Needham Local

Through My Eyes: A Survivor’s Journey Through Domestic Abuse
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Powers Hall at Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Over the past 2 years, The Needham Domestic Violence Action Committee (DVAC) has been busy creating and filming a 5-part series on Domestic Violence- Through My Eyes: A Survivor’s Journey Through Domestic Abuse. DVAC was fortunate to have a survivor that was willing to engage in meaningful conversation with different experts in the field about her experiences and hardships on her road to becoming a survivor. Please consider joining us for a Hearth Pizzeria dinner, followed by the premiere of our 1st episode: Domestic Violence 101. This is a free event, but reservations are required at https://bit.ly/DVAC_Oct27 and seats are limited.

Rotary Pancake Breakfast Festival
2025-11-01 08:00 - 11:00 | Newman School, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
This year’s Needham Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be on Saturday, November 1 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Newman Elementary School in Needham. All you can eat pancakes, sausages, and drinks for $8.

Order your tickets now online to avoid long lines the day of the event. NeedhamPancakes.com

Join us for kids games like the Lollipop Tree, the Hockey Shoot, the Fishing Pond, the Wheel of Wow, and more… You can pre-order tickets for the kids games: 40 tickets for $20. Pre-order now and we’ll hand you the tickets when you sign in — no need to wait in a second line!

Needham Open Studios Fall Pop-up
2025-11-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, 02492
Saturday, November 1st
11am – 4pm
Congregational Church of Needham
1154 Great Plain Avenue
The artists of Needham Open Studios welcome you to a Fall Pop-Up on Saturday, November 1st, at the Congregational Church of Needham.
Meet the Needham artists and treat yourself to the quality and craftsmanship of original paintings, photographs, prints, illustrations, fiber arts, mixed media and handcrafted fine jewelry.
Free admission and parking.

Great Hall Concert Series
2025-11-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Needham Town Hall – Powers Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
This show is SOLD OUT!
We all remember hits like “Still the One,” “Dance with Me,” and “Love Takes Time.” Platinum hit-makers ORLEANS are celebrating more than 50 YEARS of live performances!
Praised by their peers for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies, their iconic radio hits still resonate with audiences of all ages thanks to continued airplay on Classic Rock radio, television, film and streaming services. Orleans have produced a body of work spanning 17 albums and several DVDs, and they continue to be in demand for live shows, as they have been for more than 5 decades.
Over time, Orleans have enjoyed great success, but have also experienced tragedy. The untimely death of Wells Kelly in 1984 and the sudden passing of mainstay Larry Hoppen in 2012, prompted the return of co-founder and former US Congressman John Hall (now retired from the road band). Co-Founder Lance Hoppen and longtime bandmates Lane Hoppen, Fly Amero, and Tony Hooper are now joined by Nashville veterans Brady Spencer and Tom Lane on drums and guitar, respectively. Together they faithfully deliver the musical elements you have come to expect from this class act, with power and integrity.
Since their humble beginnings in Woodstock NY and throughout countless worldwide tours, Orleans have set standards respected by other musicians. Today and beyond, Orleans will continue to meet and exceed those standards at every show, to the delight of audiences everywhere.
Find out More about the 2025 Great Hall Consert Series.

Veterans Day Ceremony
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Memorial Park, Needham, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
11:00 A.M. VETERANS DAY CEREMONIES AT MEMORIAL PARK:
• Introduction and Welcome to the Veterans and Citizens: Jason Kravetz
• Opening Prayer: Reverend Nicholas Morris-Kliment, Christ Episcopal Church
• Raising the National Ensign and National Anthem
• Original Reading
• Address by Senator
• Placement of Wreath
• Address by State Representative
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Proclamation
• In Flanders Field Reading
• Address by Heidi Frail, Select Board, Chair, Town of Needham
• Proclamation by Select Board
• Speech by VFW Commander: Gene Charny
• Benediction: Reverend Nicholas Morris-Kliment, Christ Episcopal Church
• Closing Remarks: Master of Ceremony, Jason Kravetz

Free and all are welcome.

Needham Planning Board
2025-11-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Select Board Chambers at Town Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
The Needham Planning Board is meeting at unusual times this month due to the addition of several community meetings. Due to this, the Needham Channel will not be providing coverage for its regular sessions. However, the Planning Board will be holding their sessions in a hybrid manner, so live coverage will be available online. Look for the Needham Channel to subsequently air and stream the meeting through the Municipal Channel, HD Channel, at needhamchannel.org, and through its free Roku App.

A Joyful Call for Unity: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Brings Together Our Local Communities
2025-11-15 19:30 - 22:00 | Trinity Chapel, Boston College, 885 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459, United States
This coming weekend, the New Philharmonia Orchestra invites you to experience one of music’s most powerful celebrations of humanity—Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, performed live in the heart of Newton.
Few works speak so directly to the spirit of community as the Ninth Symphony. Beethoven’s visionary setting of Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” proclaims, “All men become brothers,” a message that transcends time, culture, and language. In an age when connection and compassion are more vital than ever, the New Phil’s performance brings this call for unity to life—right here among our neighbors. The orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Jorge Soto, joins forces with local choirs and vocal soloists. Together, they embody the orchestra’s motto, “Music for All,” blending professional artistry with the warmth and diversity of our communities. The City of Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will deliver an opening speech at 7:30 pm Saturday, November 15th.

Needham Open Studios Art Exhibit & Opening Reception
2025-11-16 11:00 - 14:00 | Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
Sunday, November 16th
11am – 2pm
Community Art Gallery, Christ Church
1132 Highland Avenue
Holiday Sale and Opening Reception, with Orginal Art and Fine Crafts. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm, and Sundays from 9am to 12pm. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Needham Community Council.

Needham Planning Board
2025-11-19 19:00 - 23:00 | Public Services Administration Building, 500 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492, United States

Needham Planning Board
2025-12-02 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-12-16 19:00 - 23:00 | Public Services Administration Building, 500 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
The Needham Planning Board meets for its regular session at the Public Service Administration Building at 500 Dedham Avenue. Due to multiple simultaneous meetings, the Needham Channel will not be providing coverage. However, the Planning Board holds their sessions in a hybrid manner, so live coverage will be available online through Zoom. Look for the Needham Channel to subsequently air and stream the meeting through the Municipal Channel, HD Channel, at needhamchannel.org, and through its free Roku App.

Needham Street Design Forum
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Needham Town Hall – Powers Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
The Town of Needham is embarking on an initiative to develop a Street Design Guide.
The Street Design Guide will:
• Translate the Town’s Complete Streets goals into everyday design practice
• Establish clear, consistent design features based on road usage and context
• Integrate internal standards with state and federal best practices
• Recommend new policies that will support Town’s transportation goals
• Improve transparency and communication with residents about how roadway infrastructure is designed
Join the Mobility Planning & Coordination Committee and the Department of Public Works at a Hybrid Public Forum to learn more about the Street Design Guide where community members are invited to share ideas and help guide the future of Needham’s streets.
The Forum will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd from 7-9 pm in Powers Hall in Needham Town Hall, via Zoom*, and live streamed on The Needham Channel.
*Zoom link: https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81437464537?pwd=[REDACTED]

Annual Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale
2025-12-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, 02492
The Needham Garden Club will host its annual Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale on Saturday, December 6th from 9 – 1 in the Fellowship Hall of the Needham Congregational Church (1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham). The sale will feature hand-crafted wreaths and a wide variety of creative arrangements for the holidays.
Parking for the event is in the rear of the building and the entrance to the sale is on Linden Street across from the Post Office.
Proceeds from the sale help sponsor educational programs in horticulture and floral design at the Needham Library, Garden Therapy sessions at local assisted living and nursing homes, a college scholarship for a Needham Senior planning to study biology, horticulture, conservation or environmental science and the planting and maintenance of community garden spaces around town.

Holiday Sale & Book Signing
2025-12-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Needham History Center & Museum, 1147 Central Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Do your holiday shopping while enjoying refreshments, music, and exhibits! We have unique Needham merchandise – gifts for everyone on your list! (You know it’s not too early to start…)
And check out our Heirloom Shop for serveware, barware, and vintage table pieces to decorate your home and dress up your holiday table. Here is your big chance to pick up that extra set of matching glasses before the guests arrive!
Gloria will also be on hand to sign her new book, All Roads Lead to Needham. Wow! So much to do, all in one place!

Sunday Salon: “American Eldercide and Ageism Today”
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Needham Public Library Community Room, 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
The Friends of the Needham Public Library present:
A Fresh Voice from the Harlem Renaissance: Dorothy Peterson
Wellesley College professor Octavio Gonzalez will celebrate the Harlem Renaissance of 100 years ago through the lens of educator/translator Dorothy R. Peterson, an important figure whose legacy has been overshadowed by other luminaries. Peterson was a close friend of novelist Nella Larsen, as well as poet Langston Hughes, with whom Peterson collaborated on many translations from the Spanish to the English. Peterson also introduced Hughes to major Puerto Rican poets of the era, including Nicolás Guillén, with whom Hughes developed a close relationship as fellow poets. Professor Gonzalez will present other aspects of Peterson’s life, including her lifelong work as a teacher and educator as well as her final years as an expatriate in Spain. In the final decades of her career, Peterson devoted herself to archiving the manuscripts and ephemera of the Harlem Renaissance, ensuring the continuity of that period into the present, by curating and helping to promote the James Weldon Johnson Memorial Collection of African-American Arts and Letters at Yale University. This Collection is where Peterson’s own papers are found.
Professor González is the Barbara Morris Caspersen Associate Professor of Humanities and an Associate Professor of English & Creative Writing at Wellesley College. He is the President of the Modernist Studies Association and on the editorial board of the Queer Feminist Maternities Book Series.
This Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Needham Public Library. Registration is required, as we have a current capacity limit of 108.
***IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL AFTER REGISTERING, PLEASE CALL THE REFERENCE DEPARTMENT (781-455-7559 X2) TO CHECK REGISTRATION STATUS***

SPAN Winter Meeting
2025-12-09 08:30 - 10:00 | Rosemary Recreation Complex, 178 Rosemary Street, Needham, 02494, United States
The Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham, in collaboration with the Needham Public Health Division will hold its winter meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 8:30am. It is an in-person event taking place at the Rosemary Recreation Complex, 178 Rosemary Street. Registration is required. Click on this link to learn more.

Wreaths Across America
2025-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Needham Cemetery, 128 Nehoiden St, Needham, MA, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Please join Needham’s Col. William McIntosh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in honoring all of Needham’s deceased veterans during our fifth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. The event starts at noon at the veterans’ section of the Needham Cemetery. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

World Meditation Day Event
2025-12-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Blue Lotus Healing Arts, 945 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Needham will join 100+ cities across the U.S. in celebrating the UN’s second annual World Meditation Day, streamed LIVE and led by Gurudev from New York City. FREE event, open to all. No prior experience needed.
Where: Blue Lotus Healing Arts, 945 Great Plain Ave, Needham MA
When: Sunday, December 21, 2025 @ 9:30am ET
FREE Event. RSVP @ https://tiny.cc/needhammeditates
Let’s come together to fill our town with calm, compassion, and collective intention.
Your presence matters. Your silence is powerful.

First Night | Needham Concert Society
2025-12-31 19:00 - 21:30 | Carter Memorial UMC, 800 Highland Avenue, Needham, 02494
NEW YEAR’S SHOWCASE | The Needham Concert Society reprises their beloved First Night concert, in which exceptionally talented students and the society’s favorite professional guests perform highlights from the chamber music and chamber orchestra repertoire.
These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Needham Council for Arts and Culture, ​a local agency which is supported by the Town of Needham and the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Crime of the Century: How the Brink's Robbers Stole Millions and the Hearts of Boston
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Needham History Center & Museum, 1147 Central Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Stephanie Schorow is back, with a story that is “stranger—and far more compelling—than Hollywood led us to believe” (author David Kruh). On January 17, 1950, seven robbers in Halloween masks walked into a counting room of the Brink’s armored car garage on Prince Street in Boston and walked out with $2.5 million in cash, checks, and securities. It was the
largest robbery in U.S. history to date. Yet not a shot was fired, not a drop of blood shed. The robbers simply said, “This is a stick-up,” before gagging and tying up the guards. Within minutes they escaped into the night with bags stuffed with money, leaving almost no clues behind.
This is Stephanie’s third program for the Needham History Center. She has previously spoken to us about the Cocoanut Grove Fire, and the Boston Harbor Islands Adventure. After stints as a journalist at the Boston Herald, the Associated Press and newspapers large and small, Stephanie Schorow turned to nonfiction narratives. She has written or co-written six other books on Boston’s history: Boston On Fire: A History of Fire and Firefighting in Boston; The Cocoanut Grove Fire; East of Boston: Notes from the Harbor Islands; The Boston Mob Guide: Hitmen, Hoodlums and Hangouts (with Beverly Ford); and Drinking Boston: A History of the City and its Spirits.
This talk is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
2026-01-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Needham High School, 609 Webster Street, Needham, MA, 02494, United States

Unlaunch’d Voices: an Evening with Walt Whitman
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Memorial Park Field House, 92 Rosemary Street, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
Unlaunch’d Voices: an Evening with Walt Whitman. Conceived and performed by Stephen Collins, Written by Michael Z. Keamy.
Unlaunch’d Voices opens with the elderly Whitman on the evening of his seventieth birthday. The audience is a visitor in his room as he prepares for his birthday celebration. Whitman begins to reminisce and to question his success as a man and a poet. He tells us his work has proved to be “less than a failure….” He remembers a mystical experience he had in his thirty-seventh year that inspired him to write poetry.
During the telling, Whitman transforms into his young vibrant self and we begin to trace back along with him the experiences that led to the creation of Leaves Of Grass, his lifetime work. The first part of the performance explores Whitman’s preoccupation with the self and his resolve to write with “free and brave thought…” We revel with him as he celebrates his body and himself and are confidants as he shares his struggle with his sexual self. In the second part of the performance, Whitman’s life is changed forever by the occurrence of the Civil War. It is here that he finds “… the most important work of my life…” nursing the wounded soldiers in the hospitals. Through poetry and readings of actual letters, we experience Whitman’s movement from selfishness and selflessness and his growth into a mature artist who is at peace about “himself, God and death.”

50th Anniversary Concert | Needham Concert Society
2026-05-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Carter Memorial UMC, 800 Highland Avenue, Needham, 02494
BOLD AND TIMELESS | The Needham Concert Society celebrates its fiftieth anniversary with a commissioned work by Pulitzer-nominated composer David Post and two string masterpieces, a classically elegant string quintet by Mozart and Dvořák’s romantic and exuberant string sextet.
These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Needham Council for Arts and Culture, ​a local agency which is supported by the Town of Needham and the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
