or Die
2026-05-02 15:00 - 17:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Directed by Rebecca Davis, Pete Davis
Starring Robert Putnam, Vivek Murthy, Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, Priya Parker, Jane McAlevey, Glenn Loury, Hahrie Han
THE POWER OF BELONGING: JOIN OR DIE
Stronger communities start with showing up.
3:00 – 4:30 PM – “Join or Die” screening
4:30 – 5:30 PM – Club Fair in the Cinema Lobby
The West Newton Cinema, together with The Boston Club, is hosting a special screening of “Join or Die” and a post screening “joining fair” with 15 area clubs and organizations.
“Join or Die” is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America may depend on it. Follow the story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose viral “Bowling Alone” research into the decline in American community lights a path out of our democracy’s present crisis. The film shows that the solution is within reach: getting involved.
After the film, connect with local clubs and organizations, including Green Newton, Newton Free Library, The Boston Club, Ty Burr’s Movie Club, The Highland Glee Club, Newton Camera Club, LGBTQ Newton, Newton Rotary, Newton Lions Club, Newton Women’s Forum, Rock Voices, and more. Discover how you can turn inspiration into action by becoming part of a community.

Newton Cemetery & Arboretum presents Pond Fish Tour
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-08 13:30 - 15:00 | Newton Cemetery and Arboretum, 791 Walnut St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02459, United States
Take a walk through Historic Newton Cemetery & Arboretum and learn about Cold Spring Brook, the four ponds and two lagoons on the property, and the fish and other aquatic life that call them home. Join former Newton resident and Executive Director for Native Fish Coalition Bob Mallard as he explains the history of the property’s waterways and how everything ties together today. Suggested donation: $15. Registration is required.
Click here to register.

The Allen Center Presents Brush & Lens: Artist Talk with Peter Vanderwarker and Sam Belisle
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Join us for a compelling lecture demonstration on the dynamic interplay between painting and photography— and go behind the scenes with two of Newton’s most celebrated artists, Peter Vanderwarker and Sam Belisle, for a rare glimpse into their creative processes. All attendees will be entered to win one of two signed Peter Vanderwarker prints. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Click here to register.

Suzuki School of Newton Presents ¡Cantemos Juntos! - Student Workshop
2026-05-15 17:00 - 19:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
This workshop is designed for children ages 8-12 of any instrument and any level of musical training. In this workshop Lydia will teach a variety of singing games in Spanish, as well as folk songs from the Andean region of South America. The children will learn the basic dance steps and accompaniment to the songs from the Andes, adding percussion and flutes traditional to the highlands. The songs and some of the singing games will be performed the following day at the Multicultural Festival!

Suzuki School of Newton Presents The Singing Voice: the Heart where Music Begins - Teacher Workshop
2026-05-15 17:00 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
With Lydia Mills, Kodály Teacher Trainer and Director of Instituto Kodály at Fundación Ibáñez Atkinson.
This workshop is designed for instrumental and vocal music teachers. Teachers will participate in the first workshop with the children and stay for a session dedicated specifically to teachers. Lydia will share her insight on teaching with the Kodály approach. Together we will explore how the folk-art tradition of singing games develops self-esteem, connection with peers, and a keen musical intuition, leading ultimately to successful musical literacy training.

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library Presents A Book Talk with Pernille Ipsen
2026-05-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Book Talk with Pernille Ipsen
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pernille Ipsen, acclaimed author and historian, on her powerful memoir My Seven Mothers: Making a Family in the Danish Women’s Movement. Ipsen, a longtime professor of gender and women’s studies and now full-time writer, tells the remarkable story of the seven women who raised her, weaving together themes of family, feminism, community, and radical social change.
Through intimate storytelling and historical insight, My Seven Mothers asks timeless questions about identity, belonging, and possibility — and reminds us that new worlds are always possible.
🗣️ Don’t miss this chance to hear Ipsen discuss her work and the lives that shaped it, followed by audience Q&A.
Friday, May 15th at 7pm | Free with registration
*Books will be available for purchase. Sales will support the programming at the SCC&L*
“This book is a treasure, especially for a second-wave American feminist who was thrilled to learn of the boldness and courage of our Danish sisters at the very start of the 1970s women’s movement. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
—Vivian Gornick, author of Fierce Attachments
Pernille Ipsen was professor of gender and women’s studies and history at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for fifteen years and is now a full-time writer. The Danish-language version of this book, Et åbent øjeblik (An open moment), was published in 2020 and was awarded the Montana Prize for literature, one of Denmark’s top literary prizes. She divides her time between Madison and Copenhagen.
Tiina Nunnally is the award-winning translator of more than seventy books from the Scandinavian languages, including Sigrid Undset’s epic tetralogy Olav Audunssøn, also published by the University of Minnesota Press. She was appointed Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for her contributions to Norwegian literature in the United States.

Suzuki School of Newton Presents Multicultural Festival 2026
2026-05-16 14:00 - 18:00 | Suzuki School of Newton, 1615 Beacon St, Waban, MA, 02468, United States
Celebrate community and creativity at the Suzuki School of Newton’s Multicultural Festival 2026, featuring international music, an intergenerational art show, and a delicious global potluck. Join us on Saturday, May 16 from 2–6 PM in Waban for an afternoon of performances, connection, and cultural celebration for all ages.

Cappella Clausura Presents Worthy of the Highest Praise: Bembo and Vivaldi
2026-05-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
“Worthy of the Highest Praise: Bembo and Vivaldi”
May 16th at 4 PM – Grace Episcopal Church on Newton
Are you familiar with the name “Antonia Bembo”? How about “Antonio Vivaldi”? I’d wager that you’re familiar with the latter but not the former – which is exactly the point.
Antonia Bembo was an Italian composer and singer of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The reason you haven’t heard of her isn’t because her music is underwhelming: Bembo’s talent actually took her from Italy to France, where she was employed by King Louis XIV as a composer and singer. Her music has been unduly neglected because of her gender; she is every bit as good as her male contemporaries, and we’re proving it by putting her music side-by-side with the Vivaldi Gloria – one of the classics of the choral repertoire – and letting you draw your own conclusions.
According to one etymology, the name “Antonia/o means “worthy of praise”. In this little-heard work by Antonia Bembo, you’ll hear that she’s just as praiseworthy as any Antonio.
Featuring music by: Antonia Bembo, Antonio Vivaldi, and others

Historic Newton Presents Newton House Tour
2026-05-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Newton House Tour
Sunday, May 17 12:00 noon – 5:00 PM
Advance Tickets: $40 Historic Newton members, $50 general
All Day-Of Tickets: $55
Booklet and wristband pickup at Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
Welcome to Historic Newton’s 43rd annual 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!
Purchase tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-newton-house-tour-tickets-1983542471929?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library Presents Midsummer Pajaki Making
2026-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Midsummer Pajaki Making
Celebrate the arrival of summer by making a pajaki (mobile) with us!
Hosting a fun Midsummer craft mashup! Pajakis are a traditional Polish craft–and here we marry it with a Swedish maypole!
They can be small mobiles hung in your home, massive chandeliers displayed in museums, or anything in between! We will decorate ours with midsummer felted flower and strawberries. Leave with your own charming summer decoration.
All materials will be provided. Make sure to reserve your spot early, as space is limited!
Saturday, May 30th | 10am-12pm | $50 per person, $40 for members | tickets

Historic Newton Presents 250 Years Ago in Newton
2026-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
250 Years Ago in Newton
Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 PM
Newton Free Library
Free
If you lived in Newton 250 years ago, who would have been your neighbors? Where
would your children have gone to school? What might you do for a living? In
commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, travel back in time
with Historic Newton and explore what life was like around the time of the American
Revolution. Learn about the experience of a diverse array of individuals in Newton and
explore maps and images to immerse yourself in their world. Presented in partnership
with the Newton Free Library. Learn more and reserve your spot at
https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/16512072

Historic Newton's Plant Swap
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Historic Newton hosts its annual Plant Swap at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave, Newton. At this community event fellow gardeners can meet, exchange plants, learn from each other, and share tips and tricks. Participants bring plants and other gardening items to the event and take home something new in exchange. The event is free, but please register in advance to help us plan.
Click here to register.

Historic Newton Presents Mellen Bray and the Union Street Historic District: A Newton Centre Walking Tour
2026-06-14 13:00 - 14:30
Mellen Bray and the Union Street Historic District: A Newton Centre Walking Tour
Sunday, June 14 1:00 – 2:30pm
Construction of the new train station in Newton Centre in 1890 inspired local resident
Mellen Bray to commission construction of a commercial block that transformed this
once quiet village. In addition to retail on the ground floor, Bray’s building included
indoor tennis courts, a bowling alley and a grand hall that became a focal point for
social life in Newton Centre. Who was Mellen Bray and where can we see his impact in
Newton Centre today? Explore the Union Street Historic District and learn about this
remarkable inventor, real estate investor and philanthropist who welcomed the new
century with vision and enterprise. This tour will be led by local history buff Tori
Zissman.
Registration is required. Walking tours are $10 for Historic Newton members and $15
for non-members. Meeting location will be shared with registrants. Register at
https://events.humanitix.com/mellen-bray-walking-tour.

Newton Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-19 15:00 - 22:00 | Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands, MA, 02461, United States
Newton Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come celebrate. Come connect. Come feel the JOY—this is more than an event, it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and community pride.
Kick off Juneteenth with an exciting New England Patriots Skills and Drills Clinic at Newton North High School hosted by Newton Community Education, and then join us at the Hyde Community Center from 3PM for an unforgettable celebration of culture, heritage and tradition.
Starting at 3 PM you can look forward to:
🎤 A party atmosphere hosted by DJ Firestarta
🛍️ Shopping unique finds from local artisans & craft vendors
🎶 Live performances that move your spirit (African dancing by Afro Diamond, Newton reggae artist DJ Everla$t)
📣 Meet the New England Patriots cheerleaders
🍴 Two food trucks serving up delicious Caribbean flavors: Reggae Foods and Gourmet Kreyol
🎤 A Summer Concert Series event featuring hip-hop cover band sensation The GRV from 6–8 PM
🎬 Stretch out under the summer sky for an 8PM screening of Black Panther, the critically acclaimed box office delight that defines Black Excellence.
This year we reject division and instead embrace ‘JOYFUL RESISTANCE!’ Together, let’s uplift the value and richness of African-American culture and Black Excellence. All residents and visitors are invited to help celebrate 161 years since the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.
Speaking of excellence, we honor the service of featured guest, Dr. Henry Turner, Newton North High School Principal of 10 years who departs to assume his new role as Superintendent of Reading Public Schools.
We are proud to partner with the Hyde Community Center to seamlessly incorporate Juneteenth into their Friday Summer Concert Series.
Thank you to our partners and sponsors!
Our partners include our fiscal sponsor, Families Organizing for Justice (FORJ), the Newton Coalition of Black Residents (NCBR) and FORJ@Newton North High School (FORJ NNHS). We are grateful for generous support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harmony Foundation and Village Bank. This Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program is supported by Spark Newton in collaboration with The City of Newton.

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library Presents Midsummer Picnic 2026
2026-06-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Midsummer Picnic 2026
Saturday, June 20th | 11am-2pm
🌻Join us at the SCC&L for our outdoor Midsummer festival!🌻
Celebrate the summer solstice adorned in a flower crown and dancing around the maypole, or sit back and enjoy your picnic lunch while listening to the live music. There’s something for everyone, and all ages are welcome.
🎁boxed lunch prepared by Kaffestugan
🎶live musical performance by Merulae
🌷singing and dancing around the maypole
🍬Swedish candy and pantry goods for sale
⚽Sweden vs. Netherlands World Cup game showing in the Nordic Hall
This will be our last event of the season!
Click here for Tickets
Sponsored by SWEA Boston

Historic Newton Presents Cold Spring Park History Walking Tour
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30
Where was the original cold spring located? What films were recorded in the park? Where did high schoolers hold secret parties? Traverse some of the 67 acres of Cold Spring Park as you learn about its origins as Alcock’s Swamp to a source of drinking water, a gravel pit, and a trash dump; proposals to develop it for housing, schools, and a golf course; film locations, and much more! This tour will be led by Friends of Cold Spring Park President Alan Nogee.
This tour will last approximately 1.5 hours. We go at an easy pace and will cover around 1 mile. Most of the walk will take place on unpaved, uneven terrain. We encourage you to wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. All ages welcome!

Tour dates and topics are subject to change. The meeting location for each walking tour will be shared after registration.
Historic Newton’s walking tours are sponsored by Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
