The Natick Center Cultural District

Indoor Seed Starting (virtual)
2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library invites you to learn about indoor seed starting. There are so many more varieties of vegetables than what the garden centers offer. Eric Bromberg from Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens will show you everything you need to know.

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

Bruno Wernli Art
2025-02-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Visit the Bacon Free Library through March 26th to appreciate the works of local artist Bruno Wernli.

Bruno Wernli, born in Zürich, Switzerland, is an abstract expressionist artist currently based in Natick, MA. Specializing in acrylics on canvas, Bruno is renowned for his large-scale abstractions characterized by luminous, intense colors, crafted through a multi-layer technique. He is best known for his adept manipulation of color and form, which results in captivating works that engage viewers with their visual depth and textural complexity.

Natick Farmers Market
2025-03-01 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-08 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-15 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-22 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-29 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-05 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-12 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

Fill Bowls, Fight Hunger: A Fundraiser at Walnut Hill
2025-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Walnut Hill School for the Arts, 12 Highland St., Natick, MA
Fill Bowls, Fight Hunger
Thursday, March 6, 6:30-8pm
Bowls $15-$30; Select items for auction
Food donations accepted at the door!

Inspired by the Empty Bowls grassroots movement, Walnut Hill will be hosting a student-led ceramic bowl sale and ice cream social to support the Natick Service Council’s Heart Healthy Food Pantry. Buy a beautiful handcrafted bowl, fill it with delicious local ice cream, listen to live music by resident band Beautiful Stranger, and help local families fill their pantries with healthy food items.

Non-perishable, non-expired food donations and toiletry donations will be accepted at the door. The top items needed by the Heart Healthy Food Pantry are:

Cereal
Albacore tuna
Pasta and jarred pasta sauce
Canned soup and low-sodium soup
Toilet paper
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Oat, rice, soy or almond milk – shelf stable
After school snack items – individual size

Virtual: Boston Light: Three Centuries of History with Author Jeremy D’Entremont
2025-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Based on Jeremy’s book, Boston Light: Three Centuries of History, this virtual talk focuses on Boston Light Station, the site of the first lighthouse on the North American continent. Jeremy will trace its history through three centuries of tragedy, rescues, and colorful human interest stories of keepers and their families.

This program is presented by the Bacon Free Library in partnership with the Ashland Public Library and a multitude of MA & NH libraries; it is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK.

About the Author:

Jeremy D’Entremont is the president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foundation, historian for the U.S. Lighthouse Society, and the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He’s the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s podcast, Light Hearted. He has appeared on the popular Ghost Hunters TV show, as well as Haunted Lighthouses of America on the Travel Channel. He has also appeared on the History Channel, Public Television, and National Public Radio speaking about lighthouses.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program

Fundraiser Pilates Class at Boston Body Pilates
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Boston Body Pilates, 31 South Main Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Join Miss Amanda at Boston Body Natick on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1pm, for a Pilates class to fundraise for her 2025 Boston Marathon run!
The proceeds raised will not only allow Amanda to run the marathon but will go to the Natick Center Cultural District.

Register for the class before all the spaces are gone! https://bostonbody.com/locations/natick

Nottingham: A Totally Teen Musical
2025-03-15 14:00 - 2025-03-16 14:00, 2025-03-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Wilson Middle School
Tickets available at natickdramaworkshop.com.
It’s 1961 at Nottingham High, where life is groovy… unless you’re from the wrong side of the tracks! John Prince, the rich, popular class president, is stealing from the poor Saxons to keep the Normans happy. But things are about to get wild when Robin Loxley returns for her senior year! A fierce advocate for justice, Robin teams up with former all-state quarterback Little John and a ragtag crew of not-so-merry people to take down the Normans. But what happens when Robin meets Marion, a Norman who’s not so bad after all? Will Robin reunite the cliques, stop the injustices, and make it to prom in time? You won’t want to miss this totally tubular show.

Virtual: Irish Whiskey – History & Recommendations with Travis Ireland of the Friskey Whiskey Podcast
2025-03-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
How perfect is this for St. Paddy’s Day? Travis IRELAND of The Friskey Whiskey Podcast will join us to discuss the history of Irish whiskeys and the best he’s encountered!
This program is presented by the Bacon Free Library and Ashland Public Library in partnership with a multitude of MA & NH libraries. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK.

About Travis:
Travis Ireland, co-host of The Friskey Whiskey Podcast, is an IT professional by day and a whiskey aficionado by passion. He brings his knowledge and expertise to the podcast, discussing various distilleries, tasting notes, and industry trends. Through The Friskey Whiskey, Travis aims to educate, entertain, and share his profound appreciation for whiskey.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program

Virtual: W.F.K. Travers’ Lincoln Portrait
2025-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
At nine feet tall, Travers’ Lincoln portrait is impressive. This portrait of the 16th president has been praised by those who knew him as more lifelike than any other. Exhibited at the US Capitol, the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and the Union League Club in New York, among other important places, this portrait eventually found a home in the Hartley Dodge Memorial in Madison, NJ. Mallory Mortillaro will share her first-hand account of researching this painting and the stories she uncovered as she leads the audience through this painting’s fascinating provenance. The portrait is currently on loan to the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.
Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. She has ten years of teaching experience and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She studied at Drew University. Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.
This program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.

Art Across the Globe
2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Madhubani Workshop
Watch & learn from Artist Gayatri Verma
What to expect:
1. To get the best out of the demo, we recommend that you listen and observe the instructions during the workshop and paint the artwork later.
2. Meet the artist.
3. Q&A session with the artists.
4. Access the workshop video for 3-weeks and complete your artwork.
5. Share your artwork with fellow participants and the organizers.
Sponsored by Natick Center Cultural District and facilitated by Artsy Way of Life
REGISTER HERE

Terrific Turtles Live Animal Program
2025-03-22 13:00 - 14:00 | 2 East Central Street, Natick, MA
Spring Nature Family Events
At First Congregational Church, Natick, 2 East Central St, Natick, MA
Terrific Turtles
Live Animal Program
Saturday, March 22, 1:00-2:00 pm
$5.00 per person advance ticket sales only
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? How big can a sea turtle grow? Are all turtle shells the same? Find out for yourself! Learn more about our wonderful shelled friends and meet some real turtles! For ages 6+ Presented by Joy Marzolf, The Joys of Nature

FCC is handicapped accessible. Parking available in side parking lot and street.
All children must be accompanied by and sitting with an adult for these events.
These programs are for children ages 6+

Tickets must be purchased in advanced and may be purchased by:

Venmo, email fcc_events@firstchurchnatick.org
Eventbrite tickets (fees apply)

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Natick Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Virtual: Grow your Leafy Greens
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:00
Would you like to learn how to grow the most nutritionally dense food on the planet? The experts at Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens have you covered. In this virtual program hosted by the Bacon Free Library, you’ll learn how to successfully grow kale, spinach, chard, and lettuce using a variety of methods.

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

Caregiver Support Group: Making Caregiver Self-Care a Necessity
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30 | The Residence at Natick South, 119 E Central Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, join us at our monthly support group. Connect and share stories with people who understand the challenges you face in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
Share a springtime charcuterie board and assorted refreshments with us.
RSVP by Friday, March 21, 2025, with Jolanda Pressey, jpressey@residencenaticksouth.com, 774-231-0900.

Professor Bugman presents the Arthropod Petting Zoo, Live Animal Program
2025-04-05 13:00 - 14:00 | First Congregational Church (2 East Central Street) Natick
This is a show-and-tell-and-touch featuring live exotic arthropods from all 4 major groups including Crustaceans, like crabs; Insects; Myriapods, like centipedes; and Arachnids aka spiders. Children see, feel, hear, and even smell these arthropods as they learn about the incredible adaptations that help them survive their world and how they benefit us! For ages 6+.
Tickets must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite, or by emailing fcc_events@firstchurchnatick.org.
FCC is handicapped accessible. Parking available in side parking lot and street.
• All children must be accompanied by and sitting with an adult for these events.
• These programs are for children ages 6+

WeaversFest at Five Crows Gallery
2025-04-07 11:00 - 2025-04-30 17:00 | Five Crows Gallery & Handcrafted Gifts
Five Crows Gallery & Handcrafted Gifts in Natick Center is pleased to present WeaversFest!, a special exhibit and sale of handwoven artwork by weavers from The Weavers Guild of Boston. From now through April 30, visit the store to see the exhibit of handwoven wearable art items as well as items for the home. This exhibit is part of the Gather Fiber Symposium, a celebration of fiber and textile arts for the Greater Boston region during April 2025. https://www.gatherfibersymposium.com/
Artwork will be displayed at Five Crows during regular store hours in April: Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Location: Five Crows Gallery, 41 Main Street (Rt. 27), Natick Center, Natick.
For more information, contact:
Sherry Anderson
info@fivecrows.com
774 551-6589

Virtual: Local Farms (Metrowest) – Produce, Meats, & Dairy
2025-04-07 19:00 - 20:00
Join the growing number of people who are buying their produce, meats, and dairy products from local farms. Not only is local food fresher than many options in the supermarket, but supporting our local farms creates a more sustainable ecosystem. Sure, you might not get raspberries in December, but when you get them in August, they will be the best tasting raspberries you could ever have!
Working with Ashland’s Town Sustainability Coordinator, Samantha Riley, we’ll have a panel of farmers who will help us understand the benefits of shopping for locally grown foods AND give us suggestions for reputable growers in our area. We hope you can join us for this important discussion as climate change affects the way we live our daily lives.
This program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Ashland Public Library.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK
Recording note: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. It will also be available to view on the Ashland Library’s YouTube Channel.

Virtual: Behind the Headlines: Understanding Bird Flu
2025-04-07 19:00 - 20:00
**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**
Dr. Catherine (“Katie”) Brown is the Massachusetts State Epidemiologist and Public Health Veterinarian, and current President of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. She plays a key role at the state and national level in monitoring and responding to infectious disease threats, and has been involved with avian influenza for over 20 years. She will give a clear and authoritative overview of the nation’s current situation and the risk that avian influenza presents.
Register directly on Zoom HERE.
This program is sponsored by the Public Health Museum, in recognition of National Public Health Week. It is presented in collaboration with the Tewksbury Public Library and the Bacon Free Library.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Virtual: Lost Treasures of the Titanic with Art Historian Mallory Mortillaro
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:00
James Cameron’s Titanic told the invented story of the Heart of the Ocean–a fictional blue diamond necklace lost tragically in the ship’s famous sinking. But what about the real treasures that were lost when the Titanic sank?
For over a century, the world has been intrigued by the story of the Titanic. When tragedy struck on April 14, 1912, in addition to the incredible loss of life, a nearly incalculable amount of goods plummeted into the ocean, never to be seen again. This lecture takes a closer look at and tells the stories of some of the more interesting and valuable treasures lost on that fateful night.
Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. She has ten years of teaching experience and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She studied at Drew University. Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.
This program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.

Walnut Hill Spring Opera: Cendrillon
2025-04-11 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-04-12 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-04-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Keiter Center, 146 Bacon St, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Audiences of all ages will enjoy this charming opera, based on the well known fairy tale of Cinderella. “Cendrillon” is sung in English, with English text subtitles displayed. Run time is one hour. Get your tickets at walnuthillarts.org/cendrillon.
Celebrating this extraordinary female composer, Pauline Viardot, we are pleased to present an almost exclusively female production. Our all-female performers include a talented cast of Voice Majors, the string quartet of Music Majors as our orchestra, and four Dance Majors from Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division at Walnut Hill. Our creative team is led by Director and Head of Voice, Teresa Winner Blume, with Vocal Coach and Music Director Elaine Smith-Purcell and Guest Conductor Stephanie Beatrice. Ballroom choreography by Guest Artist Melinda Sullivan. Costume design by Danielle Domingue-Sumi. Set and lighting design by Zachary Ahmad-Kahloon.
Program Cover Art by Winter Qiu ’26

Marathon Poster Making Party
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Paper Fiesta, 1 Main Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Pop on over to Paper Fiesta at Mile 10 in Natick on Saturday, April 12th to create inspirational messages for the Boston Marathon runners! Drop by anytime from 9am-12pm. Poster making supplies & popcorn provided by Spark Kindness.

Art Across the Globe
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:00
Kalighat Patachitra Art Workshop
Watch & learn from Artist Tagar Chitrakar
What to expect:
1. To get the best out of the demo, we recommend that you listen and observe the instructions during the workshop and paint the artwork later.
2. Meet the artist.
3. Q&A session with the artists.
4. Access the workshop video for 3-weeks and complete your artwork.
5. Share your artwork with fellow participants and the organizers.
REGISTER HERE
Sponsored by Natick Center Cultural District and facilitated by Artsy Way of Life
