Two free events anchor the next stretch of Summer in the Highlands at the Hyde Community Center in Newton Highlands: a live outdoor production of "Romeo and Juliet" on Thursday, July 30, and the Indian American Community of Newton's annual India Day Celebration on Sunday, August 16.

Both take place at the Hyde's bandstand at 90 Lincoln St., and both are free and open to all ages.

Shakespeare under the stars

The World's A Stage Players, collaborating with The Concord Players, bring "Romeo and Juliet" to the Hyde on Thursday, July 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. The troupe is touring the production to multiple venues this summer; the Newton date is one night before a Friday, July 31, performance at Veterans Memorial Park in Maynard.

No tickets or registration are required.

Families can bring blankets and lawn chairs.

India Day Celebration

The Indian American Community of Newton (IAC Newton) hosts its annual India Day Celebration on Sunday, August 16, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hyde bandstand. The free event features Bollywood dance and music performances, Indian food, and a variety of vendors, according to the Hyde Community Center's event listing. All are welcome.

The people behind the series

Summer in the Highlands is a partnership between the Hyde Community Center and Spark Newton, the nonprofit formerly known as Newton Community Pride, with support from the City of Newton. Helen Garity, a Newtonville resident who became the Hyde's executive director earlier in 2026, leads the center. Leandra Sharron serves as executive director of Spark Newton.

When Garity took the helm, she told Fig City News in March that she hoped to build on the Hyde's strong foundation rather than reinvent it. The summer series, which launched May 30 and runs through September 11, is one of the center's signature programs.

What's next: Summer in the Highlands calendar

• Thursday, July 30: Shakespeare in the Playground, "Romeo and Juliet," 7–9 p.m.
• Friday, July 31: Black Velvet Band / "Karate Kid," 6–8 p.m.
• Friday, August 7: Soft Touch Dance Band / "Rear Window," 6–8 p.m.
• Friday, August 14: Boston Rock and Soul Revue / "Encanto," 6–8 p.m.
• Sunday, August 16: India Day Celebration, 4–7:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 21: Monster Groove / "Dog Man," 6–8 p.m.
• Friday, August 28: Martin and Kelly / "Shrek," 6–8 p.m.
• Friday, September 11: Hurry Sundown / "School of Rock," 6–8 p.m.

All events are free and held at the Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands. The full schedule is available at hydecenter.org.