Newton newcomers and anyone still finding their footing in the city can meet neighbors and learn about services at a free "Welcome to Newton" gathering Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the City Hall War Memorial.
The drop-in event requires no registration. Children are welcome.
The city paired the gathering with the launch of a new online resource page at newtonma.gov/welcome, which went live Wednesday. The page pulls together information on navigating city services, enrolling children in Newton Public Schools and starting a business in Newton, all in one place for people who may not know where to begin.
Mayor Marc Laredo's office promoted the event through the city's weekly Newton Update newsletter, framing it as part of a broader effort to help recent arrivals feel at home. The city described the initiative as serving anyone "unpacking boxes in your first Newton home, condo, or apartment" as well as longer-term residents still getting oriented, according to its announcement.
The resource page goes beyond the event itself. It offers a high-level guide to city departments, details on public school enrollment timelines and steps for launching a business within city limits. For residents who moved to Newton during or after the pandemic and never had a formal introduction to municipal services, the page aims to fill that gap.
The event takes place at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave.
At a glance
- What: "Welcome to Newton" drop-in event
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 5:30–7 p.m.
- Where: City Hall War Memorial, 1000 Commonwealth Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Kids: Welcome
- Online: newtonma.gov/welcome
Upcoming community events
- Early voting opens: Saturday, Aug. 22 (voter registration deadline is the same day)
- Sept. 1 state primary: Candidates in contested races include Newton-area hopefuls on the ballot
