My view from the top of Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, MA

Happy gorgeous summer day! After a week’s vacation in the Berkshires, I’m back to Newton and feeling revitalized and so excited about Newton’s arts and culture programs. I’ve spent much of my office time over the last month speaking with Newton Cultural Alliance‘s member organizations and let me tell you, next year is going to be good. I mean really spectacularly great. Keep your eye here and here for news starting in September.

For the rest of July and August the Fix will include what’s happening in Newton this week and, because I’m realistic and know not everyone is in town, links to arts and cultural events on the Cape and in the Berkshires. Remember to take a break from tanning and soak in some culture!

NEWTON – Upcoming and Ongoing Events

Water
Newton Open Studios*
Newton City Hall – Mayor’s Office
Showing now through August 29, 9am-5pm | FREE 

Has anyone seen this latest exhibit by NOS? Water  features works by selected Newton Open Studios artists: 12 artists explore subject of Water, in a variety of media.

77th Annual St. Mary of Carmen Society Festival
St. Mary of Carmen Society
July 11 – July 15 

Greg says to get yeself there – can’t argue with our fearless leader!

First Annual Eliot Church Summer Film Festival
Eliot Church
Wednesdays: July 18 and August 15 at 7pm | FREE

Join your friends and neighbors in exploring movies that celebrate the spirit and the human condition called life!

July 18: Long Life, Happiness, and Prosperity is a delightful film that portrays layered
relationships of first and second generation immigrant families, the spirituality of children,
and faith.
August15: TBD

Newton Community Pride Summer Events
Tuesdays for Children
Thursdays for Children
Sundays Heritage Festivals 

Free entertainment for children and families throughout July – and the best part is the events take place outside! Pack a snack and get your dancing on!

Berkshires

There is always something exciting going on in the Berkshires! Here are three highlights for this week:

Tanglewood 75th Anniversary Celebration
Boston Symphony Orchestra | Tanglewood (Lenox, MA)
Saturday, July 15 at 8:30pm | $30

This is a star-studded celebration of one of the music world’s most magical places. The BSO, Boston Pops, Tanglewood Music Center fellows and Tanglewood Festival Chorus conducted by John Williams and Keith Lockhart and others will perform with special guests Yo-Yo Ma, James Taylor, Emanuel Ax, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Peter Serkin.

If you want to feel the energy of music soar through you, this is the place. Get there early, settle in on the lawn and be sure to watch the stars dance along with the performers.

Tartuffe the Imposter by Moliere
Shakespeare & Co
Lenox, MA
Ongoing | $10

While you should absolutely catch one of Shakespeare & Co’s mainstage performances, make time to take in the hysterical Tartuffe! This outdoor stage is one of the hidden (and affordable!) gems of the summer. The cast of these shows always pays homage to the genius comedies while taking it one step further, offering a hysterical and accessible performance for audience members of all ages. Get thee to the theatre!

Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
Open Daily from 10am-5pm | $16 adults

It is easy to spend half a day at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Visit his studio and view his famous New York Post covers, his statement pieces that illustrated the highs and lows in America, and there is currently a feature on his sports theme work.

Cape Cod 

I don’t know how to pick! Instead, here’s a listing of all this weekend’s events on the Cape!

*Newton Cultural Alliance member