Things to See & Do

Lucy Lacoste Gallery is delighted to present Chris Gustin: Wild Things, September 13- October 11, 2025, an exhibition of closed form abstract ceramic sculpture. The artist, a visionary force in the field of abstract ceramics, uses melting wood ash from his firings to reveal form, creating works that are anthropomorphic, landscape and cloudlike, galactic and otherworldly. 

Come to The Umbrella for FREE family fun! Drop by any time during the two-hour time block Saturday, September 13, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm to partake in a seasonal and creative craft led by one of our talented instructors! Open to all ages and abilities. Registration appreciated (but not required). For more information, visit our website: https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/fall-free-family-days

The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites the public to its annual Discovery Day Open House. This free, interactive event is for the entire family and is an opportunity to explore the world of music, meet professional instructors, and discover the programs offered at CCM. The Open House will feature a variety of activities, including an instrument exploration for both kids and adults, free demo classes, and opportunities to meet with instructors to find the right match. Placement auditions for the Overture String Orchestra will also be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join multimedia artist Elena (Zhonghe) Li for a workshop specializing in the traditional Chinese art of papercutting. Li's art is inspired by her deep love of nature, grounded in Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes simplicity and living in harmony with nature. She considers Henry David Thoreau and American Laozi (master of Taolism). Each workshop will hold 25 participants. 

Concord Center is buzzing with excitement with the Third Thursdays event series. This Massachusetts neighborhood welcomes locals and visitors alike for art, culture, shopping, and dining. Taking place monthly from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Third Thursdays features more than 30 local businesses staying open late with special offerings and experiences. 

Head over to Wright Tavern Thursday evening (August 21), 5 - 8 pm, for a special tasting of non-alcoholic beers with J.C. Conti.  Taste eight different non-alcoholic beers, tour the tavern at your leisure, and take home a Wright Tavern shot glass.  Non-alcoholic beers from: Athletic, Guinness, Samuel Adams, Notch and Lord Hobo.  Only $5!

Come to The Umbrella for FREE family fun! Drop by any time during the two-hour time block Saturday, August 9: 2:00pm - 4:00pm to partake in a seasonal and creative craft led by one of our talented instructors! Open to all ages and abilities. Registration appreciated (but not required). For more information, visit our website: https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/free-family-days-0

Head over to West Concord for the annual Summer Concert Series. Each night, a live band will take the stage to play all your favorite songs, old and new, at Rideout Playground.

Thursday, August 7th - Becky and the Swinging Band  

Join DCR Interpreter Jacqui Kluft and Historian Richard Smith for a program expanding on Thoreau's Anti-Slavery actions after his night in jail. We will discuss the influence of women in the anti-slavery movement, Thoreau's Anti-Slavery meeting at Walden on August 1,1846, and his fiery lecture "Slavery in Massachusetts" at Harmony Grove, Framingham. All are welcome. 

Gather with friends and family for music, family friendly outdoor games, and of course ice-cold beer, specialty drinks, food - and a chance to tour historic Wright Tavern! Your support helps one of America's most important historic buildings thrive and continue to tell the story of the beginning of the United States. Saturday August 2nd from 11am to 7pm (rain date August 9th). Suggested donation $10