Kathryn Gearon Artist Reception

Join us for a reception celebrating Standing Still, a new exhibit by painter Kathryn Gearon. The Providence native's process-based abstract paintings explore landscapes in all their forms — urban, geographical, imagined, and emotional — alongside the environmental forces that shape them. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free; registration is required. <a href="https://newtonculturalalliance.ticketspice.com/kathryn-gearon-artist-reception">Click here to register.</a>

The Allen Center

Brush & Lens

Join us at The&nbsp;Allen Center 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. <a href="https://newtonculturalalliance.ticketspice.com/brush-lens">Click here to register.</a>

Ari & Mia

Sister duo Ari Friedman (cello &amp; voice) and Mia Friedman (fiddle &amp; voice) bring their chamber-folk magic to the stage in a special CD release celebration! Hailed as "strikingly beautiful, distinctive and exhilarating" (No Depression), Ari &amp; Mia weave original compositions with Southern and Northeastern fiddle traditions and the early American songbook into something entirely their own. Don't miss this wonderful Cherry Street Music performance at The Allen Center! <a href="https://newtonculturalalliance.ticketspice.com/ari-mia-">Click here for tickets.</a>

Allison Eldredge & Pei-Shan Lee

Cellist Allison Eldredge and pianist Pei-Shan Lee perform Beethoven's celebrated cello sonatas— works renowned for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and bold, innovative structures that offer a profound window into Beethoven's humanity and genius. This performance is part of The Allen Center's Cherry Street Music concert series with artistic director Allison Eldredge. <a href="https://newtonculturalalliance.ticketspice.com/allison-eldredge-and-pei-shan-lee">Click here for tickets.</a>

The Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival Thursday, May 28 | 6:30-9:30 PM The Newton Cultural Alliance invites you to its 12th Annual Strawberry Festival—an evening of flavor, music, and community celebration. Enjoy curated tastings featuring wine and chocolate, signature cocktails, and live music, along with a silent auction and an exciting Raise the Paddle moment. Don’t miss one of the year’s most anticipated social soirées—tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Reserve yours today! <a href="https://theallencenter.auctria.events/">https://TheAllenCenter.auctria.events</a>

The Black Feathers

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.

Lydian String Quartet

The Naumburg Award–winning Lydian String Quartet, Ensemble in Residence at The Allen Center, will present an evening of exceptional chamber music. The program features Schubert’s Quartettsatz, Lembit Beecher Juniper and Birch (2024, commissioned by the Lydian String Quartet), and Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 2. We invite you to join us for this intimate and engaging concert, followed by a reception and an opportunity to meet the artists.

A Scottish Cèilidh with Summer McCall

Part of The Allen Center's Cherry Street Music series, A Scottish Cèilidh is an evening of Gaelic folk music and dance led by caller Summer McCall and her band. Pronounced “KAY-lee,” a cèilidh is a traditional Scottish (and Irish céilí) social gathering centered on lively, inclusive group dancing. Guided by a caller who explains each step, the event welcomes dancers of all ages and experience levels — no prior experience is necessary. Summer McCall has been an active member of Boston’s Celtic music community since 2019 and is a regular session musician on fiddle and cello. She serves as director of the Boston Celtic Music Festival, presented annually by Club Passim. Her band features Elizabeth Anderson (fiddle), Adam Hendey (guitar), Stephen Thomsforde (pipes), and Simon Lace (drums). We hope you'll join us for this upbeat evening of music and dance!

Karen Walwyn

Karen Walwyn Sunday March 22, 3:00 pm Steinway pianist Dr. Karen Walwyn returns to The Allen Center for an illuminating lecture-recital celebrating the incredible life and works of Florence Price. A leading expert on&nbsp;Price’s music, Dr. Walwyn recorded the world&nbsp;premiere of Price's&nbsp;Concerto in One Movement&nbsp;with the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble at the Center for Black Music Research in 2011. Her April 9, 2022 release of Price’s complete solo piano works garnered two five-star reviews from&nbsp;Fanfare, with critics praising her as “perfectly attuned” to the composer’s voice and describing the recording as “a marvelous release.” Dr. Walwyn serves as a Mellon Faculty Fellow and Professor of Music at Berklee College of Music. We hope you'll join us for this special opportunity to hear Walwyn's brilliant and exciting&nbsp;interpretations of Florence Price.

Orli Shaham

Orli Shaham Monday March 16, 7:30 pm Join us for an extraordinary evening with acclaimed pianist Orli Shaham performing in the intimate elegance of The Allen Center’s Great Hall. Celebrated worldwide for her grace, subtlety, and brilliance, Ms. Shaham has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and appeared in recital on the most prestigious stages—from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. Critics have been unequivocal in their praise: The New York Times hails her as a “brilliant pianist,” Chicago Tribune calls her a “first-rate Mozartean,” and London's Guardian described her performance at the Proms as “perfection.” Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience Ms. Shaham’s remarkable artistry up close in an unforgettable performance.

Yuki Yoshimi

As part of the&nbsp;Cherry Street Music&nbsp;concert series, 25-year-old piano sensation Yuki Yoshimi takes the stage at&nbsp;The Allen Center&nbsp;for an unforgettable evening of Mozart, Bartók, and Schumann. Yoshimi captured international attention when he became the youngest-ever winner of the 86th Music Competition of Japan at just 17. Since then, he has earned top prizes in major competitions including a Silver Medal at the Manhattan International Music Competition and semifinalist appearances at the Queen Elisabeth, Naumburg, and Gina Bachauer International Piano Competitions. He has performed with leading orchestras across Japan and Europe including the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie. A student of acclaimed New England Conservatory professor Alexander Korsantia, Yoshimi brings both dazzling virtuosity and profound musical insight to every performance. Don’t miss this extraordinary young artist as he performs on The Allen Center’s magnificent Steinway concert grand piano, generously on loan from M. Steinert &amp; Sons—an evening of brilliance, passion, and breathtaking artistry awaits!

From Scotland to America

The Allen Center&nbsp;presents a spirited evening of Scottish and American traditional tunes reimagined by Boston's fiddling finest: Kathleen Parks, Jenna Moynihan, and friends. Part of the&nbsp;Cherry Street Music&nbsp;concert series, expect an evening of high-energy music and camaraderie. Curated by Larry Bethune—the irreplaceable Newton resident, former Berklee VP and authority on Scotland and its musical traditions—this program promises fun, excitement, and extraordinary musicianship! For this performance, The Allen Center will transform into a pub setting with appropriate food and beverage available.

Lydian String Quartet- Open Rehearsal #3

The Naumberg Award-winning&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lydianquartet.com/">Lydian String Quartet</a>, recently named Ensemble in Residence at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newtonculture.org/">The Allen Center</a>, will deliver the third of four interactive open rehearsals taking place throughout the year. Currently rehearsing music from&nbsp;Beethoven String Quartets Opus 59 #3 and Opus 95&nbsp;(program subject to change), expect the musicians to start and stop, discuss phrase shaping and dynamics, and talk between each other. Enjoy the freedom to move around and get up close to the players for this "behind the scenes" look into their rehearsal process. Presented by Cherry Street Music. Tickets: www.newtonculture.org

Lydian String Quartet: An Open Rehearsal

The Naumberg Award-winning<a href="http://www.lydianquartet.com/"> Lydian String Quartet</a>, recently named Ensemble-in-Residence at<a href="http://www.newtonculture.org/"> The Allen Center</a>, will deliver the second of four interactive open rehearsals taking place throughout the year, presented by Cherry Street Music. Currently working their way through The Beethoven String Quartets, expect the musicians to start and stop, discuss phrase shaping and dynamics, and talk between each other. Enjoy the freedom to move around and get up close to the players for this "behind the scenes" look into their rehearsal process.

Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair 2025

Join the NCA on December 7th for a one-day artisan shopping event at Newton South High School October 15, 2025 (Newton, MA) — The Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair returns this year on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, offering an inspiring day of community, creativity, and holiday cheer. Hosted by the Newton Cultural Alliance, this beloved annual event brings together some of the region’s most talented artists and makers for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. If you’re looking for thoughtful, handmade gifts that stand apart from the ordinary, Celebrate Newton is the perfect destination. From cozy scarves and unique jewelry to beautifully crafted ceramics, fine woodwork, and wearable textiles, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list. This year, we’re thrilled to feature over 50 exhibitors with a focus on fine artists offering handcrafted works and other imaginative gift ideas that capture the spirit of the season. 📅 Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM* - new end time! 📍 Location: Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road, Newton, MA 💲 Admission is $7 with all proceeds supporting the Newton Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and promoting arts and culture in Newton. 🚗Free parking is available on-site. What to Expect: ✨ Over 50 local artisans showcasing original crafts, art, home décor, jewelry, textiles, and more 🎶 Live music to set the festive mood 🎁 Holiday gift wrapping station 🎨 A focus on fine art and creative craftsmanship — from functional pieces to one-of-a-kind works of art Celebrate Newton isn’t just about shopping—it’s about celebrating local creativity, connecting with artists, and embracing the holiday season together. For more information, visit https://www.celebratenewton.com/ or contact us at info@newtonculture.org.

Newton South High School

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.

theallencenter

Experiences