Concord, MA

Leading with Dignity Workshop Series
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Leading with Dignity
WORKSHOP SERIES
at Harvey Wheeler Community Center
1276 Main Street, West Concord
Free and open to the public

Join internationally recognized dignity expert Donna Hicks for a three-session workshop introducing practical tools from the Dignity Model to improve relationships at home, at work and throughout the community.

Thursday, April 16 6:30-8:30pm

Thursday, May 14 6:30-8:30pm

Thursday, June 11 6:30-8:30pm

HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
2026-05-14 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-17 15:00 - 17:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St., Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents HAIRSPRAY, directed and choreographed by Najee Brown. With big hair, big laughs, and even bigger heart, this joyous, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together, anything is possible.
Previews: Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25, 2026. Playing: Sunday, April 26, 2026 through Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street | Concord, MA
Hairspray, the Tony award winner based on the John Waters film, is a 1960s musical piled bouffant-high with revolutionary joy. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! The Color Purple choreographer Najee Brown makes his Umbrella directing debut with this big-hearted celebration of what happens when everyone gets a chance to dance.
Shows run Sunday at 3:00 PM, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM, and Saturday at 8:00 PM (with an exception for a 6:30 PM performance Sunday, May 3).
Special KidCare Shows on May 3 and May 17 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella’s classrooms with an experienced teacher.
Dinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances.
Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the New Line Cinema film, written and directed by John Waters.
HAIRSPRAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.org.

CYT Main Stage: The Pied Piper
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Concord Youth Theatre, 53 Church St., Concord, MA, 01742, United States
BUY TICKETS

The town of Hamelin has a big problem…rats! The famous Pied Piper comes to rid the town of the rats only to be cheated by the real rat in town, the town councilor. Join Cassie and the kids of Hamlin as they chase down the Piper and prove that you really can make your own story and create your own world.
This story of gratefulness, fairness and keeping promises has been told and retold over generations. Rediscover the Pied Piper in this engaging musical composed by Rene Pfister, with book and lyrics by Rene Pfister and Jan Mankowsky.

West Concord Art Loop
2026-05-16 | West Concord, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The second annual West Concord Art Loop is a temporary public art initiative that transforms sidewalks in West Concord village into an accessible, outdoor gallery featuring 130 original artworks by local artists of all ages and experience levels. Using custom, weather-resistant pavement decals installed throughout the retail district, the project encourages pedestrian exploration across downtown West Concord.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WEST CONCORD ART LOOP!
DATE: The installation will run from mid-May to mid-November, with a special ribbon-cutting and Art Loop scavenger hunt with prizes on Spring Into West Concord Junction Day, May 16 from 10 AM to 3 PM.
TIME: Dawn to Dusk
LOCATION: Decals will be placed on both sides of Commonwealth Avenue from Main Street to Laws Brook Road. The Art Loop may be started at any point along the route, but it is recommended to begin at the West Concord Train Station, 20 Commonwealth Avenue, Concord, MA 01742.
ACCESS: The West Concord Art Loop is ADA compliant. All sidewalks featuring artwork have accessible ramps.

This program is offered by the West Concord Cultural District Committee as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!

Second Annual Paul Revere’s Bike Ride
2026-05-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Concord Museum, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join us on a ride through the historic towns of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle on the second annual Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum. Starting at the Concord Museum near the historic town center, cyclists can choose to ride a 19 or 32 mile loop on paved roads, passing many Revolutionary landmarks like the North Bridge, the Lexington Green, the Paul Revere Capture Site, and much more!

Spring into West Concord Day!
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | West Concord, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join all of the West Concord businesses for our annual“Spring Into West Concord Day” on Saturday, May 16th!Lots to enjoy – music, art projects, crafts sales, sidewalk sales, face painting, plant sale….and more!Come support our West Concord businesses!
A NEW LEAF – Meg and friends will be at a Crafts table on the Green @13B Commonwealth Ave.
ANITA’S SHOE BOUTIQUE –
APPLETON DESIGN GROUP –
ART for ALL – @The Green at 13B Commonwealth Ave. The Concord 250 Lantern.
ART for ALL STUDIO –
ARTSCAPE GALLERY @BRADFORD MILL –
BAREFOOT BOOKS @ BRADFORD MILL – Storytime; Author book-signing event, and craft activity in the morning. Discounted shopping ’til 2
BELLE on HEELS – Music with a guitarist; treats and drinks.
CLAY-ART+CONCEPT – CLAY
CONCORD CHAMBER of COMMERCE –
CONCORD FLOWER SHOP –
CONCORD OUTFITTERS –
CONCORD TEACAKES – our handle is @concordteacakes on insta, facebook and tiktok
CONCORD VISITOR CENTER –
COSMETIC TATOO COMPANY – Facepainting – all ages!
CRAFT VENDORS – Assorted Craft vendors and non-profits will be located on the ‘Green’ at 13B Commonwealth Ave
DEBRA’S NATURAL GOURMET –
DOE + FAWN –
EVA’S LITTLE KITCHEN –
FOWLER LIBRARY –
JOY STREET Life and Home – our MASSIVE sidewalk sale with discounts up to 90%
LAWLESS UPHOLSTERY –
LAWLESS UPHOLSTERY Parking lot –
LOVEDAY –
MUSIC –
MUSIC – Becky and the Bards playing some foot-tapping tunes 12-2 @ the parking lot at Lawless Upholstery
NASHOBA BROOK BAKERY –
NATURE CONNECTION – Nature Explorations all day with a bunny feeding at 11:00 and a snake feeding at 1:00
NON-PROFITS – Several groups will be set-up with information tables/tents, located on the ‘Green’ at 13B Commonwealth Ave
OARS 3 RIVERS –
POTAGAR SOAP CO. –
PUCK & ABBY – Sidewalk sale (weather permitting)
REFLECTIONS of CONCORD –
SALT BOX KITCHEN –
VINTAGES/West Concord –
WAG ‘N WASH –
WEST CONCORD DUNKIN’ DONUTS –
WEST CONCORD GREEN THUMBS – PLANT SALE! Loads of plants – perennials, annuals, natives – from our gardens to yours! New volunteer sign-up on the ‘Green’ at 13B Commonwealth Ave
WEST CONCORD JUNCTION CULTURAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE –
WEST CONCORD PHARMACY –
WEST CONCORD WINE and SPIRITS –
WEST VILLAGE TAVERN –
WOODS HILL TABLE –

Barefoot Books Spring Open House
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | MA
Crafts, shopping, and story times at Barefoot Books. Plus, don’t miss a FREE concert for kids with Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds!
– Enjoy kid-friendly crafts & activities
– Shop from our collection of award-winning books for ages 0-12
– Enter our raffle to win a collection of books
– Light refreshments served
– Enjoy 20% off books and gifts
– FREE concert at 12 pm featuring Grammy award-winning and 3x Emmy award-nominated singer-songwriter, and author of Breathe Deep, Joanie Leeds at the future Guitar Museum of New England (74 Commonwealth Ave. Concord, MA)
In partnership with Spring into West Concord Day

Barefoot Books Family-Friendly Spring Open House
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Barefoot Books
breStop by our free, family-friendly event in partnership with Discover West Concord Day. Enjoy kid-friendly crafts & activities, shop from our collection of award-winning books for ages 0-12, and enjoy story times throughout the day. PLUS! Don’t miss GRAMMY® award-winning and 3x EMMY® award-nominated singer-songwriter and author of Barefoot book “Breathe Deep” Joanie Leeds performing at the Guitar Museum of New England. Exact timing of concert to come!

Barefoot Books is an award-winning, independent children’s publisher based in West Concord, MA with a mission to open hearts, minds, and worlds through the power of story. For over 30 years, Barefoot has created acclaimed picture books, board books, activity decks, singalongs, and educational resources for children ages 0–12.
DATE: ___day, May ##
TIME: 10 AM – 3 PM
LOCATION: Barefoot Books Home Office, 23 Bradford Street, Floor 2, Concord, MA 01742
ACCESS: For elevator access, use the main entrance at building 23.

This program is offered by Barefoot Books as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!

West Concord Green Thumb PLANT SALE!
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | West Concord, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join our 5th annual Plant Sale on “the Green” @ 13B Commonwealth Ave.
Hundreds of plants to choice from – from our gardens to yours!
Natives, perennials, annuals. All reasonably priced…and coloring books for kids!

Central Street Swap Meet
2026-05-16 11:00 - 16:00 | West Concord, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
West Concord is having a community yard sale!
West Concord, Saturday May 16. Rain day May 17.
11 AM – 4 PM.
OUR JUNK, YOUR TREASURE!

Hidden Gems from Guitar Museum of New England
2026-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Guitar Museum of New England (temporary location), 129 Commonwealth Avenue, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Special spring special pop-up exhibition and events series previewing the design, approach and exhibitions of the future Guitar Museum of New England in West Concord, the first and only permanently installed museum in the Americas exclusively dedicated to the guitar and find luthier craft.

Events range from master luthier and curator talks, musical performances, examples drawn from several distinctive guitar collections, and architectural and animated renderings of the future museum building.
Space is limited for some events and require RSVP online. Updates and event registration available at GuitarMuseum.org/events
DATES & TIMES
May 2 | 6:30 – 8 PM— Celtic harp performed by Jaimee Joroff
May 9 | 6:30 – 8 PM — Hidden Gems opening reception with live music by the Goodwin String Thing
May 16 | 4 – 8 PM — Meet the Curator with Wilson Schünemann
May 23 | 6:30 – 8 PM — Hidden Gems opening reception with live music by Pocket Square

LOCATION: Guitar Museum of New England, 129 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord, MA 01742
ACCESS: Building is not wheelchair accessible but inquire about portable ramp accommodation.

The Concord Orchestra presents “The Heavenly Life”
2026-05-16 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-17 14:30 - 16:00 | 51 Walden
The orchestra, conducted by Music Director Zeke Fetrow, performs Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with Ann Moss as soprano soloist. A pre-concert talk is scheduled for 7:15pm.
Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 is a comparatively short work, lasting less than an hour. The final movement of the symphony is a song “The Heavenly Life” with orchestral accompaniment, sung by a soprano. The words, which come from German folk poetry, are about a child’s naïve view of heaven.
In the three movements that lead up to this song, there are many pleasant tunes and the cozy sound of sleigh bells, but there are disquieting passages as well. For example, the second movement is a lively scherzo, but the principal violin plays an eerie solo that represents the devil’s fiddle. The moving third movement contrasts the serenity of heaven with the struggles of earthly life.
Soprano Ann Moss is an acclaimed recording artist, chamber musician, and champion of living composers. She has been a featured soloist with San Francisco Symphony, SF Chamber Orchestra, UC Berkeley Symphony, SF Contemporary Music Players, Music of Remembrance, and the Ives, Alexander, Lydian and Hausmann String Quartets.
Tickets for adults and seniors are $25. Admission for youth under 18 is free. For tickets and information, call 978-369-4967 or visit https://www.concordorchestra.com/heavenly-life.

Birding in Thoreau's Footsteps with Peter Alden and Lillian Stokes
2026-05-17 08:00 - 10:30 | walden pond state reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join local ornithologist, author, and naturalist Peter Alden for a guided walk at Walden.
Alden is the author of Audubon’s Field Guide to New England. Peter will be joined by friend
and frequent collaborator Lillian Stokes. Stokes has coauthored over 35 field guides.
Good walking shoes, water, binoculars, and bug spray are required.
This program is for ages 12+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions? Email walden.programs@mass.gov or call 978-405-2082.
This program is free; no registration required. Regular parking fees apply.
Co-sponsored by Friends of Walden Pond.

15th Anniversary: The Robbins House Move
2026-05-17 11:00 - 14:00 | MA
Join us as we mark the 15th anniversary of a milestone moment in Concord’s history—the relocation of the Robinson/Garrison family home to its current site and the opening of The Robbins House museum. The program includes a conversation with those who played a key role in the relocation, offering firsthand perspectives and stories from this important moment in the site’s history, as well as a special appearance by the Concord Minute Men.
Originally built in the early 1820s, the house was home to members of the Robbins and Garrison families, descendants of formerly enslaved people who established lives rooted in independence, land ownership, and community. After standing for decades at a different location, the house was saved from demolition in 2010 and carefully moved to Monument Street, where it was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 2011.

Guided Tours of the Ralph Waldo Emerson House
2026-05-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Emerson House
“In no other author can we get so close to the whole of the American spirit.”

James Truslow Adams, historian
The Ralph Waldo Emerson House was home to the writer from 1835 until his death in 1882. It was from here that Emerson established himself as an essayist, lecturer and poet, writing most of his enduring works at the round table in his study.
At the center of a renaissance in American ideas, the Emerson House saw the comings and goings of many of the literary and intellectual figures of the 19th century. Today, a National Historic Landmark, the house and grounds remain much as they were in Emerson’s lifetime. A unique blend of family home, museum and pilgrimage site, the Emerson House continues to draw visitors from around the world.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: rwema.org/events
DATE: Sunday, May 17
TIME: 1 – 4 PM; Tours begin on the hour.
LOCATION: Ralph Waldo Emerson House, 28 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742
ACCESS: The Emerson House is not wheelchair accessible. No public restrooms are available.emer

Photo courtesy of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association
This program is offered by the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures

More Joy, Less Oy!
2026-05-17 15:00 - 17:00 | CCHS, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
More Joy, Less Oy is back! Join us for an afternoon of connection, laughter, and storytelling. We will feature Moth-style true stories told live by members of the community that provide unique fragments of our daily experiences — heartfelt, funny, and drawn from the moments that stick with us.The theme of the event is traditions — the ones we inherit, the ones we create, and the ones that evolve over time. Come for the stories, and meet new people while you’re at it, as we celebrate the warmth, humor, and resilience woven through everyday life and friendship. Free. All are welcome.

Library Walking Club
2026-05-18 09:00 - 10:00 | West Concord, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Let’s move together! Join Concord Free Public Library staff to start your week with a walk along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Friends from Concord Recreation will join us to lead light stretching (starting around 8:45 AM) and to walk with us. Wear your sneakers, grab your walking poles, and bring a friend. All walking paces welcome.
We will meet at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail parking lot, near 50 Beharrell St, just beyond the Poetry Phone and the Minuteman Bike Share. So that we know to wait for you and to provide any weather-related updates, please register: cfpl.info/events. We will start walking by 9:05, so please do your best to arrive on time!
Questions? Email: fowler@concordlibrary.org or call 978-318-3350.

Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain - Tour!
2026-05-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a museum of trees teaching the world about plants. Join the COA as we drive through acres of green and walk among the flowers. After our visit to the Arboretum, we will stop for lunch at Pepe’s Pizza at the Chestnut Hill Mall. We’ll return to Concord by 3:00 PM. The cost of $35 includes transportation and lunch. Space is limited. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020 starting May 1st.

Chamber Morning Coffee at Concord’s Colonial Inn
2026-05-19 08:30 - 10:00 | Concord’s Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join us for a Chamber Morning Coffee at Concord’s Colonial Inn, Tuesday, May 19th, @ 8:30-10am. 48 Monument Square, Concord Center
Kickstart your day with coffee and conversations. Connect with local businesses, share ideas, and expand your network!

Chair Yoga with Erica at the Main Library
2026-05-19 13:30 - 14:30 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join local yoga instructor Erica for yoga with a chair. If you’ve felt that yoga is too challenging or you struggle to get on and off the floor, this class could be great for you. We will explore all the benefits of yoga in a supportive way using a chair. We will strengthen, balance, and stretch our bodies, find stillness in our minds, and fullness in our breath all while using a chair to explore traditional yoga poses and functional movement exercises. Options will be given for students to remain seated the whole class, or to explore some standing poses throughout.
Bio: A yoga student for 20 years and a teacher for over 18 years, Erica’s classes are uplifting and playful, yet rooted in functional movement and the great inquiry of the self. In addition to being a yoga teacher, Erica is an acupressure practitioner and has studied anatomy, therapeutics and functional movement extensively. She is passionate about working with the prenatal and postnatal community. When not on the mat, she can be found with her family, her camera, and nature!
The Concord Free Public Library is committed to providing everyone with unimpeded access to our resources, programs, and services. Learn more about accessibility at our libraries. You can also email our administration team or give us a call at either of our libraries to request additional accommodations.
The Concord Free Public Library’s programs are free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library and the Concord Free Public Library Corporation.

The Umbrella Film Series presents Arco
2026-05-19 19:30 - 21:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St., Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project at The Umbrella Arts Center, with pre-show dinner options.
Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30 PM: Arco (2025, Rated PG) | English dub of French film | 1 hour 29 minutes | Directed by Ugo Bienvenu.
When ten-year-old Iris follows a streak of color falling from the sky, she doesn’t find treasure at the end of the rainbow — she finds Arco, a boy from nine centuries in the future, stranded in a world he can barely recognize as his own. This critically acclaimed French animated film is dubbed with English-speaking voice talent such as Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferell, and America Ferrera. A thoughtful, adventurous, hand-drawn tale for the whole family.
Film tickets are $12.50 (also available at the door). Optional add-on meal from Adelita (menu coming soon). Meal orders close at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 18, or if they sell out before then.

Group Hike with Bob White - Walden Pond Loop
2026-05-20 09:00 - 11:00 | walden pond state reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join Bob White for a 1.7-mile walk around Walden Pond along the well-prepared Pond Path. We will park in the Walden Pond Reservation parking area and meet at the Thoreau statue and cabin replica beside Walden Street (Route 126). There is an $8.00 per vehicle “honor system” parking fee for Mass. plate vehicles, paid by credit card at pay machines on site. There is no charge with a Lifetime Senior State Park Pass or handicap placard. Please call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020 starting May 1st.

Guitar Museum of New England: Meet the Curator
2026-05-20 12:00 - 2026-05-22 17:00 | Guitar Museum of New England (temporary location), 129 Commonwealth Avenue, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Guitar Museum of New England this spring will preview artisanal instruments from its collection and plans for its construction in West Concord during a series of Open House events with founding curator Wilson Schunemann.
At the Museum’s temporary pop-up space at 129 Commonwealth Ave, visitors will have the opportunity to view a ‘sneak peek’ exhibit of stunning, hand-crafted guitars by top luthiers from the museum’s core collection – and to see the architectural plans and animations of the building that will house the future Guitar Museum of New England! Schunemann will be on-hand to discuss the Museum’s origins and inspirations, the plans and features for the permanent Museum to be built nearby at 74 Commonwealth Avenue, and some of the exciting concerts and collaborations with major artists coming up while awaiting the Museum’s construction.
Entry is free. These Open Houses are part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, sponsored by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.

Memorial Day Breakfast for Veterans
2026-05-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join us for a Memorial Day Veterans Breakfast at the COA. Veterans and their families are welcome as we honor and thank those who have served and remember those we have lost. Guest speaker will be Bill Auger (Clear Path at Fort Devens) will share veteran programs including woodworking, service dogs, peer mentoring, culinary programs, support services and wellness. Veteran’s agent, Dick Krug, hosts the event. Call 978-318-3020 to reserve seats for this meaningful event.
