Events

Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project at The Umbrella Arts Center, with pre-show dinner options.

When ten-year-old Iris follows a streak of color falling from the sky, she doesn't find treasure at the end of the rainbow — she finds Arco, a boy from nine centuries in the future, stranded in a world he can barely recognize as his own. This critically acclaimed French animated film is dubbed with English-speaking voice talent such as Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferell, and America Ferrera. A thoughtful, adventurous, hand-drawn tale for the whole family.

Stop in. Say hi. Talk guitars! Wilson Schünemann, Co-Founder and Curator of the Guitar Museum of New England, will be on hand to talk about the guitars featured in the pop-up 'sneak peek' from the Museum's core collection. While you're here, you can see a video with architectural plans of the future building, as well as highlights of previous exhibits we've done - so you have a good sense of the awesomeness coming when we finally open! This event is part of the Hidden Treasures Festival, sponsored by Freedom's Way National Heritage Area. It is FREE and open to the public.

Whether you’re new to the writings of Henry David Thoreau or a lifelong fan of his work, you’re sure to enjoy the Thoreau Farm Reading Group. The group meets once a month on a Thursday evening to discuss one of Thoreau’s essays. April 16 will feature “Moon and Moonlight,” May 21 will bring “A Walk to Wachusett,” and June 18 will delve into “Slavery in Massachusetts.”

Begin your day with a private tour of the Ralph Waldo Emerson house. Enjoy the home, Lidian’s garden, and the renovated barn. Then join us at the Wright Tavern for a noon luncheon and a performance by Phil Paradis, as he entertains visitors as Waldo himself in 1871 in this witty and humorous one-man play.

Presented by the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association in collaboration with the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust.

Celebrate Emerson’s birthday and follow the footsteps of writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau! Enjoy the spring weather and learn about the friendship of two notable observers of nature from a museum interpreter. 1-mile walk, uneven and unpaved terrain, rain or shine. Meet at the Concord Museum. Includes Same-day admission to the Concord Museum. In partnership with the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association.

Pocket Square brings together swing and jazz standards with style and soul. Featuring Karen Quatromoni (guitar), Lynn Matthews (bass), Wojciech Sulejman (keyboard), and Goody (drums), the group delivers sophisticated, accessible music that fits beautifully in cultural and historic spaces. Pocket Square has performed multiple times at the Waltham Museum of Industry and is delighted to appear at the Guitar Museum of New England. Expect elegant rhythms, rich melodies, and a warm, engaging performance that honors tradition while keeping things fresh.

The Concord Rotary Club will host the second annual Music Festival at Rideout Park in West Concord on May 25, 2024. The day of music will feature local artists as well as The Bruce Marshall Group. The event admission will be free to the public and feature music, vendors, and entertainment that appeals to all ages.

Chatham Rabbits: An Evening of Bluegrass & Americana

Join the Concord Conservatory of Music for an intimate performance by North Carolina-based duo Chatham Rabbits. Sarah and Austin McCombie deliver a mesmerizing blend of soulful songwriting, irresistible harmonies, and a sound that seamlessly bridges bluegrass roots with indie-folk.

The Umbrella Arts Center is proud to continue its Concert Series with our next Broadway star, Megan Hilty! Most recognizable for her portrayal of seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama Smash, Tony nominee Megan Hilty is a dynamic performer both on stage and on screen. Hilty is currently playing the role of Madeline Ashton in the new hit musical, Death Becomes Her, which earned her a Tony Award nomination, a Drama League Award nomination, and two Broadway.com Audience Awards.

Join us for a program at Walden Pond State Reservation designed to introduce people who are blind or have low vision to the joys of birding. We are pleased to welcome back veteran birder and Mass Audubon accessibility consultant Jerry Berrier to lead a free program along our ½ mile ADA compliant trail. Our target birds will include some of our charismatic forest dwellers like the piliated woodpecker, the eastern wood peewee, the red-eyed vireo, and the scarlet tanager to name a few.