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1 Help welcome Spring with the Spring Equinox Full Moon Meditation at the Old Manse, Friday, March 20th from 6 to 8PM. Enjoy readings from Emerson and Thoreau before taking time for quiet reflection under the full moon (and perhaps even hear the sounds of Spring). A fire will keep you warm – and provide hot coals for s’mores!
2 Put on your dancing shoes and join the Folk Arts Center of New England in the 35th Balkan Music Night on March 21st from 7PM to 1AM. Enjoy the exciting rhythms and soulful melodies of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Romania, Turkey, and more. Dance the night away, or just enjoy the music from the concert seating upstairs. More information at balkanmusicnight.facone.org
3 If you loved our cover story in our Winter issue, then you won’t want to miss the chance to hear Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as numerous other books for adults and children, speak at the Concord Players on April 5th at 4PM. This event is free, but you must rsvp at www.concordplayers.org
4 Pay tribute to the brave souls who perished at the Battle at the North Bridge, relive the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” and witness other exciting Patriots’ Day celebrations and reenactments. April 18th through 20th. See our feature article on page 10.
5 Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 25th with a River Ceremony at the Old Manse followed by a parade through town, culminating in Musketaquid’s biggest Earth Day Festival ever (water themed!) at the newly renovated Umbrella Arts Center on Stow Street. TheUmbrellaArts.org/Earthday
Patriots’ Day
| ©Minute Man National Historical Park6 The Concord Women’s Chorus spring concert will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 4 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church. The entire repertoire will be works by European and American female composers. Catch this amazing performance just before the group takes their program on tour to France with performances scheduled in Paris, Normandy and the Loire Valley. https://concordwomenschorus.org
7 The 5th Annual Stow Street Block Party on May 16th is a free community event that will feature activities for all ages including Touch a Truck, music, food, games, and more. This year’s event will also incorporate the 2nd Annual Concord Cycling Celebration!
8 Honor the men and women who have served our nation on Memorial Day, May 25th. Two parades – one at 9AM from Rideout Field, and a second at 11AM from Monument Square – will pay tribute to our veterans, including the nearly 1,000 veterans who live in Concord today.
31st Annual Garden Tour
| ©Concord Museum
9 Revel in Spring with the Concord Museum’s 31st Annual Garden Tour on June 5th and 6th. This unique opportunity to visit outstanding private gardens in the Concord area is organized by the Concord Museum Guild of Volunteers. www.concordmuseum.org
10 Music lovers delight! The free outdoor Middlesex Jazz Festival features a mix of 20-piece big bands, Latin jazz, jump blues, and smaller ensembles. Saturday June 6th from 1pm to 6:30pm (rain date Sunday June 7th) in Concord Center.
11 Visit the very home where Louisa May Alcott wrote the beloved story of Little Women. The Louisa May Alcott Orchard House tour is not to be missed. Do plan a bit of extra time, as this destination is even more popular following the recent release of the Sony Pictures film. Louisamayalcott.org
Juneteenth at the Robbins House
| istock.com/traveler177612 Celebrate Juneteenth at the Robbins House on June 15th from 12:30 to 2pm. Concord joins other African American communities for this oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Bring a picnic lunch and learn about the history – through living history reenactors – of the Robbins House and its fascinating inhabitants. https://robbinshouse.org
13 Explore the exhibition Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere and His Ride through June 7th at the newly renovated Concord Museum. Learn more about the political activist and Revolutionary War legend at www.concordmuseum.org.
14 Enjoy the beauty of nature at Walden Pond, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, and so many other wonderful parks and trails around Concord. Visit https://concordma.gov for maps and more information.
15 Take the time to explore the fascinating shops, boutiques, and restaurants of Concord Center and West Concord. See our list of “Where to Shop” and “Where to Eat” – along with walking maps – on page 27.