The Natick Center Cultural District

Author Heather Wolf Discusses "Find & Identify More Birds: How to Pick a Patch" (virtual)
2024-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is partnering with the Ashland Library to bring you bestselling author Heather Wolf, who will be discussing how to find and identify more birds by picking a “patch,” a place close to home where you can watch birds often. She’ll give tips on how to pick a patch and how to use it not only as a “classroom” to become a better birder, but also as a way to connect more deeply with the nature that surrounds you.
Please register HERE for the Zoom link.

Natick PorchFest!
2024-09-22 14:00 - 18:00
Natick Porchfest 2024 has been moved to the Rain Date – Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2-6PM
We are looking for people to host musicians on their Porches, for Neighborhood Coordinators and Musicians to help us plan for PorchFest 2024. Natick Center Porchfest is a grassroots community music festival, and it’s free! Musicians play on front porches, driveways, and front yards. Attendees enjoy lots of free music and local color as they walk and bike around the neighborhoods. It’s a great opportunity for local musicians to share their talents with their neighbors and for residents to discover their neighborhoods anew!
An event map and schedule will be available on our site (natickporchfest.org) as we lead up to September 21st. (The rain date is the following day (September 22nd) from 2-6 pm.

Please sign up at natickporchfest.org!
Check out the street list below to see which neighborhoods have been selected:

Area #1: Washington St., Walnut St., Harvard St., Franklin St., Florence St., David Drive.

Area #2: Grant St., Wilson St., Sheridan St., Sherman St., Avon St., Garfield St., Chester St., Morse St.

Area #3: Pond St., Maple St., Plain St., Park St., Western Ave., Floral Ave., Waban St.
Note: Additional Areas/Locations will be considered based on the volume of interest and availability of artists.

It is generously sponsored by Music Go Round Boston located on Rt. 9 in Natick.

Natick Farmers Market
2024-09-21 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-14 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-07 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-31 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-24 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-17 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-10 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

Grand Opening of the VIVILICIOUS Chocolate Boutique
2024-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 | 13 South Main Street, 13 South Main Street, Natick, 01760, United States
Community members are cordially invited to come sample locally made artisan chocolates — from bars to truffles and more — as we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of this exciting new shop at 13 South Main Street on the Natick Green. Proprietor Viviane Gontijo asks attendees this evening to help her in supporting the Natick Community Organic Farm by donating whatever you can at the door. Funds raised will be used to purchase new equipment for the farm.
The event is free to all, but donations to the NCOF are cheerfully accepted.

Eastern European Book Club (virtual)
2024-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Join Konstantin Starikov on Zoom for the first book of our new Eastern European Book Club, with a discussion of Maybe Esther: A Family Story by Katia Petrowskaja (Author), Shelley Frisch (Translator). “Maybe Esther is the inventive, unique, and extraordinarily moving debut memoir that pieces together the fascinating story of one woman’s family across twentieth-century Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.”

Konstantin Starikov is a librarian and user experience designer with a focus on digital accessibility. Born in Ukraine, Konstantin lived in New England for over 30 years. He is a resident of Framingham and enjoys learning about local histories of New England towns. Konstantin has received a doctorate in Slavic Literatures and Languages from Brown University.
Copies of the book are available at the library.
Order your own copy HERE
If you are interested in attending, please contact Konstantin at: konstantin.starikov@gmail.com

2024 Art in the Park
2024-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Shaw Park, Natick, MA
The Natick Artists’ Association will host Art in the Park at Shaw Park (that nice green space across the street from the Bacon Free Library). Over two dozen local artists will enjoy the fresh air and offer their art for your enjoyment.
Rain Date: September 22, 2024
Photo courtesy of the Natick Report

Instrument Petting Zoo
2024-09-14 11:30 - 12:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is partnering with Bach to Rock (B2R) in Wellesley to bring you this instrument petting zoo. B2R will bring a variety of musical instruments to the BfL for 60 minutes of instrument exploration to give people of all ages a chance to learn about instruments and experience playing them.
Please stop by to try out an instrument, or two, that you’re curious about.
No registration required.

Français à la bibliothèque
2024-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
BONJOUR !

Vous parlez français ?
un peu, beaucoup, pas de problèmes.
Venez nous rejoindre pour parler ou pour écouter.

Juggling Class
2024-09-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Come to the Bacon Free Library to learn some basic juggling skills in this fun class from our neighbors at Eastern Acrobatics!
This program is geared toward ages 7 and up. Outdoors, weather permitting.
Registration is required.

Author Evan Friss Discusses “The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore” (virtual)
2024-09-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Who among us hasn’t spent time in a bookstore just meandering around and finding hidden treasures? As we love all things books, we can’t wait to chat with author Evan Friss about The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore – an affectionate and engaging history of the American bookstore and its central place in American cultural life, from department stores to indies, from highbrow dealers trading in first editions to sidewalk vendors, and from chains to special-interest community destinations.
We hope all of our book lovin’ friends will join us for this special conversation! This program is offered by the Bacon Free Library in collaboration with the Ashland Public Library.
Please register HERE for the Zoom link.

Circus Tots Class
2024-09-09 11:00 - 11:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Take your first steps into the magical world of circus with this class from Bacon Free Library neighbors at Eastern Acrobatics!
Kids ages 3-6 will learn some simple and fun circus skills outdoors on the BFL lawn.
Registration is required.

2024 Natick Days
2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:00
Natick Days is an annual festival celebrating our community by providing an opportunity for Natick youth groups and non-profit organizations to increase visibility for their great work. It’s a Natick tradition highlighting the work of the service organizations and volunteers that make the Town of Natick such a great place to live, work, and play. Sign up your group or as a sponsor at this LINK!

The event, which is attended by several thousand people each year, is held at the Natick Common, in the heart of the Natick Center Cultural District. The festivities include food, fun, and entertainment—past events have featured mini golf, bounce houses, bungee challenges, pony rides, DPW touch-a-truck, raffles, and more!

Rain Date September 8th from 1-5:00 pm
**Please remember to keep your pets at home**

Jammin with You
2024-09-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Join us at the Bacon Free Library and be prepared to laugh, dance, sing, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1 – 7, but fun for the whole family. With modern takes on children’s classics and classic original tunes, you’ll be humming and bopping all the way home.
If the weather is 55 degrees or warmer, the program will be held outdoors behind the library, so bring a blanket or towel for sitting on the grass. If it’s rainy or under 55 degrees, we’ll meet indoors and space will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Bring your own simple instruments if you can! We recommend shakers, rhythm sticks, and scarves, or homemade equivalents like a container of rice, a couple of wooden spoons, and a dish towel. Jammin With You has more instrument suggestions here.

Sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank

2024 Multicultural Day
2024-08-24 11:00
The Natick Center Cultural District is pleased to announce Multicultural Day on August 24 from 11-2:00 pm on the Natick Common. This event highlights the diversity and cultures in our community.

Enjoy delicious food from Mashal’s Kitchen, and Mig’s Dogs.
View the EVENT SCHEDULE of music and dance performances.
Visit a variety of cultural booths for fun activities and educational opportunities!
Kids, drop by the Natick Center table to pick up a free passport and questions from participating tables. Visit the tables, answer the questions, and get your passport stamped!!
Generously sponsored by MutualOne Bank

The Indigenous Old World — An Exploration of Pre-Colombian North America
2024-08-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is partnering with the Tewksbury Public Library for this exploration of Pre-Colombian North America. Christoph Strobel, Department Chair and Professor of History at UMASS Lowell, will bring us into the Indigenous Old World.
Before European colonization, North America was filled with cities, towns, and villages. Across the continent, Indigenous peoples produced architecture and monumental construction. The ancient and medieval communities of North America were fed by agriculture. Moreover, Indigenous Americans actively managed their environment and participated in long distance exchange networks.
Christoph Strobel is the author of War and Colonization in the Early American Northeast; Native Americans of New England; and The Global Atlantic: 1400 to 1900. In addition, he has published many other books and academic papers.
This program will be held on Zoom. 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.

Maine Destinations for Stephen King Fans (virtual)
2024-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is partnering with the Tewksbury Public Library to bring you author Sharon Kitchens, who will discuss her new book, Stephen King’s Maine: A History & Guide.
Explore Maine locations that serve as the basis for Stephen King’s fictional towns of Castle Rock, Jerusalem’s Lot, Derry, and Haven. Drawing on historical materials and conversations with locals and people who know King, learn about the places that would become the settings for Carrie, Salem’s Lot, The Dead Zone, Cujo, IT, and 11/22/63.
This program will be held over Zoom. 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.

Stacey Peasley Concert
2024-08-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Let’s celebrate Summer Reading with Bacon Free Library favorite, Stacey Peasley! With her creative lyrics, fun rhythms, and contagious energy, Stacey will infuse pure joy into your evening.
This concert will be outdoors on the Bacon Free Library lawn, so bring a blanket or chairs to get comfy. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner as well.
If it rains, the show will be indoors at the Morse Institute Library.

Read to a Dog
2024-08-16 15:00 - 16:15 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Build confidence and practice your reading skills by reading out loud to a registered therapy dog at the Bacon Free Library!
Children ages 5 and up can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Sophie, a gentle golden retriever who loves belly rubs, stories, and cuddles.
Registration is required for each child attending.

2024 Natick Nights!
2024-08-15 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for a fantastic evening of food, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment in the vibrant Natick Center Cultural District. The Adams Street Art Alley will feature an array of beer, wine, food, and music during every Natick Nights event.
Events and Activities as of August 5th and subject to change.
On Adams and Court Street

Drink Dion’s – Beverages from Drink Dion’s – Beers from Jack’s Abby, hard ciders from Lookout Farm, and wines from Underwood – with thanks to Craft Distributors and Baystate – 21+
Food by Kith and Kin, Baja Mexican, and DonutNV
Tarot Card Reading with Sally
Live music with “It’s a Mystery”

At the Morse Institute Library

Library Lawn – Take & Make from the Gumball Machine – UnEarth the Adventure Magnets, and lawn games!

On Natick Common
Featuring Jonah’s Twisters & Musical Guest Sean Fullerton Music

Aesthetic + Mind MD – Free consultation for IV therapy and screening for Depression with resources.
Annmarie Connors Coaching – Connect your conscious and unconscious mind and become the version of you that has everything you want! Try a 15 minute free coaching session!
Bach to Rock will be bringing out multiple instruments for kids and families of all ages to try!
Café Yafa – Your neighborhood little Mediterranean restaurant. Bringing your favorite foods to the Natick Common!
Chiropractic Solutions – Revolutionizing our Community’s Health Outcomes, Pediatric Development & Expression of Life. Free Posture and Health screenings!
Community Academy at Walnut Hill – school year & summer session learning opportunities for aspiring artists pre-k to adult. Nutty Nutcracker Craft!
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!
Empire Dance Company – A dance studio in Natick for kids ages 2 and up, come learn about all our exciting summer and fall classes! Hosting music, games, prizes, and more!
Family Promise Metrowest is working to address family homelessness in the Metrowest Community.
Global Children’s School – Come by our table to play some games and learn about our multicultural trilingual education.
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.
Little Sprouts – Early education and childcare. Drop by our table and make a craft!
Monkey’n Around LLC – Casual Family Clothing Brand
Natick 180 – The Town’s resource for mental health and substance use. Visit our booth to learn more, and pick up some free resources and wellness items!
Natick Community Organic Farm – Come do a nature based activity, and learn more about Natick’s local organic farm and all the programs it has to offer.
Natick Outdoor Store – MetroWest’s Local Sporting Goods Headquarters. Stop by our table for fishing themed activities!
New England Sci-Tech – Space Science & Robotics. Launch an air-powered paper rocket, hold a rock from Outer Space, and get a selfie with R2D2 the Star Wars Robot!
Poppin Beans Children’s Books
Puttshack – Tech-infused mini golf just steps away from our signature bar and restaurant. Visit our Putting green and Prize wheel with swag giveaway!
Rumble Boxing -Fitness based boxing and strength meant for anyone, in a party environment! Boxing mitts for adults and kids, learn the 6 punches!
United Home Experts – Stop by our table for face painting, temporary tattoos, and construction hats!
Villari’s Martial Arts – Character building martial arts program. Demonstrations and board breaking!
Wellesley School of Music – Discover the joy and harmony of music Lessons by learning to play piano, vocal, violin, and guitar.
Windy Village – Sustainable hemp farm and craft CBD wellness brand in Sherborn, MA. Offering CBD products and samples.
YogaSix Wellesley = Try our energizing, empowering, and fun yoga classes, for everyone! Free class for new participants.
Plus a variety of local crafters!

Natick Nights! Special Offers

Baylee Bee – Enjoy a special promotion when you shop at Baylee Bee between 5PM-7PM
Paper Fiesta and Hedgehog Belly Designs
Ten Trees Books – Natick’s community bookstore where readers and neighbors meet!
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!

Public bathrooms are located at Natick Town Hall, the Morse Institute Library & on Adams Street.

2024 Natick Nights After Dark Movie Series: Under the Boardwalk
2024-08-15 14:57 | Natick Common
Grab your chairs, picnic blankets, and join the Natick Recreation and Parks Department for movies in the Park. Movies begin at sunset.
Movie: Under the Boardwalk
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1h 26m
From the director of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie comes a hilariously fun beach adventure! An epic journey to find home leads a shy crab (Michael Cera) and his new friend (Keke Palmer) to discover a whole world beyond the boardwalk.

Button Making
2024-08-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Stop by the Bacon Free Library anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 to create your own cool button using our button maker!
You can draw your own design or use a page from a discarded book or magazine.
All ages are welcome.

PJ Story Time
2024-08-13 18:00 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Put on your jammies, grab a favorite stuffed animal, and join us at the Bacon Free Library for a cozy evening story time!
All ages are welcome.

Buildwave Workshop
2024-08-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Come to the Bacon Free Library to build and have fun in this creative, hands-on workshop that encourages play and collaboration. Participants will be given wave after wave of kits filled with different building materials to explore. Watch this video to learn more!
Geared toward kids entering grades K to 6.
Registration is required.
