Concord, MA

Author Talk with Julie Masis
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Join author Julie Masis for a discussion of her memoir How My Grandfather Stole a Shoe and Survived the Holocaust in Ukraine.
During World War II, thousands of Moldovan Jews were imprisoned in the Obodovka ghetto, located in the Romanian-occupied part of Ukraine. Unlike the areas under German control where Jews faced systematic extermination, survival rates were marginally higher under Romanian occupation, as soldiers there did not pursue mass executions with bullets. Despite this, most of the ghetto’s inhabitants succumbed to starvation and disease during the harsh first winter. Journalist Julie Masis captures this lesser-known chapter of the Holocaust through the memories of her grandfather Shlomo Masis, a survivor who lived to the remarkable age of 102. His recollections reveal stories of resilience, including how some Ukrainians aided the Jews in the ghetto. Masis also delves into a poignant family legend about a German medic who reportedly fell in love with her Jewish grandmother. This narrative sheds light on both the horrors and the unexpected human connections that emerged during one of history’s darkest periods.
Julie Masis is an award- winning journalist whose stories have been published in the Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, the Globe and Mail, the Jerusalem Post, the Times of Israel and in other newspapers. She is also the editor and publisher of the Russian Boston Gazette, a newspaper for Russian-speaking immigrants in Boston. Other than writing, she has also taught English to Buddhist monks in Cambodia, organized tours to the Khmer Rouge tribunal, and likes to design dresses.
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.

Now accepting applications for the Williams Scholarships for Excellence in Music & Excellence in Visual Arts
2026-04-16, 2026-04-23, 2026-04-26
The Concord Free Public Library is currently accepting applications for its
Williams Scholarships for Excellence in Music & Excellence in Visual Arts.
The scholarships are named for an original benefactor of the Library, Charles
Williams, an enthusiastic supporter of higher education, music and the arts.
Each Scholarship is granted to a Concord resident completing high school or highschool equivalent and entering college the following Fall.
Williams Scholar grants vary from year to year, but typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 annually and are renewable for each consecutive year the recipient attends college up to 4 years.
Deadline for submission: May 1
Detailed information regarding applicant eligibility, as well as a
comprehensive FAQs, can be found on the Library website

LWVCC Town Meeting Warrant Article Review #3
2026-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle (LWVCC) Town Government and Observer Committee will host Warrant Review Sessions throughout April 2026. These sessions offer residents a chance to learn about and ask questions regarding the warrant articles that will be voted on at the 2026 Concord Town Meeting, which begins on Monday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. See the website for details on the articles that will be presented at this session. These events are free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Scoops for Support - Ice Cream Social for Mental Health Awareness
2026-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞
Come together in support of the Yellow Tulip Project, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and fostering a culture of community, compassion, and collaboration to address mental health challenges. Join COA Assistant Director and Social Worker, Nicole Saia, alongside Town of Concord Public Health Nurse, Katie Stanislawzyk, for an open and engaging conversation about mental health, stigma, and support, while creating and enjoying delicious ice cream sundaes. Nicole and Katie will lead a thoughtful discussion in a warm, welcoming atmosphere and share helpful resources for you and your loved ones. Please call the COA to register at 978-318-3020.

Leading with Dignity Workshop Series
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | 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

(The )Magic(al) (Is/of )Here: Large-Scale Paintings of Local Flowers by Maggie Stanley
2026-04-17, 2026-04-21, 2026-04-23, 2026-04-25, 2026-04-26, 2026-04-28, 2026-04-30 | Concord Main Library, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
April 3-30 in the Munroe Gallery at the Concord Main Library. See library website for daily hours.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of local flowers as we await their blooming in later spring and summer.
Most of the paintings in this show are based on photographs taken on walks throughout Concord, including at Great Meadows, the Buttrick Estate, Concord Community Gardens, the “wisteria house” across the street from the Main Library, and even the Keyes Road municipal parking lot.
Many of the works were created in 2024 for Flora(l) Portals, my solo show in the skylit atrium of the Morse Institute Library in Natick, MA. Because the pieces were hung from balcony railings and viewed from a distance, I used canvases ranging from 3 to 6 feet in height—hence the name of that show, as some of the paintings are almost the size of doors.
I’m a largely self-taught artist, born and raised in Massachusetts, with my childhood spent in Arlington, Sudbury, and then Concord, where I now reside. Although I’ve worked in multiple mediums, my main focus the past few years has been floral paintings on textured canvas, which I started while in Lois Andersen’s Monday Night Painters group at The Umbrella Arts Center. I am ever-appreciative of Lois, the camaraderie of the group, and the variety of local trails and publicly-accessible gardens that provide such an abundance of beauty. I hope my art can convey some of that beauty to others, no matter the season, and encourage exploration when the conditions are right!
www.maggiestanley.net

Patriots' Day 2026
2026-04-20 | Concord Center, Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Concord will celebrate Patriots Day on Monday, April 20th.

2026 Patriots’ Day Parade and Celebration

April 20, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2026 Patriots’ Day Parade and Celebration
The Concord Patriots’ Day Parade is one of the nation’s oldest celebrations of the first shot of the American Revolution, attracting visitors from around the world.
Concord will celebrate Patriots’ Day on Monday, April 20th but events are happening beginning April 17.

Patriots’ Day Weekend in Concord:
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026:
Patriot Vigil: 7:45-8:30PM, North Bridge
SUNDAY, April 19:
Dawn Salute
Muster at Buttrick Hillside at 5:45am,
6am Dawn Salute
Church bells at the First Parish toll at 6:00 AM to sound the alarm.
“Dr. Prescott” arrives at the North Bridge after riding across the fields calling out the warning to towns and villages that the Regulars were on the march and that their destination was Concord. The Concord Minutemen fire salutes and the Concord Independent Battery fire several volleys from the field at the Old Manse.
MONDAY, April 20:
9 AM Patriots’ Day Parade
12-4 PM Block Party
3 PM: Patriots Day Battle – CCHS vs. Lexington High School Baseball Game at Emerson Field

Concord Public Schools April Recess
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-24

Patriots' Day Battle
2026-04-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Emerson Field, Concord, MA, United States
Bring the family and support the local nine as the CCHS and Lexington HS baseball teams play their annual Patriots Day Battle rivalry game on Monday, April 20. First pitch is at 3:00 on Emerson Field. There will be festive and special touches throughout the game, including a Minuteman salute to start the game and wiffle ball for kids after.

Admission is free and donations in support of Folds of Honor will be collected during the game.

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Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-26
To celebrate Earth Day and OARS’ 40th anniversary, we are bringing the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to Concord, where 3 remarkable rivers meet and America’s roots run deep. In partnerships with friends and local organizations, we are hosting five days of community-focused events in and around Concord Center, including film screenings, art installations, guest speakers, outdoor walks, and a 3-day cross-town scavenger hunt. Join us for an inspirational, educational, always wild, and sure to be scenic five days in Concord!

Belly Dancing Show with Celia After Pizza & Salad Lunch
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:30 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Concord Council on Aging invites you to experience the art of belly dancing with Celia! Come for pizza and salad lunch then learn about the history of belly dance, and try some fun beginner moves. This program is funded by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council. Please RSVP to 978-318-3020 to sign up for both the lunch and the show.

HAIRSPRAY Opens at The Umbrella Arts Center
2026-04-24 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.

The Concord Players present Brigadoon
2026-04-24 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-25 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | 51 Walden
While hunting in the Scottish Highlands, New Yorker Tommy Albright stumbles upon the picturesque village of Brigadoon, which seems like a place out of time. There, Tommy falls in love – not just with a beautiful lass named Fiona, but with the town itself. Only then does he discover Brigadoon’s secret: the village appears once every 100 years, for a single day, and the vanishes into the mist.
Will Tommy choose to return to his life in the modern world – or remain enchanted in Brigadoon forever?
Performances: April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8 and 9 with matinees on April 26 and May 3 at 2:00 pm
Tickets: $28.00
For tickets and more information: concordplayers.org or call 978-369-2990

HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-26 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-30 19:30 - 22:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St., Concord, MA, 01742, United States

Mah Jong Classes with Jean Olson begin
2026-04-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Concord COA is offering another American Mahjong class for beginners led by Jean Olson. Learn the basics, get comfortable playing the game, and develop your strategy. You’ll have the chance to play the game with other players as you are learning. After you complete the class, you may join the COA Mahjong group that meets on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Call to sign up at 978-318-3020.
April 27 – May 18

Annual Town Meeting
2026-04-27 18:30 - 20:30 | CCHS

Annual Concord COA Tea Party
2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
You are cordially invited to the Concord Council on Aging’s Annual Tea Party at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center on Tuesday, April 28th at 2:00 PM. It will be a delightful afternoon filled with classic tea-time charm. Guests will enjoy a selection of assorted teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and freshly baked sweets. As you sip and socialize, enjoy the live harp music of Susan Wright-Regan, whose performance will provide the perfect background for this festive gathering. This event is sponsored by Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop and is free of charge. Please call to reserve your spot: 978-318-3020. Pinkys up!
