Newton Cultural Alliance

The Allen Center Presents Brush & Lens: Artist Talk with Peter Vanderwarker and Sam Belisle
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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 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

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.

All Newton Music School Presents The Portland String Quartet
2026-05-30 16:00 - 17:30 | All Newton Music School, 321 Chestnut St, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
The Portland String Quartet’s final program of the 57th season promises to be a pure, weightless, soaring delight. Blending the luscious sounds of William Walton’s String Quartet in A minor, Haydn’s airy Quartet in C Major (Op. 33, No. 3 “the Bird”), and a volitant folk tune composed by the Danish String Quartet, Airborne is bound to sweep you right off your feet.
Featuring ANMS Faculty Kelly Knox, cello, alongside Callie Brennan, violin, and Brianna Fischler, viola, with Hannah Goldstick, guest violin.

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

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.
—
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.

The Highland Glee Club Presents Encore! Favorite Songs from Recent Seasons
2026-06-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Free Performance by The Highland Glee Club Men’s Chorus!
Join us for this very special recap of our favorites from recent concerts, featuring sea shanties, spring madrigals, and a cracker jack barbershop quartet!
At the beautiful Nordic Recital Hall at the Scandinavian Cultural Center in West Newton.

New Art Center Presents Creative Process 2026 Opening Reception
2026-06-18 17:30 - 19:30 | The New Art Corridor (Trio), 245 Walnut St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02460, United States
Join us for an opening reception as New Art Center proudly presents Creative Process, a community-wide exhibition celebrating artistic growth, learning, and discovery. Featuring artwork created between September 2024 and June 2026, the exhibition showcases the diverse voices and evolving talents of New Art students and faculty.
The exhibition includes work by children, teens, adults, and teaching artists across a variety of mediums, including painting, pastels, mixed media, and more. From early explorations to refined pieces, each work reflects experimentation, dedication, and the shared spirit of creativity that defines New Art.
