Things to See & Do

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.  This January, join us for Force Majeure (2014, dir. Ruben Östlund, rated R for language). In this searing black comedy, a Swedish couple on holiday confronts a natural disaster that shatters their beliefs about themselves as a family. 

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Native Concordian, world-renowned naturalist, lecturer, birder, and author Peter Alden will present his new memoir, My Wild Life: Rare Birds, Close Calls, and the Adventures of an Eco-Explorer. Alden will share stories and photos from his decades of travel to all seven continents. 

This program is free. 

Presentation from 12-1 pm, with book-signing to follow.

Parking is free for event attendees.

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On the fifth anniversary of the attack on the US Capitol, First Parish in Concord will host a discussion on the current state of the rule of law in the United States. The featured speakers are Simon Cataldo, State Representative of the 14th Middlesex District, and Lisa Graves, the author of “Without Precedent: How Chief Justice Roberts and His Accomplices Rewrote the Constitution and Dismantled Our Rights”. 

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Please join us on New Year's Day for our First Day self-guided hike! We will have special interpretive signage along the accessible trail to the house site. Henry David Thoreau, as portrayed by Brent Ranalli, will welcome visitors to his house (the replica), 11am-1pm. Refreshments will be served.

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Join Sudbury-native Kenter Davies for this special One-Day Choir in Concord, MA, to explore the classic Scottish folk tune, "Auld Lang Syne". Together, we will play, weave new connections, and reflect on the past year. What resolutions can we form as a collective as we enter 2026? Let's raise our voices in harmony and dive into community with one another. All are welcome. 

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Concord Compose the Action! Learn Film Music Composition.  Have you ever wondered how music creates the perfect mood in a movie or builds the suspense? This Film Music Composition Workshop is your exclusive chance to step into the composer’s chair! Through an exciting, interactive group project, students will learn directly from composer and CCM faculty member Manuel Garcia-Baro how music is used to convey specific emotions and drama across different visual media. You’ll get hands-on experience in music composition by planning the soundtrack for an unforgettable scene from the popular movie How to Train Your Dragon. This unique workshop offers practical insight into the creative process of professional film scoring. Who Should Attend? This dynamic composition workshop is designed for students ages 10-18 who are curious about music composition or film scoring.

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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. This December, join us for My Penguin Friend (2024, dir. David Schurmann, rated PG), a family-friendly film based on the true story of a lonely fisherman who unexpectedly finds companionship with a South American Magellan penguin.

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Join Artist-in-Residence Tom Flint and his students for a YOUTH FILM PREMIERE Tuesday, December 16 at 5:15 PM Walk the red carpet through the gallery into The Umbrella's Theater 144 for a free premiere of youth short films, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers! This event is a celebratory culmination of Artist-in-Residence Tom Flint's Fall Semester Classes and features student films and a short documentary about their creation.

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Join local award-winning author Jenn Bouchard at J. McLaughlin in Concord for a book signing on Saturday, December 13th from 1-4 PM. She'll have copies of her latest novel, Considering Us, the 2025 Winner in Romantic Comedy from both the American Fiction Awards and the NYC Big Book Award. Kirkus Reviews calls Considering Us "a soul-searching, second-chance romance for readers who love a strong female lead."

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‘Tis the season to warm your soul with the festive sounds of the Firebird Pops Orchestra in The Umbrella’s state-of-the-art Theater 144. Cozy up to two acts of beloved holiday classics–plus some new favorites!–performed by talented musicians from across New England. Let these rich, vibrant orchestrations provide the soundtrack to your December as you enjoy solos by Mara Bonde, Sandra Piques Eddy, and Stephen Markarian with your loved ones. Bringing the family? Pops the perfect introduction to the magic of the symphony for listeners of all ages. During intermission, let little ones explore Educational activities with an Umbrella instructor while you visit Concessions and take in the beautiful abstract works in the Allie Kussin Gallery, Joy & Peace. There's nothing quite like experiencing the joy of a full orchestra together—especially when everyone gets to sing along.

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