The Natick Center Cultural District

The Dogs of Chernobyl, a Story of Hope and Resilience
2024-06-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Animal welfare expert Stephen Quandt was part of a group that traveled to Chernobyl, 35 years after the nuclear accident, to participate in a spay/neuter and research campaign for the dogs that were descended from the pets left behind after the nuclear plant disaster of 1986.
In this presentation, Stephen chronicles his experiences in the Exclusion Zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Through photos and videos, Stephen tells his story of meeting the inhabitants of the mostly abandoned town of Chernobyl City (you will meet 2 squatters, one a hero of the disaster), the totally abandoned city of Pripyat, and the dogs (and some cats!) that his group encountered. He will discuss the presence of radiation in this environment as well as its effects on the dogs’ lives. You will also meet some inhabitants of the town of Slavutych, which was built in the year following the accident to house the inhabitants of Pripyat after they were belatedly evacuated.
The Dogs of Chernobyl is a story of resilience, hope, life, and even heroism. Stephen will answer your questions at the end of the presentation.
Stephen Quandt, Feline Behaviorist, FFCP, most recently with the Animal Care Centers of NYC (nycacc.org) and also of the ASPCA.org, has worked in animal welfare for more than 20 years.

This virtual program is hosted by the Bacon Free Library. It will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the program link.

Brack Career Center Walk In Hours
2024-06-13 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St., Natick, MA, 01760
The Brack Career Center is open to all Natick residents, free of charge, for job search support. Drop in during our monthly Walk In hours to meet with a mentor to talk about your resume and job search. Whether you’re just starting to think about a change or you’ve been searching for some time we have professionals to help you discuss your employment goals. If you have a resume make sure to bring that along.

SINGtogether
2024-06-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Common Street Spiritual Center – 13 Common St. Natick
A FREE intergenerational live musical experience!
MetroWest’s favorite choir for retired people who love to sing, Golden Tones chorus, and Natick High School’s concert choir are once again collaborating to present a joyful public concert! Our theme this year: “Why We Need Each Other.”

Meet “Nile”, the Inflatable Humpback Whale
2024-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | First Congregational Church
Join us for this unique experience as you are invited INSIDE the belly of the whale! During your half-hour visit inside Nile, you’ll learn about these majestic creatures, how to protect whales, and about the crucial role whales play in our ecosystem. Outside of the whale there will be interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. This program is appropriate for ages 5+

Timed-Entry tickets are $4.00 in advance available by:

VENMO Please email fcc_events@firstchurchnatick.org, for VENMO address to request timed tickets.
EventBrite (fees apply)
In person at First Congregational Church on Sundays 11:30-11:45am on May 19, 26, June 2 after service and during Natick Nights 5-8 pm on Thursday June 6 in front of the church.

Tickets will be sold in timed entries for the following times: 1:00-1:30; 1:30-2:00; 2:00-2:30; 2:30-3:00. (ticket sales at the door only if available). Parents are welcome to accompany their children (ages 5+) to visit inside the whale or not, but a ticket is required for entrance to the whale.
Questions? Please email fcc_events@firstchurchnatick.org

Native American Reflections: We Are Still Here -- Community Gathering
2024-06-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The art exhibit entitled Native American Reflections: We Are Still Here will be on display at the Bacon Free Library from June 4th-26th. Artists include members of the Natick Nipmuc tribe, Abenaki Nation, Algonquin, Inuk and Wampanoag tribe. Paintings, poetry, baskets and other works of art will be on display throughout the month.
On June 8th the Native American artists will gather on the grounds of the BFL to share the stories that have inspired their artwork.

Natick Farmers Market - Beach Reads!
2024-06-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Natick Common
The Natick Farmers Market is a year-round program of the Natick Center Cultural District and is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Visit natickfarmersmarket.org for current location and vendors.
Spring and Summer
Natick Town Common
The intersection of Routes 27 and 135
Natick

Fall and Winter
Common Street Spiritual Center
13 Common Street
Natick

2024 Natick Nights! (CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN)
2024-06-06 17:00 - 20:00
Please note: Natick Nights for June 6 is CANCELLED due to the forecast. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but we know this is the safest choice for our vendors, performers and attendees.
Events and Activities as of June 3 and subject to change.
Public bathrooms are located at Natick Town Hall, the Morse Institute Library & on Adams Street.
Natick Nights! Special Offers

Baylee Bee – Enjoy a special promotion when you shop at Baylee Bee between 5PM-7PM
Inside The Hive: Ten Trees Books and Hedgehog Belly – 10% off during Natick Nights!
Uni-T – 10% discount on any single item (excluding clothing) with the Uni-T Natick Night Special. Remember to mention it when you make your purchase!

On Adams and Court Street

Drink Dion’s – Beers from Exhibit ‘A’ and wines from ESTE (Portugal) Vinho Verde and Vinho Verde Rosé
With thanks to Atlantic Beverage Distributors – 21+
Live Performance by No Shape for Driving
Tarrot Card Readings with Sally

At the Morse Institute Library

Library Lawn – Featuring Sunanda Sahay, Natick Center Cultural District’s Artist in Residence.
Create your own Madhubani/Mithila painting.

On Natick Common
Live Music with Special Guest TURTLEHEAD & Face Painting with Gigi Plus…

Bach to Rock – Bach to Rock will be bringing out multiple instruments for kids and families of all ages to try!
Citizens Bank – Citizens, providing fun for the community. Stop by our table for activities and giveaways!
Chiropractic Solutions – Revolutionizing our Community’s Health Outcomes, Pediatric Development & Expression of Life. Free Posture and Health screenings!
AT&T – Check us out for kids activities, raffles and amazing deals!
Café Yafa – Your neighborhood little Mediterranean restaurant. Bringing your favorite foods to the Natick Common!
New England Sci-Tech – Space Science & Robotics. Hold a rock from Outer Space and get a selfie with R2D2 the Star Wars Robot!
Family Promise – Family Promise Metrowest is working to address family homelessness in the Metrowest Community.
Kumon Math and Reading, Natick – Spin the Wheel for fun prizes! Sign Up for a story reading session and a chance to win a special prize if you attend a Parent Orientation.
Elder Well Adult Day Program – Learn about our Enrichment and Activity center for Seniors, and make a gift to brighten the day of a senior in your life!
Community Organic Farm – Come do a nature based actvity, and learn more about Natick’s local organic farm and all the programs it has to offer.
Natick Service Council – Come learn about how to support your neighbors in need! Kids games, crafts & prizes!
Monkey’N Around LLC – Casual Family Clothing Brand
DanceFIT Studio – Offering fun children’s dance and adult fitness classes! Come by our table to try out a dance class and make a craft.
Community Academy at Walnut Hill – school year & summer session learning opportunities for aspiring artists pre-k to adult. Make craft stick Ballerina!
I AM FIERCE invites you to experience fitness that fuels confidence! Interactive fitness for girls plus giveaways!
Natick Outdoor Store – Metrowest’s Local Sporting Goods Headquarters. Drop by our table to play lawn games!
Lion Fitness – Personal training and small group classes for people of all levels! Come spin the wheel for a prize!
Natick for Black Lives Matter – With Poppin Beans Children’s books and African American themed arts and crafts.
Jonah’s Twisters – Come get your very own balloon creation!
Puttshack – Tech-infused mini golf just steps away from our signature bar and restaurant. Visit our Putting green and Prize wheel with swag giveaway!
Villari’s Martial Arts – Character building martial arts program. Demonstrations and board breaking!
Rumble Boxing – Fitness based boxing and strength meant for anyone, in a party environment! Boxing mitts for adults and kids, learn the 6 punches!
Sound & Spirit – Intergenerational choir in Natick building community through the arts with members from age 8 to 80! Come by for coloring and bubbles!
Stacey Peasley & Lucky Day Music – Join us for an acoustic sing along and instrument jam session.
Safe Vape Disposal – Keep Our Town Clean, Dispose of Vapes Green. Information and Temporary Tattoos!

2024 Natick Garden Club Plant Sale
2024-06-02 10:00 - 15:00
The Natick Garden Club invites all interested parties to our annual PLANT SALE.
Doors open at 10 am, Sunday, June 2nd 2024.
Rain or shine, as the event is held indoors
at the Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St., Natick, MA.
The sale is our major fundraiser for the year.
We offer a variety of plants that have been
proven to grow successfully in our sometimes challenging weather conditions. Most of
the plants are perennials from members’ gardens, and are labeled for bloom time and
season, height, spacing needed, and sun and moisture requirements. We promote native
plants as well, meaning they are native to this area, and tolerant of drought conditions and
excellent at providing habitat for good insects and birds. This year we will introduce a
small houseplant section. As always raffle tickets for a variety of items will be available
and you need not be present to win.
All proceeds from the sale fund the Natick Garden Club, a group devoted to civic
beautification and service in the Natick community. Cash, check and credit card
accepted. For more information please visit us at http://www.natickgardenclub.org/ or
on Facebook or Instagram.
Info on our club:
Our mission is to promote a positive educational environment for sharing gardening,
horticultural, and conservation information and to encourage civic planting,
beautification, and service in the Natick community.
Organized in 1998 by three women, the Natick Garden Club currently has about 100
members. Members represent a range of ages, genders, and gardening acumen. All
have a passion to learn, share, and volunteer in service to their garden club. The NGC
has evening meetings September through May at Morse Library featuring a keynote
speaker, with time for socialization and NGC business at the start. September and
March are non-membership meetings and for the public at large. We have deep roots in
Natick although draw members from several communities, and can be found around
town in a variety of capacities throughout the year. The plant sale is our main fundraiser.

Natick Farmers Market
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Natick Common

Trail of Love Dedication
2024-05-25 16:00 - 17:00 | On the CRT near the Mechanic Street parking lot
This event will be a short dedication to thank everyone who donated their time and energy to make this project happen. All those who enjoy walking and biking on the Cochituate Rail Trail, those who created the beautiful mandalas, and anyone else who’d like to attend is welcome to join us. Following the dedication, we will walk the CRT and see over sixty colorful mandalas hanging up high on branches along the trail from Mechanic Street all the way to Chrysler Road, which is about a 2-mile walk.

Great Blue Herons: A Study of Patience and Grace
2024-05-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Visit the Bacon Free Library from May 21st to June 3rd to enjoy Babsje’s stunning photography collection, Great Blue Herons: A Study of Patience and Grace.
Babsje was a local photographer who focused her lens on the Great Blue Herons in and around Lake Cochituate and on the Charles, including at the dam in South Natick. She spent many very happy days floating in her kayak, and the herons became so accustomed to her quiet presence that she was able to beautifully document their private grandeur for all to experience.
“Alas, my days of photographing the magnificent Great Blue Herons from the cockpit of my kayak floating on the lake have come to an end.” – Posted by Babsje on December 20, 2023, shortly before her death in January. babsjeheron.wordpress.com.
She is greatly missed.

Photographs are available for purchase upon request. All proceeds from sales will be donated to Massachusetts Audubon Society.

Decoding the Mysteries of Cats
2024-05-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is happy to host Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist Stephen Quandt for a virtual discussion of cat behavior. Why does your kitty launch drive-by ankle biting attacks? Does she really have to wake you up so early for food? And what is with the overly aggressive play-fighting between the two tabbies?
Stephen Quandt, behavior expert who has worked with the Animal Care Centers of NYC and the ASPCA, will explain these common cat behaviors from the perspective of the evolutionary and adaptive forces that help shape their furry lives. For example, he’ll explain the influence of the mother/kitten relationship on the kittens’ innate needs for food, attention, and comfort.
This discussion will include a Q& A portion where you can seek guidance for your feline friends.

This program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the program link.

Slow Stitching
2024-05-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Fabric artist Helen Bellomo is back by popular demand for another Slow Stitching class at the Bacon Free Library.
In a busy and chaotic world, sometimes we just need to slow down and not worry about creating a product; instead we can enjoy the process. Slow stitching is a mindful needlework process that focuses on intention and the joy of being in the present moment. Join us to learn about slow stitching. A kit (includes base fabric, patchwork fabric pieces, lace, trims, buttons, needle, and thread) will be provided to all registered participants.
This program is geared towards all ages. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver.
This workshop is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

Visual Storytelling Through Comics & Graphic Novels
2024-05-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Natick Community – Senior Center
Join us for a special “hands on” program for young people who enjoy graphic novels! This is an interactive program for elementary-aged students (ages 5+) to nurture and develop their appreciation of comics and graphic novels. Author/Illustrator Jannie Ho (The Lost Mitten, Happy Chinese New Year, Fry Guys) will discuss how graphic novels are created. She will also engage children in a lively collaborative drawing game to make their very own comic.
All supplies for the program (paper/pencil) will be provided. Note: this is NOT a drop off program.

2024 Holi Festival
2024-05-18 14:00 - 16:00
Celebrate the spirit of multiculturalism in our town with the Holi Festival!
Holi (/holi/; Sanskrit: हो ली Holi) is a spring festival celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love”.
There will be eco-friendly dry powdered color available for all, Bollywood music with a DJ, and drinks and snacks for purchase. Sign up at this LINK
Held at the Middlesex Savings Bank Parking Lot Rt. 135 & Washington St., Natick Center.
Rain Date: May 19, 2-4:00 pm

Singing in the Rain Jr.
2024-05-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-11 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for an unforgettable night of toe-tapping tunes and delightful dance numbers at Singin’ in the Rain Jr.! Get ready to be transported to the golden age of Hollywood as talented young performers take the stage to bring this beloved musical to life.

Taking place at the MassBay Community College Wellesley Hills Campus, this in-person event on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM (EDT) and Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm (EDT) promises to be a night filled with laughter, romance, and plenty of rain-soaked fun! You won’t want to miss the chance to see these talented young stars shine as they sing and dance their hearts out.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic film or simply love musical theater, Singin’ in the Rain Jr. is a must-see event. So grab your umbrella and prepare to be swept away by the magic of this timeless story. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family for a night of pure entertainment that will leave you humming along to the catchy tunes long after the final curtain call.

Singin’ in the Rain Jr.

May 11, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Wellesley, 50 Oakland St, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA

Farm Fest 2024
2024-05-11 08:30 - 15:00
Spring has Sprung on the Farm!
Hop, skip, and jump your way down to the Natick Community Organic Farm on Saturday, May 11th, for a day of:

Kids activities!
Live Music!
Farm demonstrations!
Food Trucks!

Tickets: https://ncof.givecloud.co/product/FARMFEST24/farm-fest-2024

Zentangle
2024-05-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns (called tangles). In this workshop at the Bacon Free Library, learn the history of Zentangle, the basic steps of the method, and the tools used. Through step-by-step instructions, you will be immersed in creating an original Zentangle tile.

No artistic talent or experience is required. All supplies will be provided.

Rachel Slate-Ziman is a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), educated by the creators of Zentangle, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. She has been learning and practicing the Zentangle Method for many years.

Registration is required.

2024-Art in Bloom
2024-05-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Morse Institute Library
View the Natick Garden Club’s unique floral arrangements inspired by books and by Natick Art Association Artists.

YARD SALE First Congregational Church
2024-05-04 09:00 - 14:00 | 2 East Central Street, Natick, MA
The First Congregational Church in Natick, located across from the Common, is hosting a Yard Sale on Saturday, May 4th, from 9 am to 2 pm. Rain or shine, the sale will take place. (In case of rain, the sale will be moved indoors.) You’re invited to browse through a fantastic collection of gently used household and kitchen items, musical instruments, children’s gear, toys, games, puzzles, current sports equipment, bicycles, electronics, books, DVDs, and small furniture.

Opening Day on the Common of the Natick Farmers Market
2024-05-04 09:00 - 13:00
Join us at the Natick Farmers Market on May 4th for fresh flavors and local delights! 🍅🥕 Swing by to discover the finest produce, artisanal treats, and handmade crafts from our talented vendors. Artists will be there too! Let’s celebrate community, sustainability, and the joys of spring together! 🌼 See you there! #NatickFarmersMarket #LocalFlavors #SupportLocal

Meet the Artist - Rebecca McGee Tuck
2024-04-30 17:00 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Drop in at the Bacon Free Library to meet sculptor and social activist, Rebecca McGee Tuck, and enjoy a viewing of her display “Along the Wrack Line.”
Rebecca is a sculptor and an ocean activist. Her current display, “Along the Wrack Line,” deals with the overwhelming amount of debris and plastic trash that contaminate our local New England beaches. Rebecca’s unique, thought-provoking work will be on display at the Bacon Free Library from March 28th to May 15th.

Cajun/Zydeco Dance Party
2024-04-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center – 13 Common St.
The Squeezebox Stompers will host a Cajun/Zydeco Dance party at the Common St. Spiritual Center on April 27th! Suggested donation is $20
7:30 – 8:30 pm Cajun Dance Instruction
8:00 – 10:00 pm Music by the Squeezebox Stompers.

Spring Concert! A Diamond Jubilee - 60 Years and Counting
2024-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Fisk Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick
The A Capella Singers host their Spring Concert on April 27 at 7:00 pm at the Fisk Memorial Methodist Church on Walnut St. in Natick.
Tickets are available at the event. $15 for Seniors & Students, $20 General Admission.
Visit their website for more details HERE
Proudly sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank

NatickRepair Cafe
2024-04-27 14:30 - 17:30
THE FIX IS FREE AT THE REPAIR CAFÉ!
Sponsored by Natick Rotary, and as part of Earth Day All Around Natick, we will be conducting our 4th Repair Café Saturday, April 27th, from 2:30 -5:30 at, and in conjunction with, the Natick Community Senior Center’s Council on Aging & Human Services.
If you’re unfamiliar with Repair Cafés, it’s an opportunity for people to bring a whole host of items needing repair that volunteers with skills in different disciplines will do their best to fix for free! We invite you to bring in the following items in need of repair: *Lamps, electronics & small appliances, small furniture, clean mendable clothing for hand and machine sewing, as well as sharpen scissors, garden tools, and knives (except for serrated knives).
For those unfamiliar with Natick, the Natick Community Senior Center is located at 117 E. Central St. (Rt. 135), on the right-hand side, about a half mile before the Wellesley Town line.
For more info, or if you or someone you know might be able to help in some capacity, especially as a bike repair person, please email Carey at NatickRepairCafe@gmail.com
* While we will have many parts and components on hand if your item requires special parts to increase the chances we can fix it, please bring them.

Celebrate the Earth – Seedling Swap and Ask a Master Gardener Table
2024-04-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
To celebrate all things gardening, stop by the Bacon Free Library on Saturday, April 27th.
Bring your homegrown (or store bought) seedlings to swap with others: have 6 tomato plant seedlings but only need 2? Swap them for others that you need. The maximum seedlings to trade is 4.
Our Seed Library will also be available all day if you’d like to pick up some seeds to sow in your garden.

And be sure to stop by our Ask a Master Gardener table to ask the experts all of your gardening questions.

This program will be held on the library lawn.

Art Across the Globe - Gond Art Workshop
2024-04-27 10:00 - 11:30
Gond Art Workshop
April 27, 10:00 am EST
Featuring Artist Ravi Tekam from India!

Register HERE
