This week brings the start of August, and with it, the countdown of the back-to-school season. Until then, here are five activities around town to get the last month of summer started. 

Friday, July 31

From 6 to 8 p.m., the Hyde Community Center is hosting the Black Velvet Band for an evening of Irish and American music. There will be a mix of Irish ballads, pub tunes and throwbacks. The movie “Karate Kid” will be shown after dusk. 

Saturday, August 1

From 5 to 6 p.m., join the First Unitarian Universalist Society in West Newton for a free outdoor chimes concert. There will be a variety of music styles. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic. Indoor seating will be available in case of inclement weather. After each concert, FUUSN chimers will teach listeners about the bells and show them how to play them. The event is located at FUUSN, 1326 Washington Street, West Newton.

Sunday, August 2

From 1 to 5 p.m., the Newton Youth Lifesavers Initiative is hosting a CPR and first aid training open to Newton high school students. All training will be provided by American Heart Association certified instructors. The event is organized by two Newton high school students, Lauren Li and Evan Li, through their nonprofit organization, Heart for Care.

From 2 to 4 p.m., go on a nature scavenger hunt at the Newton Centre Green. There will also be Story Stations set up to read the children’s book Maisy Goes on a Nature Walk as attendees move through the park. This event is part of Summer in the Garden for Everyone, a series hosted by Newtonville Books and Spark Newton. 

From 6 to 7:30 p.m., listen to some country rock with a performance by Hurry Sundown at the Newton Centre Bowl. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and a picnic dinner. This event is part of Spark Newton’s Performances in the Park series.