Newton Arts & Culture

09/14/2026

Newton is looking for its first poet laureate! If you're a poet who wants to apply--or if you just want to hear more about what a poet laureate does--you're invited to an information session to learn about what the position of poet laureate entails, learn about the application process, and ask any questions you may have.

Newton Poet Laureate Information Sessions
Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm at the Newton Free Library
Thursday, September 17 at 2pm at the Newton Free Library
Monday, September 28 at 7pm, virtual

More info here: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/arts-and-culture/newton-poet-laureate

09/14/2026

Summer may be over but the fun isn’t! Grab some dinner and stop by the Plaza for an hour of popular rock, pop, country favorites with Amy Thomason. Tuesday, September 15, 5:30 to 6:30, at the Newton Centre Plaza!

09/11/2026

Sign up now to participate in this ghoulishly great Newton tradition!!

Spooky season is approaching, which means registration is officially open for the City of Newton's Halloween Window Painting Contest!

Now in its 27th year, Halloween Window Painting is a beloved annual tradition in Newton. Students in grades 3-8 create public art by painting Halloween-themed artwork on merchants’ windows in seven Newton village centers. This is an opportunity for our community to celebrate Halloween and our talented student artists.

Heads up: this program always fills up quickly, so register ASAP on the City's website here: https://newtonma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30674

Spark Newton is proud to be the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sponsor supporting Newton’s Arts & Culture Department’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest throughout our village centers.

Newton Arts & Culture

09/04/2026

Plaza Tuesdays are returning this fall!

Please join us on the Newton Centre Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 each Tuesday from September 15 through October 6 for an hour of entertainment, fun, and relaxation. This is a great opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones.

We have a great lineup:

September 15: Amy Thomason, vocals and keyboard

September 22: Trench Coats

September 29: Memo Rubio, finger style guitar

October 6: The All Newton Music School Faculty Jazz Trio

While you're in Newton Center, grab dinner from one of the many eateries to enjoy on the plaza or make an evening of it by dining out after. See ya on the plaza!

09/01/2026

Halloween Window Painting is a beloved annual tradition in Newton. Students in grades 3-8 create public art by painting Halloween-themed artwork on merchants' windows in seven Newton village centers.

Painting will take place October 24 from 9 am to 4 pm (rain date October 25). Information and registration link here: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/parks-recreation-culture/cultural-development/halloween-window-painting We encourage you to register early for this popular program!

08/06/2026

Join us for the last Newton Centre Bowl concert of the season on Sunday, August 9, featuring the Ruth and Ben String Band. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a beach chair or blanket, and get ready for a wonderful show, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. The Bowl is right off of Tyler Terrace in Newton Centre, next to the Hut.
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08/01/2026

This Sunday, spend your evening at the Newton Centre Bowl with Hurry Sundown! 🎶

Starting at 6 PM, this Boston-based band brings their unique blend of country-inspired rock and rock-inspired country to the stage. Pick up dinner from one of Newton’s local eateries, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy a fun night of live music and community.

Performances in the Park is a program of the City of Newton . Thank you to Spark Newton, our Lead Guitar Sponsor.

08/01/2026

he Newton Department of Arts and Culture invites artists to submit original artwork for display at Newton City Hall— our majestic civic center.

Selected artists will have the opportunity to display their work in one of three separate gallery spaces at City Hall.

Application deadline: August 20.

More info: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/arts-and-culture/art-galleries/city-hall-galleries/city-hall-galleries-call-for-art

07/25/2026

This Sunday, experience the genre-transcending authentic sound of Los Sugar Kings, an Afro-Cuban, reggae, and rock band bringing their high energy live performance to the Newton Centre Bowl at 6pm.

It’s guaranteed to be a great time, so don’t miss it!

Spark Newton is proud to support Newton Arts & Culture‘s Performances in the Park Summer Concert Series as the Lead Guitar Sponsor.

Los Sugar Kings