Two village celebrations Saturday, plus a world premiere at Symphony Hall and fall foliage at its peak.
Pumpkin decorating, games, music, and costumes at the West Suburban YMCA's annual neighborhood festival. Free and open to everyone—come in costume if you've got one ready.
Sat, Oct 24, 2:00–4:00 PM · The West Suburban YMCA, Newton · Walk-in · Details
Newton Highlands' annual Halloween celebration, with trick-or-treating through the village and seasonal activities families plan the fall around. Another free afternoon in costume.
Sat, Oct 24, 2:00–5:30 PM · Newton · Details
The Barefoot Contessa in conversation at the Colonial, talking through decades of dinner parties, cookbooks, and what makes a recipe actually work. Two nights, Wednesday and Thursday.
Wed, Oct 28, 7:00 PM · Colonial Theatre, Boston · Details
The Newton team (and four other locations) pours their personal favorites Thursday through Saturday, 4–7 pm. Each store picks its own lineup.
Through Sat, Oct 24 · Vinodivino, Newton · Details
Kent Nagano conducts the BSO in a piece where a live AI system collaborates with individual musicians in real time. Part of the orchestra's Technology and Our Humanity series, running through Saturday.
Through Sat, Oct 24 · Symphony Hall, Boston · Details
A guided dusk walk through the sanctuary as evening wildlife emerges, then drinks at a local brewery. Three hours, Friday evening.
Fri, Oct 23, 6:00–9:00 PM · Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick · Details
The Australian acrobatic ensemble known for no-apparatus human towers performs Friday and Saturday at the Boston Arts Academy Theater.
Fri, Oct 23 – Sat, Oct 24 · Boston Arts Academy Theater · Tickets required · Details
A guided tour of the arboretum's most colorful trees, plus fall fruits and nuts, led by staff. Thirty spots.
Sat, Oct 24, 1:00–2:30 PM · Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge · Details
Historic Newton's Halloween tour for younger visitors, billed as not scary.
Sat, Oct 24 · Historic Newton · Details
Students paint storefronts across seven Newton villages Saturday morning through afternoon.
Sat, Oct 24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM · Seven Newton village centers · $10 per child; $5 late fee after October 12 · Registration required · Details
The cellist and the late-night host together at Sanders Theatre, celebrating 50 years of Harvard's Learning from Performers series. Limited public tickets go online a few days before.
Thu, Nov 5, 7:00 PM · Sanders Theatre, Cambridge · Free tickets for Harvard ID holders; limited public tickets online with handling fee · Tickets required · Details
Bring your jack-o'-lantern to Commonwealth Ave for crushing, a touch-a-truck, and food trucks—while learning about composting food waste.
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00–4:00 PM · Newton · Details
The Scandinavian Cultural Center celebrates Denmark's Christmas-beer day with local winter brews, Danish snacks, and blue Santa hats. 21+.
Fri, Nov 6, 6:00–8:00 PM · Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library (Nordic Hall), Newton · $25 · Registration required · Details
Large-scale light and sound installations by MASARY, a lantern walk, and a candlelit service with live strings. Tickets are on sale now.
Sat, Dec 5 – Mon, Dec 21 · Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge · Details