Things to See & Do

The public is invited to a free program exploring The Umbrella Arts Center’s outdoor public art ramble, Weaving an Address, a site-specific exhibition of work by prominent Black artists commemorating colonial-era Black residents of Concord’s famed Walden Woods. Curator and artist Marla McLeod will lead a guided tour of the artwork installed at Brister’s Hill in Walden Woods, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved people.

International bestselling author and BBC TV presenter Coinneach MacLeod – the Hebridean Baker – brings a warm welcome from Scotland to Nosh by Concord Market for a special afternoon of stories, recipes, Scottish charm & a cozy afternoon book signing!

Come and celebrate Henry's birthday with local historian Richard Smith. Smith will portray Henry David Thoreau on his 30th birthday in 1847 for the last time. He will receive guests at the Thoreau House Replica near the main parking lot. This is an informal rolling program, so you can stop at any time between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. On sunny days, holidays, and weekends, Walden Pond often closes due to capacity. Please check DCR Park Alerts for closures at www.mass.gov/parkalerts.   Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.  Call 978-405-2082

We’re closing out our birthday weekend with a community picnic made for the whole family! Join us under the tent next to Saltbox Kitchen for a daytime celebration filled with live music, farm-fresh snacks, and tons of fun for the little ones. We’ll have face painting, a kids' art table, lawn games, and plenty of space to play while singer/guitarist Chuck Clough sets the mood with feel-good tunes (12-3).

It’s BBQ night, Saltbox-style—smoky ribs, mac and cheese, cold drinks, and all the backyard vibes you love. We’re firing up the grill and turning up the music for night two of our birthday celebration under the tent next to Saltbox Kitchen. Come hang with us and enjoy live folk tunes from John Fitz (5–7PM), fresh veggies from the Saltbox Farm Stand, and sweet treats from the Uhlman’s Ice Cream Truck.

Head over to West Concord for the annual Summer Concert Series. Each night, a live band will take the stage to play all your favorite songs, old and new, at Rideout Playground.

Thursday, July 17th -  The Band Brandy

Concord Center is buzzing with excitement with the Third Thursdays event series. This Massachusetts neighborhood welcomes locals and visitors alike for art, culture, shopping, and dining. Taking place monthly from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Third Thursdays features more than 30 local businesses staying open late with special offerings and experiences.

We’re kicking off our three-day birthday bash with a Thursday night party under the tent next to Saltbox Kitchen—and you’re invited! Join us at the Guitar Museum of New England for fresh oysters and brats, chilled summer drinks, and live music from local favorite Goodwin (5–7PM). We’ll raise a glass at 7PM for a big birthday toast, then keep the good vibes going with lawn games, photo ops, and plenty of delicious bites straight from the Saltbox kitchen. 

Come to The Umbrella this weekend for FREE family fun! Drop by any time during the two-hour time block this Saturday, July 12, 2:00 - 4:00 PM to partake in a seasonal and creative craft led by one of our talented instructors! This week’s creative adventure: DIY Summer Passports

Join the Thoreau Society during their Annual Gathering for a day of free programs to celebrate Thoreau’s birthday. 10:30 am Dana S. Brigham Memorial Keynote Lecture Camille T. Dungy “Against Solitude: Rethinking Thoreau” Camille T. Dungy is an award-winning author and poet, best known for Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, which earned multiple honors including the 2024 Award of Excellence in Garden and Nature Writing.