Newton Cultural Alliance

Historic Newton presents: Virtual Paddle Tour of the Charles River
2021-07-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
From the 1880s through the 1920s, summer weekends brought thousands of boats to the “Lakes District” of the Charles River between Newton Lower Falls and Waltham. Follow along as we paddle past sites of historic interest in this area, including the former Norumbega Park, now the subject of Historic Newton’s new book. Also step into the boathouse that was once the headquarters of a police patrol on the river. This virtual tour with Paddle Boston is supported in part by Newton Wellesley Hospital and a grant from the Newton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Register in advance to receive the Zoom link.

New Art Center presents: Art Education as Self Care
2021-07-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-08-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-08-11 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Art education + creativity exercises + stress relief + group discussions = this workshop series! If you’re looking for intellectual stimulation that doesn’t feel hard, if you’re hoping for a burst of creativity in the middle of your workday, if you’re looking for the soothing effects of art — look no further. Join a small group of fellow art enthusiasts and/or new art lovers for a 2 month exploration into how a little bit of art education combined with reflection provides YOU with a refreshing and inspiring experience … all in one hour per week! Each session will consist of a facilitated discussion about a piece of art using Visual Thinking Strategies, after which the conversation segues into writing/reflective exercises, creativity prompts, and group investigations into self-analysis. Furthermore, you’ll improve your listening and communication skills as well as your ability to talk about art, its expression and interpretation. Give yourself the self-care you need in a creative way.
Click here to sign up.

Newton Free Library presents: Make a Pollinator Hotel
2021-07-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us at the library for our first in-person MakerSpace program! We’ll use materials like paper, branches, and other natural objects to create unique pollinator hotels. These hotels will hopefully attract local solitary bees and other helpful critters to your yard!
We’ll have tools and supplies at the library, but we encourage you to bring your own materials and tools to share. Some examples of useful things to bring:

Reclaimed wood (old drawers, small crates and planks, etc.)
Pinecones
Straw
Tin cans (empty and rinsed)
Newspaper

Historic Newton presents: Book Launch - An Evening at Norumbega Park
2021-08-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA, 02466, United States
A nostalgic return to the fun-loving days of historic Norumbega Park and the Totem Pole Ballroom to celebrate Historic Newton’s new book!

From its Grand Opening in 1897 to when the gates closed forever in 1963, Norumbega Park by the Charles River in Auburndale was the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and fun-lovers. The park hosted canoeing, amusement rides, explorations through its zoo and gardens, and live entertainment from nationally renowned big bands in the elegant Totem Pole Ballroom (once called “America’s most beautiful ballroom”).
Escape from everyday life with us on Sunday, August 1st, to the actual site of the former park, for a nostalgic celebration of Historic Newton’s new book, Norumbega Park and the Totem Pole Ballroom, published by Arcadia Publishing and featuring more than 200 images from Historic Newton’s archives.
As you enter, get serenaded by a Barbershop Quartet. Enjoy beer, wine, and amusement park food — anybody up for cotton candy, fried dough, and ice cream? — in the beautiful, riverside garden party setting as you’re treated to magic and acrobatic performances, along with a chance to meet the book’s authors, Sara Goldberg and Clara Silverstein.
General Admission tickets are $50 each for access to all food, wine/beer, and entertainment.
Individual Sponsor tickets are $125 each, which includes an additional tax deductible donation to Historic Newton. Sponsor ticket holders will receive special acknowledgment in our event program and a signed copy of the book!
Click here to register.

New Arts Center presents: Outdoor Landscape Painting
2021-08-03 09:30 - 12:30, 2021-08-10 09:30 - 12:30, 2021-08-17 09:30 - 12:30, 2021-08-24 09:30 - 12:30 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
This class for acrylic and/or oil painters will explore the unique challenges of landscape painting and provide students with the skills to render space two-dimensionally. We will be working outdoors, or if the weather is bad, working indoors using photographs and books. Students will learn composition, light, and shading, and the effects of light on color to create a dynamic series of landscapes. Class demonstrations will focus on subject selection, under-painting, personal expression, and creating a sense of space. One-on-one and group critiques will help students take their work to a new level.
Click here to register.

Historic Newton presents: That's Entertainment - Norumbega Park's History of Fun
2021-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Learn about popular American entertainment by following Norumbega Park from its start as a “trolley park” at the end of the Commonwealth Avenue streetcar line through its heyday as an escape for young people to explore independence and love at the Totem Pole Ballroom. Images from “Norumbega Park and the Totem Pole Ballroom,” a book by Clara Silverstein and Sara Goldberg of Historic Newton, illustrate this romp through 66 years of fun on the banks of the Charles River in Newton. Register through the Newton Free Library.

Scavenger Hunt at the Newton Free Library
2021-08-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Are you ready for a Scavenger Hunt at the Library! Come to the Children’s Desk anytime between 9am and 12pm and pick up a sheet with clues to find objects and images around the children’s area. When you are done you will get to take home a special animal sticker of your choosing. This program is part of our Tail and Tales Summer Reading program. To sign up for summer reading click here.

Hyde Community Center presents: Gringo Kings Concert
2021-08-13 18:00 | Hyde Bandshell, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
Join the Hyde Community Center for a concert by the Gringo Kings, as part of the Summer in the Highlands series.
All Movies and Concerts are free and take place outside on the Hyde Playground. Sponsors: The Village Bank, Newton Community Pride, Wholefoods Market, Newton Wellesley Hospital, O’Hara’s, Pine Village Preschool, Newton Cultural Council. For more information 617-201-7088 or hydehighlands@gmail.com.

Boston Ballet's Back-to-School Open Houses
2021-08-14 | Boston Ballet School, 153 Needham St, Suite N101, Newton Highlands, MA, 02464, United States
Children ages 16 months-7 years old are invited to experience a free sample class led by expert Boston Ballet School faculty, learn more about school year programming, and take a tour of the studios. Register here.
Saturday, July 24
Newton Studio – 153 Needham Street
10 am: 16 months-age 2
11 am: Ages 3-4
12 pm: Ages 5-7
Saturday, August 14
Boston Studio – 19 Clarendon Street
10 am: 16 months-age 2
11 am: Ages 3-4
12 pm: Ages 5-7

Newton Free Library presents: Ed Popielarczyk - Magic Show
2021-08-16 16:30 - 17:00 | Hyde Bandshell, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
Bring the whole family together for an afternoon filled with magic and wonder! Ed Popielarczyk is a professional magician, balloon sculptor, and storyteller who has been entertaining children and family audiences for over 35 years. His magic show uses a lot of audience participation so don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun! Rain Date is Tuesday, August 17 at 4:30pm.
This concert will take place at the Hyde Bandstand and Playground. This event is taking place on public grounds and does not require registration. Your Friends’ membership made this program possible. Join us!
A big thank you to the Hyde Community Center for helping organize this event and working with us to use the space. Additional thanks to The Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.

Newton Free Library's End of Summer Celebration - Minute to Win It!
2021-08-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Celebrate the end of our Tails & Tails summer with space themed Minute To Win It games and ice cream! The idea is to complete challenges in under a minute using simple, everyday items. Meet us in the Teen Area to head outside for fun and ice cream! For tweens and teens entering grades 6-12.

NewTV's Summer Photo Contest
2021-08-19, 2021-08-20, 2021-08-21, 2021-08-22, 2021-08-23, 2021-08-24, 2021-08-25, 2021-08-26 and 2 more dates | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Join in on the fun by voting in NewTV’s Summer Photo Contest. Amazing entries from all over Newton have been submitted and are waiting for your verdict. Voting ends Friday, September 3, and winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 7. Choose the best overall image and the “in and around Newton” favorite by casting your ballot here.

Newton Free Library presents: Graphic Novel Trivia for Kids and Families
2021-08-24 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Can’t get enough of Dogman, Lunch Lady, or Narwhal and Jelly? Come to our Graphic Novel Trivia night just for kids and their families! No restrictions on team size. One registration per team. A reminder email and the Zoom link will be sent out the day before the event. Registration is required and will close on August 23 at 7:00pm.

NewTV presents Cones 'n Cars Ice Cream Social
2021-08-25 17:00 - 19:30 | NewTV, 23 Needham St, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
NewTV will host an end-of-summer Ice Cream Social. Dust off your saddle shoes and iron the poodle skirt for Cones ‘n Cars, a 1950s-themed ice cream social and classic car show! Enjoy a scoop or two from Cabot’s and the RCN Ice Cream Truck, or try some baked goods while you peruse some souped-up rods provided by the Boston Cup Classic Car Show. Register here to attend this free event.

Newton Free Library presents: Coral Reef Canvas Painting
2021-08-27 15:00 - 16:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Paint a coral reef and sea life on a canvas! Looking up from the bottom of the sea we will create a painting using dramatic silhouettes of coral reef and sea life in black paint. Using different tones of blue mixed with white, your eye will be drawn to the starburst of sunlight above. This is a virtual event. Materials will be available for pick up a week prior to the event. For rising 6th-12th graders. Register here.

Black Velvet Band at the Hyde Community Center
2021-08-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Hyde Bandshell, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
During the summer, the Hyde Community Center hosts an outdoor summer family concert and movie series on Friday nights, featuring local bands and family-friendly films. A few times throughout the summer, the bandstand is used to stage live theater productions, and story-telling. These free events held in the Hyde Playground on the Hyde Community Center bandstand draw hundreds of local families.
On August 27th, come see the Black Velvet Band, followed by a showing of Mrs. Doubtfire.
