Two free concerts remain in the City of Newton's Performances in the Park series, which has been drawing families to the Newton Centre Bowl on Sunday evenings all summer.
Hurry Sundown takes the stage Sunday, Aug. 2, followed by the season finale on Sunday, Aug. 9. Both shows run 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the open park space behind Mason-Rice School, down the hill from the HUT at 69 Tyler Terrace.
The six-week series, presented by Newton's Department of Arts & Culture, launched July 5 with Class6, a rock cover band spanning hits from the 1960s through the 2000s. The Jesse Liam Band followed July 12, Petty Larceny Band played July 19, and Los Sugar Kings brought Afro-Cuban son, salsa, and rumba-flamenca to the Bowl on July 26.
No tickets or registration are needed. The city and Spark Newton, the nonprofit serving as 2026 Lead Guitar Sponsor, encourage attendees to bring a blanket and grab takeout from nearby Newton Centre restaurants. Spark Newton, led by Executive Director Leandra Sharron, recently moved into the Linda Plaut Arts & Culture Center in Newton Highlands.
Residents looking for even more live music can check out the Summer in the Highlands series at the Hyde bandstand in Newton Highlands, which runs Friday evenings through Sept. 11. Upcoming Friday shows include Black Velvet Band on Friday, July 31, Soft Touch Dance Band on Aug. 7, and Boston Rock and Soul Revue on Aug. 14. Those concerts run 6 to 8 p.m.
Upcoming community events
- Sunday, Aug. 2, 6–7:30 p.m. — Performances in the Park: Hurry Sundown, Newton Centre Bowl, 69 Tyler Terrace
- Sunday, Aug. 9, 6–7:30 p.m. — Performances in the Park: season finale, Newton Centre Bowl, 69 Tyler Terrace
- Friday, July 31, 6–8 p.m. — Summer in the Highlands: Black Velvet Band, Hyde bandstand, Newton Highlands
- Friday, Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. — Summer in the Highlands: Soft Touch Dance Band, Hyde bandstand, Newton Highlands
