Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts Kickoff w/ The New Philharmonia Orchestra

Kickoff the start of the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts in Style with the New Philharmonia Orchestra! Spring has arrived, and so has the Linda Plaut Newton Festival of the Arts! We’re opening the season in grand style! New Philharmonia Orchestra &amp; Friends present Music for All! With soaring acoustics of the War Memorial Auditorium, world-class musicians and critically acclaimed soloists - it will be an evening that reminds us why live music moves the soul. Music for All is a family-friendly concert featuring soprano Olga Lisovska and includes joyous brass, soulful strings and fabulous voices. The evening promises a perfect way to welcome spring and kick off the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts. There will be a community sing-a-long and an Instrument Petting Zoo at the end of the performance. Spark Newton would like to thank Maestro Jorge Soto, Music, Arts &amp; Fashion Productions, WeStar Music Academy and Boston International Music Competition for their participation. Presented by Spark Newton in collaboration with the City of Newton. Free admission. All are welcome.

Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium

WinterFEST Soup Social

Join us for an evening of enjoying soup from Newton's local restaurants! **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. This event features soup, hot chocolate, and ice cream donated by local restaurants and served by Newton notables. We’ll enjoy live music and a visit from Olaf from Frozen for the kids. Green Newton will host compostable bins for this eco friendly event.&nbsp;Come early while soup lasts! This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

Hyde Community Center

WinterFEST Family Dance Party

Bring the kids to enjoy a Family Dance Party with the Stacey Peasley Band, Olaf, and winter craft activities! **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. Live music from the Stacey Peasley Band! Dance along with Olaf, and enjoy winter craft activities. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

New Art Center

WinterFEST Free Screening of Abominable at West Newton Cinema

Join us for this free screening of Abominable (2019) with free popcorn at the West Newton Cinema! Bring the kids along to this free screening of Abominable (2019) with free popcorn on Sunday morning. In the event the film sells out, we will hold your free reserved ticket for up to ten minutes&nbsp;before&nbsp;showtime.&nbsp;For those that don't have a ticket, we will start a waitlist in person at the theater for unclaimed tickets. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

West Newton Cinema

WinterFEST Kids Activity at the Newton Free Library

Join us for kid-friendly craft activities and games at the library! Join us to celebrate Spark Newton's WinterFEST with Family Fun, Winter Wonderland edition. Drop in anytime in the hour for self directed activities, crafts, and games for families with kids of all ages.&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/15616433">Check out the library's website for updates</a>. For the TEEN-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY, where teens will make snowglobes at the library, please register directly through the library's Website! Registration is required and space is extremely limited for preteens/teens in grades 5-12.&nbsp;Register here for the&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/15782022">Saturday snowglobe session</a>&nbsp;and register here for the&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/15930978">Sunday snowglobe session</a>. Registration for the all ages activity is encouraged but not required. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA. Show less Category:&nbsp;Family &amp; Education, Children &amp; Youth

Newton Free Library

WinterFEST 2026 – Global Grooves Warm the WinterFEST Stage

Experience Women in World Jazz on the Newton Community Stage, an all‑female international ensemble bringing global rhythms to Newton.&nbsp;This dynamic performance celebrates women’s contributions to music and culture, featuring an eclectic mix of styles—from the rhythms of Cuba’s cha cha and Cape Verde’s Coladeira to the melodies of Israel, Brazil, and Japan, all infused with classic jazz favorites. Perfect for the whole family, the concert blends live music, storytelling, and dance to transport audiences around the world through sound. Each performer is a seasoned musician and educator from the New England area, united by a shared passion for connecting cultures through the universal language of music. Come experience the joy, energy, and global harmony of&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fitqoyagab.cc.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001wAOAfB3MpDcGsCcMkLUDT2BeoeyE3WEj0nCgpyx4k5QExiz8fiElVmaJ1fSoMzv8vm9OQlxo6YcGWmaOX3rJ2U9knPTWJFBWRdzvZ60hgboDzvoSa5Fj_FIhxDRE4r_UvWYYl4m0b5tYw6F0zl9jbeX85xfczCDE%26c%3DjZB1gbxhlD2uUSJ2HMhdaDcn3FK0NiB_aL3wxLR39t14py5PjZojhA%3D%3D%26ch%3DJ-cqIXPsT6DC00bfCxffCLijuusgcNpNoUkz8LCdu6sDhKdZKQtFXg%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C02%7Camenon%40newtonma.gov%7C2d295d635da340e9d49b08de3399d7f3%7C2a3929e0ccb54fb381402e2562c90e96%7C0%7C0%7C639004933003341927%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=tVy9lTWZ%2FU50pRZYYEM9guJRhmNgmKOcEds2J3kBA%2Fs%3D&amp;reserved=0">Women in World Jazz</a>—a celebration not to be missed! Presented by the City of Newton’s Cultural Development Department and sponsored by Spark Newton, The Village Bank, and the UPS Store, Newton Centre. This concert is free and open to the public

Newton Community Stage

WinterFEST Flower Pressing Workshop with Derby Farm Flowers

Join us at Derby Farm Flowers in Newton for this interactive, all ages workshop! **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. In this workshop, you'll learn how to press flowers into paper and turn them into an art piece to take home. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens at Piccadilly Square

WinterFEST 2026 – Story Time Event with Sammy!

Calling all young bookworms!&nbsp; Bookseller Sammy is also a nature educator and author of the book, Nature Activity Book for Little Ones: 100+ Activities for Everyday Outdoor Fun. Join us at&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonvillebooks.com/event/2026-01-24/winterfest-storytime-sammy">Newtonville Books</a>&nbsp;as Sammy leads a winter storytime and nature craft activity. Celebrate winter in Newton with SparkNewton’s Winterfest! Registration is encouraged but not required.

Newtonville Books

WinterFEST Storytime with Sammy at Newtonville Books

Bring the young ones to sit and listen to a story. **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. Calling all young bookworms! Bookseller Sammy is also a nature educator and author of the book, Nature Activity Book for Little Ones: 100+ Activities for Everyday Outdoor Fun. Join us at&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonvillebooks.com/event/2026-01-24/winterfest-storytime-sammy">Newtonville Books</a>&nbsp;as Sammy leads a winter storytime and nature craft activity. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

WinterFEST 2026 – Hot Cocoa & Cool Jazz at the Snowflake Ice Bar

Start your Saturday in style with the Newtonville Area Council. Indulge in complimentary hot chocolate, capture a stunning photo moment at the snowflake ice bar, and let the vibrant rhythms of ZOZA Jazz set the tone for a bright WinterFEST morning.

Austin Street Plaza

WinterFEST Winter Walk

[UPDATE: this event has been CANCELLED due to extreme freezing weather. Please join us at our other WinterFEST events taking place the weekend of Jan 23-25 across various venues around Newton! https://sparknewton.org/happenings/winterfest-2026/ ] Join us for a free all ages winter walk in Newton! **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. Join us for a refreshing Winter Walk with Newton Conservators and Friends of Cold Spring Park. Bring the kids along to meet and greet with Olaf at the start and complete a scavenger hunt along the path. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

Cold Spring Park

WinterFEST Outdoor Kickoff Event

Kickoff our beloved annual winter celebration! **Registration for this event is encouraged but not required Dress warm and bring the whole family to this outdoor event featuring:<ul><li>live ice sculpture carving,</li><li>the return of the <a href="https://www.tovaspeter.com/brighter-ignited">Brighter Ignited</a> interactive public art display,</li><li>A capella performances from the Highland Glee Club Men's Chorus,</li><li>free hot chocolate,</li><li>glow sticks,</li><li>Olaf from Frozen,</li><li>and a Blanket Drive for <a href="https://www.welcomehomemass.org/">Welcome Home</a> </li></ul>To donate to Welcome Home's Blanket Drive, please bring new or gently used full, queen or king blankets (no rips or stains) to the Newton Centre Green and drop off at the Welcome Home bin on Friday, January 23 from 5-6:30pm. Welcome Home is a Newton non-profit providing families experiencing hardship with high quality household items. This event is part of WinterFEST, an annual three day celebration that aims to foster community and spark connection through arts and cultural programming. All WinterFEST events are free and accessible, and all are welcome to attend. This festival is sponsored by Spark Newton, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Newton, MA.

Newton Centre Green

Newton Festival of the Arts Community Dance Party Kickoff

Join Newton Community Pride and The City of Newton/Cultural Development on Saturday, May 17, 2025 to celebrate and kick off the 10th Annual Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts. Bring your cowboy boots and hats and get ready to two step the night away to the tunes of Surefire Band. Line dancing instruction provided by Paul Hughes from 7-8pm to help you get into the swing of things. Let's start this local 6 week cultural event off with a bang! See you there.

City Hall War Memorial Auditorium

Celebrate Black History Month - An evening with Pianist Mark Copeland & Guests

Join us for an evening with Mark Copeland, a talented pianist, organist, composer, and educator. Mark, his musical trio, and three wonderful singers will perform various genres of music including gospel, soul, and smooth jazz. Registration is suggested but not required. Please register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-black-history-month-an-evening-w-pianist-mark-copeland-and-guests-tickets-1234721618599?aff=oddtdtcreator">here. </a>

The Allen Center

Celebrate Black History Month - Behind the Screen: Nickel Boys

Join us for a powerful panel discussion on The Nickel Boys, a film based on Colson Whitehead’s impactful novel. Hosted at West Newton Cinema, this event will explore the film’s profound themes through the lens of distinguished voices from film, theater, and history. Panelists include: Theodore “Regge” Life – Renowned filmmaker, educator, and Executive Director of Global Film Network Inc. Naheem Garcia – Celebrated actor and theater educator with a distinguished career in film and theater. Bradley Craig – Assistant Professor of History and African American &amp; Black Diaspora Studies at Boston University. Moderated by: Dr. Myisha S. Eatmon – Assistant Professor at Harvard University, specializing in African American history and law. The panel is free, but reservations are suggested as space is limited. The Nickel Boys will screen beofre the discussion at noon and you may purchase tickets for the film at <a href="https://ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/purchase/48589?siteToken=sq9871g21qvhktp727tnes3e3g">https://ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/purchase/48589?siteToken=sq9871g21qvhktp727tnes3e3g</a> Registration is suggested but not required. Please register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-black-history-month-panel-discussion-on-the-nickel-boys-tickets-1232108402399?aff=oddtdtcreator">here. </a>

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

joyraft.host59155

Experiences