Summer is in full-swing, and the city’s full of life, art and rhythm. There’s Irish music, chimes, dancing and an open mic party at the new Newton Centre Plaza.

Weatherwise, the weekend is expected to be warm, and Saturday could see some thunderstorms, but all-in-all not a bad forecast.

Here are five things to do in Newton this weekend.

Friday, July 11

From 6 to 10 p.m., listen to the Black Velvet Band play a mix of Irish and Irish-American music, and stick around for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” at the Hyde Bandstand, 90 Lincoln St.

Saturday, July 12

From 2 to 5 p.m., Newtonville Books will host a Poetry Party with local artist Ingrid Chiemi playing some tunes from “What the Horizon Can Hold,” her new book of song lyrics, as well as art about what’s beyond that horizon. The party will also feature local artist Jenny Pivor reading from her book, “It’s a Little Skimpy.” And this will be followed by an open mic session on the newly finished Newton Centre Plaza. Proceeds will go to Asian Women For Health, a nonprofit connecting Asian women and their families with resources for better health outcomes.

From 5 to 6 pm., the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton will host a free Summer Chime Concert outside on the church grounds. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Kids and adults will be able to enjoy the music throughout West Newton Square, including Captain Ryan Park across the street from the church.

Sunday, July 13

At 2 p.m., Historic Newton will host a reading of Frederick Douglass’s famous ““What To a Slave is the Fourth of July?” at the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St.

From 6:30 to 7 p.m., enjoy Klezmer music and dancing at the Hyde Bandstand at 90 Lincoln St.

At 6 p.m. hear the Squeezebox Stompers perform Cajun, Zydeco, folk and blues music at the Newton Centre Bowl at Tyler Terrace.

***

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.