The arts are flourishing in Concord this summer! Whether you're passionate about music, visual arts, or theatre, you're sure to find your summer inspiration here.
The start of summer is a wonderful time of year here in Concord, with vegetation flourishing, birds and wildlife busily thriving, and warm, comfortable days inviting us outdoors. As we wander the trails and conserved lands or boat along our Wild & Scenic Rivers, we make a point
of keeping our eyes open,
because there is so much to see.
Step into history as you explore Concord’s many remarkable sites. From Revolutionary War landmarks to literary treasures, there’s something for everyone to discover. Here is a quick reference list to help you plan your visit. Be sure to check the website before heading out, as some sites may be closed on holidays or for private events. Enjoy your journey through Concord’s rich past!
Few American writers are as closely connected to a place as Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862). The landscapes of Concord and the surrounding towns—today part of Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area—shaped his ideas, inspired his writing, and helped define a philosophy that continues to influence readers around the world.
This itinerary follows Thoreau’s journey through the places that mattered most to him. From his birthplace at Thoreau Farm to his final resting place in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, these homes, buildings, fields, forests, and waterways reveal the people and topography that helped form one of America’s most influential thinkers.
Visitors to West Concord this spring will have a rare opportunity to step inside the world of fine guitar craftsmanship and musical innovation—years before the doors of the Guitar Museum of New England officially open.
The museum will host Hidden Gems, a special pop-up exhibition and event series in the months of April, May, and June at 129 Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of the West Concord Cultural District. The intimate display offers a preview of the remarkable instruments that will anchor the museum’s future permanent collection just down the street.
On June 5 and 6, the Concord Museum Guild of Volunteers welcomes community members to join the 37th Garden Tour. This beloved annual event invites ticket holders to tour six stunning private gardens throughout the Concord area, drawing inspiration from a variety of plantings, landscape designs, and approaches to outdoor living.
The events of April 19, 1775, when militia and British Regulars first clashed at Lexington and Concord, ignited the struggle that became the American Revolution. Each year, Concord and the surrounding communities honor that pivotal moment with ceremonies, living history, and commemorative programs that bring the story to life. From lantern-lit reflections and dawn salutes to immersive battle walks and historic house tours, we invite you to step into the places where the fight for liberty began and to remember the courage of those who stood their ground.