This weekend in Newton, MA

Northeast Desecration is a live music event at The Hardcore Stadium. Tickets are available in multiple tiers, with prices of $35 and $25, and presale rates of $30 and $20.

A welcoming Latin dance class created for adult beginners focuses on building rhythm, footwork, posture, coordination, body control, confidence, and a solid technical foundation. No prior dance experience or partner is needed. Step by step, students explore Cha Cha fundamentals such as timing, weight changes, lock steps, foot pressure, coordinated body movement, and straightforward combinations that bring the patterns together.

Each week, the Waltham Farmers' Market brings together more than thirty five vendors offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, meat, dairy, seafood, baked goods, coffee, and other items. The market operates in any weather.

An Ariana Grande themed drag brunch at Summer Shack in Cambridge offers a lively celebration of the pop star, with performances by local drag artists, dynamic choreography, and sing along moments to favorites like 7 Rings. The event is open to everyone. Doors close 30 minutes after the show starts, groups of three or fewer may be seated at shared tables, each guest must purchase an entree, and refunds are not available.

Sober & Curious Boston is organizing a group paddle on the Charles River. Participants will meet at Paddle Boston in Allston, then head out together for about an hour and a half on the water. It is a chance to get outside, enjoy the river, and connect with fellow Sober & Curious Boston members. Each person must reserve their own kayak directly with Paddle Boston in advance, since rentals are limited and Sober & Curious Boston does not book on behalf of attendees. Reserving early is recommended. After booking, RSVP is requested so the organizers can plan. The outing is open to people who are sober, sober curious, or looking for community and connection.

Experience a VIP meet and greet with Colin O'Donoghue in a small-group setting. Take part in a 25-minute Q&A where fans can ask the questions they have been eager to pose, then conclude with a personal selfie. A memorable and intimate encounter with Colin O'Donoghue.

An annual Hawaiian themed Irish music cruise brings the party to Boston Harbor with more than three hours on the water, a pre-party to kick things off, and plenty of after-parties afterward. Ticket sales also make a difference. T-shirt sponsorships support Lucy’s Love Bus, which helps children coping with cancer and related care. Proceeds from the day benefit Team Maggie as they run the Falmouth Road Race in aid of Tommy’s Place, two homes on Cape Cod that provide no cost vacations for families of a child with cancer. Tickets are available.

Explore Melville Avenue, Wellesley Park, and Tremlett Street on a guided neighborhood walk presented by the Dorchester Historical Society and the Melville Park Neighborhood Association. The tour is led by Earl Taylor, president of the Dorchester Historical Society, along with Donald Friary, who grew up on Melville Avenue in the 1940s and 1950s. Hear stories about notable residents and learn about the houses that define these historic streets. Light refreshments will be offered at the conclusion of the walk.

Set along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, this open air marketplace brings together more than 50 artists, makers, stylists, and independent designers, all sharing one-of-a-kind goods. Browse for handmade art, fashion, and creative treasures while supporting small businesses and local creators. Take in the fresh air and the historic Boston atmosphere as you wander from booth to booth and see what catches your eye. The market pops up each weekend, offering a relaxed stroll and plenty of chances to uncover something special.

The Weekend BBQ takes place every Saturday and Sunday. Guests may order in person or place a preorder for pickup at the South End Boston or Kendall Square Cambridge locations. Preorders require a $50 minimum. For Saturday pickup, submit the order by Friday, and for Sunday pickup, submit it by Saturday. Menu viewing and ordering are available online.

The Charles River Jazz Festival returns to Boston’s Hatch Memorial Shell with a bigger stage and additional space to welcome more artists and vendors while keeping the familiar vibe. This free and family friendly celebration offers a full day of live jazz, food, creativity, and community, bringing together world class performers and standout talent from the local scene. The main stage features Ghost-Note, Tyreek McDole, Seba Molnar, Zahili Zamora, BT ALC Big Band, and Roella Oloro.

Food Not Bombs hosts a community mutual aid effort at James P. Cronin Park, pairing a hands-on food preparation session with a following distribution to people in the community. Participation and donations support the growth of this network and its goal of helping neighbors. Stickers are available in person for those assisting with outreach, and they can be found around the Harvard and Central Square area.

Explore the fundamentals of archery at Boyd Park with instruction from On the Mark Archery in partnership with the Newton Parks and Recreation Department. Adults and youth learn proper form and technique with traditional wooden recurve bows, placing emphasis on skill development rather than just aiming. Each class features a mix of structured drills and engaging games with prizes to keep the experience lively and motivating. All equipment is provided, and lessons are led by teams of certified USA Archery instructors. Participants may register individually or with family and friends. Sessions run in four week blocks, and you can enroll in one or multiple to continue building confidence and consistency on the range.

Vanna marks two decades since The Search Party Never Came with a show at Royale, joined by I Promised The World. This event welcomes all ages. For each ticket sold, twenty-five cents supports The Shout Syndicate, a Boston-based, volunteer-run group that raises funds for youth-led arts programs at established creative youth development nonprofits in Greater Boston. The initiative is housed at The Boston Foundation and works in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture on the city's creative plan, Boston Creates.

Rolling Quartz, a Korean rock band that debuted in 2020, brings the My Turn 2026 tour to Boston with a stop at Sonia. The five members are Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung, and Yeongeun. Tickets include several options: General Admission at $29.99, VIP at $49.99 which adds a hi touch to general admission, and Diadem VVIP at $89.99 that includes general admission, skip the line, hi touch, and access to soundcheck. The Super Diadem Everything Ticket at $219.99 features general admission, skip the line, hi touch, soundcheck, a fan sign where attendees may bring one small personal item, a selfie with each member, and a photo of the attendee with the full band taken on their phone. The top tier has limited availability.

ICHIGO LIVE presents Lotus Juice on the Player One 2026 US tour. This all ages event welcomes fans of every generation for a live tour stop.

Juston McKinney is bringing a comedy and spoken word performance to the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center in Foxborough. The show starts at 7:00 PM, and tickets are available through Bandsintown.

Catch a live country show at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston. The evening features Scotty Emerick, with tickets listed as available through Bandsintown.

The Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour brings Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd together to celebrate 25 years of Middle-earth. Attendees can choose an exclusive backstage pass, opt for team-up or individual photo opportunities and autographs, and purchase tickets to their special panel, An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum reunite at FAN EXPO Boston for a live Smallville celebration that blends readings of classic scenes with interactive segments as they direct fans through memorable moments. For one evening only, the program mixes plenty of laughs, nostalgic callbacks, and a few surprises. Everyone heads home with a take-home memento, and a lucky group will receive prizes pulled from Tom and Michael’s personal collection. A spirited Smallville throwback brought to life by Tom and Michael.

Illustrators go head to head in a high energy, real time drawing showdown, racing the clock to bring favorite characters to life while a DJ keeps the momentum up. When it wraps, there is a chance to take home artwork created during the competition. The event takes place at Aloft Boston Seaport District. Event details note that attendees with a FAN EXPO Boston badge can get involved. Additional information will be announced soon.

Margaritaville presents Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band at Leader Bank Pavilion for an evening of live music that will go on rain or shine. Supporting performers may change without notice. Tickets are offered through several options, including artist and venue presales, a Live Nation presale, Citi cardmember choices, and a public on sale, with additional opportunities such as preferred seating, VIP packages, and 4-pack offers.

Spoondrift returns to Remnant Satellite in Cambridge with a set of danceable, groove-forward jams. The group blends reflective original songs, groove-centered improvisation, and lively covers for an energetic night of music. The lineup features Alex Lyons on keyboards and vocals, Ian Svagdis on drums and vocals, Alec Hovey on electric bass and vocals, Jason Oberstein on guitar and vocals, and Mike Sim on guitar and vocals. Admission is free, and tips are appreciated.

Mattie & Debbie pairs drummer and vocalist Sean Trischka with bluegrass guitarist and singer Stash Wyslouch for a duo set built on tight harmonies, nimble picking, and catchy, sing-along moments. Their debut album, Satan’s Junction, is on the way and showcases a blend of intimate textures, pop-leaning hooks, and rousing anthems, delivered with humor and deep musical rapport. They have opened for Billy Strings and draw on years of collaboration across bluegrass, roots, folk, and rock in projects such as The Deadly Gentlemen, Tony Trischka’s Early Roman Kings, The Stash Band, and Corporate Punk. Individually, New Jersey native Sean is a sought-after drummer, songwriter, and singer who has worked with Carsie Blanton, Mipso, Oteil Burbridge of Dead & Co, Bertha also known as Grateful Drag, Lula Wiles, and The Stray Birds. Stash is a distinctive flatpicker with a wide-ranging style who has performed with Molsky’s Mountain Drifters and The Jacob Jolliff Band, and has shared stages with Julian Lage, Bryan Sutton, Peter Rowan, and David Grisman. Admission ranges from $20 to $25.

Get ready for a night of high-energy psychobilly, eurodance, and dance music with MadHouse at Six String Grill & Stage. The show starts at 9:00 PM.

A band of underdog campers discovers that their cherished summer retreat has been taken over by an overzealous fitness leader who is set on making their lives difficult. Forced into constant workouts, the kids join forces with a plan to flip the script, win back their wooded hideout, and take on the rival camp in a string of outrageously fun summer competitions. They may not be the quickest or the highest jumpers, but the final laugh is theirs.

An official ZMG ride follows a scenic route from Revere to the summit of Mount Washington, with regular scheduled stops to regroup, refuel, stretch, and use the restroom. The ride sets off from Shell in Revere, then makes planned pauses at Nouria/Irving in Rochester and Irving Oil in North Conway before ascending the Mount Washington Auto Road. At the summit, participants will purchase passes, have a light lunch at the visitor center, take ZMG group photos, and rest. Conditions at the top can change quickly, so a warm jacket or windbreaker is recommended. The return features a careful descent using engine braking in first or second gear, additional breaks at Shell/Circle K in Ossipee and Mobil/7-Eleven in Dover, and a finish in the Boston area where the group disperses. Safety guidelines include departing with a full tank, riding single file on the ascent with proper spacing and a steady pace, avoiding passing on curves, and committing to a responsible ride where everyone leaves together and returns together.

Experience a celebration of Italian style and performance at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, featuring standout Italian cars and motorcycles. Enjoy flavorful offerings from Putterham Grille, listen to lively music, and browse Italian products from a variety of vendors. The event is presented with support from Garage 42 as the Silver Season Sponsor, along with Lamborghini Boston and Ferrari of New England. Online car registration offers tiered pricing. Driver only is $50, or $40 for museum members. Driver with one passenger is $60, or $50 for members. Driver with two passengers is $70, or $60 for members. Driver with three passengers is $80, or $70 for members. Day-of registration is $60 for driver only, $70 for driver with one passenger, and $80 for driver with two or three passengers. Registration includes admission to the Lawn Event and the Museum, and museum members still pay car registration fees. Museum members receive early access to vehicle registration for Lawn Events for 48 hours before the general public, plus a discount on online vehicle registration. To use these benefits, members must be logged into the account associated with their membership. These benefits are not valid for Club events or day-of registration. Spectator tickets are sold at the front gate on the day of the event and are not subject to sellouts. Payment options include cash, credit or debit cards, and Apple Pay. Day-of spectator admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 12, $10 for students, $10 for seniors, and free for children under 6. Museum members receive free spectator admission.

Join the All Newton Music School cello faculty for a one-day Summer Adult Cello Retreat designed for adult cellists (age 18+). The day features a mix of large and small ensemble playing, time for discussions on topics like sight-reading and chamber music skills, and an informal masterclass with supportive feedback. The retreat runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 9.

Two celebrated comics creators team up for a special experience featuring an exclusive Q&A, autograph signings, and the chance to pick up special edition merchandise to remember it by. Tickets are limited for this experience.

Explore Boston's history on a tour of the Freedom Trail that highlights figures including James Otis, Samuel Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and others.

This story hour features Joy Nelkin Wieder and Rosh Hashanah Square-Circle-Star. It is free to attend, with sign up requested.

Take a stroll on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and explore a lively open-air market celebrating local creativity. More than 50 vendors, from artists and makers to stylists and independent designers, showcase distinctive goods. Support small businesses and local creators while enjoying the fresh air and Boston’s historic vibe as you uncover one-of-a-kind treasures.

The Weekend BBQ sets up in front of the Huron Ave shop. Guests can order in person or place a pre-order for pickup at the South End Boston or Kendall Square Cambridge locations on weekends. A $50 minimum applies to pre-orders.

Oscilloscope Laboratories brings CatVideoFest 2026 to Coolidge Corner Theatre, showcasing a curated mix of cat videos that blends new submissions with animation, music video highlights, and beloved internet favorites. Each year, participating theaters work with nearby cat focused charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters, and a portion of ticket proceeds from every show supports local cats in need.

A weekly, free outdoor yoga session at Cambridge Common offers an accessible, all-levels Flow and Restore practice beneath the shade of old-growth trees, followed by relaxed time to connect and unwind in community. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a yoga mat, a towel, sunglasses, and any preferred props. Iced tea from Cambridge Naturals will be available.

Part of the Longfellow Summer Arts Festival, this poetry reading, offered in partnership with the New England Poetry Club, gathers community and verse on the lawn of Longfellow House. Marie Howe, recipient of the 2026 Golden Rose Award for Poetry, appears as the author of New and Selected Poems from W. W. Norton, a 2024 collection that brings together work from four earlier books. She served as New York State Poet Laureate from 2012 to 2014, is poet in residence at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, and is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Her debut, The Good Thief, was selected for the National Poetry Series by Margaret Atwood, who praised its intensity that rises beyond dark beginnings, and the book received the Lavan Younger Poets Prize, with Stanley Kunitz noting its spacious lines that explore the mysteries of body and spirit. Howe has taught at Sarah Lawrence College, Columbia University, and NYU, coedited with Michael Klein the anthology In the Company of My Solitude: American Writing from the AIDS Pandemic, and earned fellowships from the Bunting Institute at Radcliffe, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Foundation, the Academy of American Poets, and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. This event is free and open to everyone.

Stroll through Harvard Square on a flavorful walking tour dedicated to french fries and non-alcoholic pairings. Sample a variety of fries while hearing entertaining stories about the French Fry Wars of the 20th Century and memorable Harvard Square lore. The neighborhood is known for some of the best fries in the state, making this a fun outing for all ages. Tickets can be purchased on the organizer's website. Please note that the tour is not gluten-free and is presented by a small local business.

At Jill Brown Rhone Park, dancers gather for an open-air celebration of Cuban-style Rueda de Casino. A complimentary lesson welcomes all levels, followed by social dancing that continues until sundown. No partner or prior experience is required. Expect lively music, ruedas of different sizes, friendly faces, and an easygoing summer atmosphere. Updates about weather-related changes or cancellations are posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Experience outdoor West Coast Swing on the river docks behind the Hatch Shell, presented as a collaborative series that keeps the waterfront dance energy going. A speaker setup fills the space with music, and rotating DJs and instructors guide the experience from week to week. Social dancing takes place across the dock, while a beginner friendly West Coast Swing lesson runs at the same time on a split section so newcomers can learn without missing the action. Bring friends and some food to enjoy an evening of dancing by the water.

AJ Ghent and His Singing Guitar is a live show at City Winery Boston featuring AJ Ghent’s “Singing Guitar” performances. Expect an immersive, emotionally resonant concert experience, along with a post-show meet and greet VIP add-on that includes a signed laminate and a photo opportunity.