“It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last.” – Counting Crows

As we venture into 2026 with hopes for a joyful year, we should do so wearing warm clothing as the temperatures are set to stay below freezing all weekend. There’s music to listen to, crafts to make, and new friends to meet.

Here are five things to do in Newton this weekend.

Friday, Jan. 2

From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.: the Newton Free Library will host Maker Morning Storytime in the Children’s Programs Room. Kids will listen to a story read aloud before having the chance to work on a project related to a theme in the story. This event is crafted for kids ages 3 to 5.

From 6 to 9 p.m., Tango Mango will host Live Guitar with local musician Armando.

Saturday, Jan. 3

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: you can enjoy the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave., for free. The Jackson Homestead is still closed for renovations, though.

From 3 to 4 p.m.: the Newton Free Library will host Needle Felt Cat in a Box, in which kids will learn how to needle felt a cat using a barbed needle and wool with Pop up Art School. Participants will get a small amount of different colors to add in a calico pattern as shown or they can make stripes on their white cat. This event is for kids in grades 7 through 12.

Sunday, Jan. 4

At 11 a.m.: State Sen. Cindy Creem will be at the Cooper Center for Active Living in Newtonville for a talk with constituents about “safeguarding our civil rights, protecting the environment, and defending Massachusetts values from outside interference.” The event was organized in collaboration with the Newton Democratic City Committee, the Ward 2 Democratic Committee and Newton Indivisible. There will be a question-and-answer session after the talk.

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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.