Newton Cultural Alliance

New Art Center presents Teen Build Your Art Portfolio class
2026-06-01 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-08 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-22 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-29 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) and 3 more dates | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Teen Build Your Art Portfolio class // All Levels // GR 8-12 // Mondays with Mattea Weinberg
This all-levels class is perfect for teens looking to build strong skills and prepare a competitive portfolio for college art programs. Students will draw from life, experiment with materials, and create meaningful, finished pieces—all with the support and guidance of an experienced instructor. Whether applying to art school or simply wanting to grow as an artist, this class offers the structure and feedback teens need to succeed.

Commonwealth Chorale Auditions
2026-06-02 17:30 - 21:30 | First Baptist Church in Newton, 848 Beacon St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We seek choral singers of all voice types, who have strong vocal and sight-reading skills.
Auditions will be held on May 26 and June 2 from 5:30pm until 9:30.
They are held at our rehearsal location at First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street in Newton Centre, a few minutes walk from the Newton Centre station on the MBTA Green Line D branch. There is also free parking in the church parking lot (accessed off Centre Street).
We have scholarships to reduce costs for singers 30 and under! See website for details: https://commonwealthchorale.com
To apply for an audition, click here: https://commonwealthchorale.com/join-us

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.
—
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.

Cherry Street Music Presents The Black Feathers
2026-06-06 19:30 - 21:30 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Back by popular demand, Welsh folk duo The Black Feathers return to The Allen Center’s Cherry Street Music concert series. Serenading audiences with original songs that feel both modern and ancient, you won’t want to miss these globe-trotting, talented troubadours. This Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program is generously supported by Spark Newton in partnership with The City of Newton.
Click here for tickets!

Suzuki School of Newton Presents Adult Student Recital
2026-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Suzuki School of Newton, 1615 Beacon St, Waban, MA, 02468, United States
Suzuki School of Newton Adult Student Recital
Friday, June 12, 7:00 pm
Head over to Suzuki School of Newton (Room 112) to hear adult music students perform! This is a fun opportunity to connect with fellow aspiring adult musicians and hear the repertoire they’ve been working on. Free to attend!
Click here for more info.

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.

Music at The Allen Center Presents "In an Instant" Sheffield Chamber Players
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
You are invited to a beautiful evening of chamber music at The Allen Center with Sheffield Chamber Players featuring Jessie Montgomery’s infectious Strum, the world premiere of This Is It, part 3, a major new work by Reena Esmail, and Schubert’s beloved Death and the Maiden. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online and at the door before the concert.
Click here for tickets.

Newton Highlands Village Day
2026-06-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands, MA, 02461, United States
Newton Highlands Village Day
Sunday, June 14, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join The Hyde Community Center as we celebrate community at the 49th Annual Newton Highlands Village Day happening along Lincoln Street between Walnut and Bowdoin. Stop by for great food, music, arts & crafts, and lots of fun for the whole family. Thanks to the generosity of the event sponsors, all kid activities are FREE! That includes bounce houses, caricatures, and face painting!
Click here for more info.

Historic Newton Presents Mellen Bray and the Union Street Historic District: A Newton Centre Walking Tour
2026-06-14 13:00 - 14:30 | United Kingdom
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.

Pro Arte's Conifer Quartet Presents Evergreen
2026-06-14 15:00 - 17:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra’s resident string quartet, the Conifer Quartet, presents an engaging program of music for strings.
JOHANNES BRAHMS String Quartet No. 3 in B-flat, Op. 67
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH String Quartet No. 7 in -sharp minor, Op. 108
FRANZ SCHUBERT Quartettsatz in C minor, D. 703
The Salon Series is Pro Arte’s chamber music concert series. Each performance features a select handful of musicians from Pro Arte’s cooperative along with occasional guest artists to present musical gems not featured in the full orchestral Ensemble Series. They are a perfect way get to know Pro Arte players better. If you haven’t been to one of these fun concerts, they are presented in a less formal manner and feature plenty of opportunity to interact with the musicians and to learn more about the music.

New Art Center Presents Queer Figure Drawing + Pop-Up Art Exhibit
2026-06-17 18:30 - 21:30 | New Art Center (61 Washington Pk, Newton MA), 61 Washington Park, Newton, M, 02460, United States
Join the New Art Center for a welcoming evening of figure drawing celebrating queer and diverse bodies and identities.
Two models will pose for a series of short and extended poses, offering participants the opportunity to explore gesture, form, and expression through live drawing.
Artists of all experience levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchbook and drawing materials, though a selection of supplies will also be available for experimentation.
Funded in part by Spark Newton as part of the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts, in collaboration with the City of Newton.
This drop-in program has a registration fee of $15. If the registration fee presents a barrier, please contact Marte Humbert at marte@newartcenter.org for financial assistance.
For artist interested in participating in our exhibition, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/fC7NoEMgc9f3GREJ7

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.

Newton Cemetery & Arboretum Presents Artist Talk with Kasey Kaufman
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Newton Cemetery and Arboretum, 791 Walnut St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02459, United States
Join Newton Cemetery & Arboretum Artist-in-Residence Kasey Kaufman for an artist talk on her ongoing Memory Quilt Project, an evolving series of mixed-media works composed of intimate “memory tiles” built from fragments—images of nature, place, objects, handwriting, and absence—layered together the way memory itself is formed: imperfectly, emotionally, and over time.
Inspired by the cemetery’s history and landscape—and by stories shared by families remembering loved ones buried there—the work reflects themes of grief, connection, love, and remembrance, and considers what remains after loss. Kasey will share images from the project, discuss her process and research, and reflect on how personal and collective memory shape the pieces.
Before becoming a full-time artist, Kaufman spent more than two decades as an award-winning television journalist at WBZ-TV. She now explores storytelling through paint, texture, and collage, exhibits throughout the East Coast, and is a member of the Copley Society of Art.
Parking is available in the parking lot next to the chapel.
Register in advance ~ Space is limited.
Donations gratefully accepted! Suggested donation: $15
Click here to register.

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.

21st Annual Concert to Benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Through the Pan-Mass Challenge
2026-06-19 19:30 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Allen Center presents the 21st Annual Pan-Mass Challenge Benefit Concert, raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Newton Cultural Alliance board member Sayuri Miyamoto (piano) and her husband, Joel Bard (oboe), will be joined by friends from the Boston and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras and the Lydian String Quartet. $35 ($10 for students) donation to register. Cash and Checks payable to Pan-Mass Challenge Accepted at the Door or donate online. All proceeds go directly to Dana-Farber through the Pan-Mass Challenge
The Program, Novelty and Nostalgia:
Grażyna Bacewicz Trio for Oboe, Violin, and Cello
Joel Bard, oboe
Jun-Ching Lin, violin
Joshua Gordon, cello
Andre Previn Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano
Joel Bard, oboe
Richard Ranti, bassoon
Sayuri Miyamoto, piano
Brahms Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 26
Jun-Ching Lin, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Joshua Gordon, cello
Sayuri Miyamoto, piano

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

West Newton Cinema Presents Rebel with a Clause - Open Caption
2026-06-20 16:00 - 17:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Rebel with a Clause – Open Caption
Saturday, June 20, 4:00 pm, West Newton Cinema
Directed by Brandt Johnson
Starring Brandt Johnson, Ellen Jovin
The grammar table is back at West Newton Cinema! Ellen will set up her nationally acclaimed Grammar Table one hour before the show to answer your most pressing grammar questions, resolve long-standing family grammar disputes, and take complaints. The June 20th screening with Rebel With a Clause will be Open Captioned. After the screening, please stick around for a Q&A with Brandt and Ellen, followed by a book signing of Ellen’s national bestseller, also called Rebel with a Clause.
ABOUT
Rebel with a Clause is a charming and insightful documentary that follows grammarian Ellen Jovin as she travels the country with her “Grammar Table,” sparking spontaneous conversations about commas, clauses, and the quirks of English with curious passersby. What begins as a playful educational project turns into a moving exploration of civility, curiosity, and the unexpected ways language brings people together.

Blue Heron Presents Spring Benefit: Binchois & Burgundy
2026-06-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Private Home in Newton Centre
Blue Heron Presents Spring Benefit: Binchois & Burgundy
Saturday, June 20, 4:00 pm
Join Artistic Director Scott Metcalfe and musicologist Sean Gallagher—co-editors of the new Binchois song edition—for an event detailing their work on the upcoming edition and collaborations with the Alamire Foundation (Leuven, Belgium).
Hear Binchois songs performed by Scott, Kim Leeds, and Allison Monroe, delight in an assortment of canapés and drinks—plus gain insider knowledge of what Blue Heron is planning for these next two years.
Just a small number of tickets are available for this intimate gathering in a private home. All proceeds benefit Blue Heron’s upcoming seasons of evocative, historically-informed performances.
Private home
Newton Centre, MA
Ample street parking
15-minute walk from the T
Tickets $100–$500
Click here for tickets.
