Newton Cultural Alliance

Newton Cemetery & Arboretum presents Pond Fish Tour
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-08 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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 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.

ArsNova Presents Piano in Motion: Whispers to Wildfire
2026-05-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Newton Presbyterian Church, 75 Vernon St., Newton, MA, United States
Pianist Tianhong Yang is celebrated for her profound artistry and commanding stage presence. As a laureate of top prizes in prestigious competitions—including the Liège International Piano Competition and the Antonio Bertolini Competition in Italy—she has captivated audiences at major venues across Europe and America, such as New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s BBC Hoddinott Hall.
She will bring a program that moves effortlessly between elegance, virtuosity, and vivid storytelling. Known for her commanding stage presence and refined musical voice, Dr. Yang invites audiences into a richly varied sound world that spans classical clarity, romantic depth, and rhythmic brilliance.
The evening concludes with a special collaboration: Tianhong Yang joins Anran Qian in Night by Fazıl Say, a piano four-hand work that blends contemporary sonorities with evocative atmosphere, bringing the program to a compelling and memorable close.
Free ticket link: https://www.tixtree.com/e/piano-in-motion-whispers-to-wildfire-f54d693cdf30

The Carroll Center for the Blind presents 14th Annual Walk for Independence!
2026-05-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst, 100 Carlson Ave, Newton, M, 02459, United States
Join Us for the 14th Annual Walk for Independence!
The 14th Annual Walk for Independence is happening Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst (100 Carlson Avenue, Newton, MA)!
This free event invites you to walk to raise funds for vision loss and celebrate our community coming together to improve the lives of people with vision loss. Attendees will complete a 1, 2, or 3-mile walk around the Mount Ida campus, followed by activities for all ages!
Event Timeline:
– Registration: 9:00 a.m.
– Walk Kick-Off: 10:00 a.m.
– Post-Walk BBQ & Activities: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Event Highlights:
– Free BBQ & Popcorn
– Accessible Activities
– Assistive Technology Demonstrations
– Event Emcee: Sam Seavey, founder of The Blind Life
– And more!
Learn More & Register Today: carroll.org/walk

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

Newton Open Studios 2026
2026-05-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-31 11:00 - 17:00 | Various Locations Across Newton, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Newton Open Studios returns this spring, celebrating nearly 30 years of connecting artists and the community through a vibrant, citywide open studios weekend.
This year, approximately 110 artists will exhibit in homes, private studios, and group locations across Newton, with the New Art Center (61 Washington Park in Newtonville) serving as one of the major host sites, featuring 20 local artists under one roof. Visitors can explore a wide range of artwork, meet artists in person, and plan their route using the interactive online map, with signature red balloons marking each location.
The event takes place May 30 and 31st, Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, offering a welcoming opportunity to experience Newton’s creative community while supporting local artists and businesses.
For more information about attending or participating, visit the Newton Open Studio website here.

The Hyde Community Center Presents 4th Annual Newton Highlands Klezmer in the Park
2026-06-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands, MA, 02461, United States
Join us for music, dancing, and fun for the whole family at the 4rd annual Newton Highlands Klezmer Dance!
We’ll dance the evening away on the field in front of the Hyde Community Center Bandstand to the sounds of the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music All Stars.
Last year’s klezmer dance saw about 300 people at the Hyde. This year, let’s see if we can get even more friends, family, and neighbors to join in the fun.
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Huge thanks to our sponsors and supporters, without whom this could not happen: The Boston Festival of New Jewish Music, the Newton Cultural Council, The Massachusetts Cultural Council, Spark Newton, and the Boston Synagogue.
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FAQs
Do I need to reserve tickets?
– No. But your registering lets us send you a reminder about the event and any notes about the weather or other updates.

Is it free?
– Yes. But it’s definitely not free to produce, so your donations are always welcome.

Are kids allowed?
– Absolutely. This is a family-friend event. Plus, there’s a playground on the side of the field.

Do I have to dance?
– No. You’re welcome to hang out and listen to the music.

What if I want to dance but don’t know how?
– Never fear. We’ll teach you!

Do I have to be Jewish to dance to klezmer music?
– Of course not. The music and dances come from Ashkenazi Jewish culture but we welcome everyone to join in the fun.

Is there food?
– While there is not food provided at the bandstand, there are plenty of restaurants offering takeout within a four minute walk.

Are there restrooms at the bandstand?
– Restrooms are available inside the community center behind the bandstand.
