The birds have returned, the buds are opening, and Earth’s northern half has shifted back toward the sun to warm things up a bit. And this weekend, we celebrate.

Earth Day was technically last week, but the Newton Earth Day Festival is being held this weekend. And it has a new location: Zervas Elementary School. There’s also a huge art sale, several concerts and a free day of fun for the kids at the YMCA.

Here are eight things to do in Newton this weekend.

Friday, May 1

From 7 to 8:30 p.m., Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill will host its Celebrity Organ Recital with Andrew Lumsden, former organist of Westminster Abbey and Winchester Cathedral. The program will feature Bach’s famous Toccata & Fugue in D Minor, Variations on America by Charles Ives, music by Mozart and Bridge, as well as Widor’s Symphony No 5. A reception will follow. Admission is free.

From 7:30 to 9 p.m., you can hear the keynote address for a festival dedicated to 14th-century composer Guillaume de Machaut, and sing along to some of his music, at the Allen Center, 35 Webster Street. Tickets are $30 for adults.

Saturday, May 2

From 2 to 4 p.m., the West Suburban YMCA will host Healthy Kids Day, a community event promoting active family fun, at the Church Street YMCA, located at 276 Church St., Newton. Admission is free.

From 6 to 10:30 p.m., Jackson Walnut Park School will host its annual spring gala in Kentucky Derby style. The “Hats & Hearts” Gala will  feature live music, fine cuisine, auctions and more. Guests are encouraged to wear Kentucky Derby-inspired hats. Tickets are $175.

From 8 to 9 p.m., Trinity Parish, 11 Homer St., Newton Centre, will host a choral concert by the Seraphim Singers, “To Look for America,” with Music Director Eric Christopher Perry and organist Heinrich Christensen. Tickets are $15 and $30.

Sunday, May 3

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the New Art Center will host its New Yart Sale, featuring a vast collection of artwork in various media for sale, donated by artists from across Greater Boston, 61 Washington Park, Newtonville.

From 12 to 3:30 p.m., Newton will have its Earth Day Festival at Zervas Elementary School. There will be live music, food, vendors and nonprofits talking about sustainability, an electric vehicle display and more. You can also visit the Conscious Closet and RePlay Corner for thrift clothing, toys, games and sports equipment, and you can bring items to donate. There will also be a Seed Swap for gardening enthusiasts.

From 12:15 to 6 p.m., the Suzuki School of Newton will have its Graduation Concerts at The Shops at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St.

****

You can find more events or submit your own on our Events Page.

And the city has an ongoing list of arts-related events on the Newton Arts Calendar.

–