Free | Open to the Public

Join screenwriter and novelist Trinette Faint and award-winning author Kara Storti at Arts Collaborative Medford for an inspiring event where you'll get an exclusive peek into the minds of two female Boston-based creatives. Learn about the breakthrough moments that shaped their writing careers and discover the secrets behind their success. This in-person gathering is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights to fuel your own creative journey. Stick around after the event—Trinette and Kara will be signing copies of their books!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to bring spark to your writing life!

Learn more about Trinette and Kara at:

trinettefaint.com

karaleighstorti.com

Free | Open to the Public
Hosted by Lakota Youth Stay

Commemorate the month long exhibition of Native Art from Pine Ridge Reservation and help support the Lakota Youth Stay Program. The first raffle winner for an original Ledger Artwork will be pulled this evening. Refreshments, mingling, music, and community!

Hosted by Hendrik of Down By Riverside

Carve out 90 minutes from your Sunday to connect with the community and work on taking care of yourself. Let the sound wash over you and feel the tension unclench.

What’s a Soundbath?
A soundbath is a performance of sound or music which is intended to relax, to spiritually heal, and to create a meditative state. Hendrik will play gong and singing bowls for this program. Often the sounds are long, deep sustained tones and harmonic resonances that happen higher above droning fundamental tones. The sound serves as a focal point for meditation. Instead of trying to focus on nothing or on the breath, the participant concentrates on the sound as it changes and develops.

What to Expect:
Please bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion with you. Several people have also brought blankets and pillows. You will get the option to sit in a cushioned chair if desired.

Program Flow
There will be an introductory discussion where participants can check in with the group. Lately this has included discussions about stressors, anxiety and depression. We will do some breathwork to relax a bit before the actual music. The soundbath will last about 60 minutes. After the bath, we will also have time to discuss the experience, check in with our community, and plan how to support each other.

The event is a Pay-What-You-Can event, which means the tickets are free, but we ask each person to donate to help pay for the event if they can.

Hosted by Down By Riverside
Suggested Donation, Open to the public
Full event details here

The Jam Down By Riverside is a direct descendent of the now defunct Blues Jam at the Porch Sounthern Fare & Juke Joint, which was a descendant of the Johnny D’s blues jam. The jam is for building community and building skills. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, styles and instruments to join in the jamming. We do not have a strict Blues Only jam rule, but probably 85% of the repertoire is blues or blues-derived music. Please come to play or listen.

Free | Open to the Public
Hosted by Lakota Youth Stay

Lakota Stories: Artistic Expressions showcases the creativity, culture, and perspectives of Lakota youth participating in the YouthStay program—a weeklong homestay experience that brings Native youth from the Pine Ridge Reservation to the greater Medford area. The goal of YouthStay is to spark meaningful connections and mutual understanding between Native and non-Native communities through shared experiences and genuine friendship.

During their stay, the Lakota youth are welcomed by local host families and take part in a variety of fun, hands-on, and educational activities. Life on the reservation comes with unique challenges, and YouthStay creates space for participants to step outside their day-to-day routines, discover new interests, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their futures.

A highlight of the week is a photography workshop with Susan D’Arcy Fuller, where the youth learn how to capture creative and compelling images. Thanks to the continued support from Arts Alive, each participant gets to use a digital camera and document their experiences throughout the week. The exhibit culminates in a celebration, where the community gathers to view the powerful photos taken by the youth.

This year, Lakota Stories: Artistic Expressions also features traditional ledger art, hand-sewn star quilts, and crafts from the Pine Ridge Reservation—offering a deeper look at the artistic traditions and personal stories of the Lakota community. We’re honored to share their work with you. Thanks for joining us—we hope you enjoy the exhibit!

On Display Through August 2

Free | Open to the Public
Hosted by Arts Medford and Medford Chamber of Commerce

VIEW THE FULL ART WALK 2025 HERE

Join us to commemorate the 2nd Annual Art Walk hosted by Arts Medford and Medford Chamber of Commerce. It has been a month of seeing local businesses feature the beautiful work of local talent in their windows. Come to mingle, meet artists and business owners - it will be a good time for all! All ages. Light refreshments provided.

Free | Open to the public

In partnership with Resilient Sisterhood Project and Neighborhood Birth Center

Join us on June 19th for a powerful panel discussion between Resilient Sisterhood Project and Neighborhood Birth Center on the transformative role of art in racial and social justice movements. This event coincides with the national Juneteenth celebration.

Hosted by Arts Collaborative Medford, this event will take place alongside the exhibition, "Call and Response: A Narrative of Reverence to Our Foremothers in Gynecology" organized by Resilient Sisterhood Project. Explore how creative expression can elevate awareness, inspire action, and support the fight for equitable reproductive health and maternal healthcare. Don't miss this engaging conversation at the intersection of art and activism!

Following the opening,"Call and Response: A Narrative of Reverence to Our Foremothers in Gynecology" will stay on view at Arts Collaborative Medford through June 30th.

Hosted by Hendrik of Down By Riverside

Carve out 90 minutes from your Sunday to connect with the community and work on taking care of yourself. Let the sound wash over you and feel the tension unclench.

What’s a Soundbath?
A soundbath is a performance of sound or music which is intended to relax, to spiritually heal, and to create a meditative state. Hendrik will play gong and singing bowls for this program. Often the sounds are long, deep sustained tones and harmonic resonances that happen higher above droning fundamental tones. The sound serves as a focal point for meditation. Instead of trying to focus on nothing or on the breath, the participant concentrates on the sound as it changes and develops.

What to Expect:
Please bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion with you. Several people have also brought blankets and pillows. You will get the option to sit in a cushioned chair if desired.

Program Flow
There will be an introductory discussion where participants can check in with the group. Lately this has included discussions about stressors, anxiety and depression. We will do some breathwork to relax a bit before the actual music. The soundbath will last about 60 minutes. After the bath, we will also have time to discuss the experience, check in with our community, and plan how to support each other.

The event is a Pay-What-You-Can event, which means the tickets are free, but we ask each person to donate to help pay for the event if they can.

Hosted by Down By Riverside
Suggested Donation, Open to the public
Full event details here

The Jam Down By Riverside is a direct descendent of the now defunct Blues Jam at the Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint, which was a descendant of the Johnny D’s blues jam. The jam is for building community and building skills. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, styles and instruments to join in the jamming. We do not have a strict Blues Only jam rule, but probably 85% of the repertoire is blues or blues-derived music. Please come to play or listen.

Open to the Public | Free

Mark Zelermyer & Friends

Mark Zelermyer’s originals tell stories about everyday life. His songs are always thoughtful and engaging, ranging from poignant to funny, heartfelt to uplifting. Backed by Bob Metzger on guitar and John Vandale on bass, Mark and the band have been steadily building their fanbase as they perform around Greater Boston and beyond, as far away as England. Voted “Audience Favorite” at Linden Tree Coffeehouse Potpourri, their second full-length album will be released later this year.

Open to the Public | $15 Suggested Donation

The Jim Repa and Friends Jazz Nonet will perform a concert of music composed or arranged by members of the ensemble.  The group’s repertoire ranges from fresh versions of classic jazz pieces to new and exciting original works, as well as a few jazz interpretations of pop tunes.  The group includes 3 saxophones, trumpet, cornet, trombone, piano, bass and drums.  The musicians are are Jim Repa (alto and soprano sax, and flute), Ed Harlow (tenor sax and clarinet), Kathy Olson (baritone sax and flute), Mike Peipman (trumpet), Phil Person (cornet and flugelhorn), Bob Holfelder (trombone), Jonathan Fagan (piano), Greg Toro (bass), and Barry Lit (drums).  We hope you will be able to enjoy a rare performance by this group of 9 busy Boston-area musicians on Friday, June 6.

Hosted by ACM | Free | Open To The Public
90% of sales go back to the artists
10% of sales go to Trans Resistance MA

Join us for a vibrant Pride Pop-Up, a celebration of local queer artists and the diverse, powerful voices that shape our community. This special event showcases an inspiring group of artists working across a range of mediums — from ceramics, jewelery, ilustration, stickers, paintings, stickers — all by LGBTQ+ artists based right here in our city.

More than just an art show, the Pride Pop-Up is a space for connection, visibility, and empowerment. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Trans Resistance MA, a Boston-base organization that advocates for the safety, joy, and liberation of Trans, Queer, Black, Indigenous People of Color (TQBIPOC). By attending and purchasing art, you're not only supporting local queer creatives — you're also directly investing in critical community work.

Come celebrate Pride with ACM, experience local talent, and stand with our trans community. Let's make art, joy, and resistance visible together.

Free | Open to the public

Join us for a showcase of the Medford High School Department of Fine Arts. This is a special moment to celebrate the work of our high school art students through MHS Unfiltered: A Student Showcase of Expression and Identity. Featuring selected works from Advanced Placement Portfolio students, MHS Unfiltered presents a vibrant and diverse collection of work by students from across Medford High School’s visual arts programs, including Advanced Placement Art and Adaptive Art. Through a variety of media—drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—students explore the theme of identity and the many forces that shape it, from culture and personal history to community and self-perception.

Music from the MHS Guitar Ensemble | Light Refreshments

Spinning Words, Singing Worlds
Hosted by Medford Poet Laureate Vijaya Sundaram
Featured Poet: Max Heinegg
Suggested Donation: $5-$10

Poets, dreamers, and song-writers - we want to see you, hear you, and welcome you! Bring an original poem, story, or song to read or sing. We’ll provide a microphone and podium.

Max Heinegg is the author of Good Harbor (2022), which won the inaugural Paul Nemser Prize, Going There (2023), and the chapbook Keepers of the House (2025), all on Lily Poetry Review Press. He has been publishing poetry since 1988 and making records, from rock to adaptations of poetry from the public domain since 1992. He has taught English in the public schools of Medford, MA for 27 years and is the co-founder and brewmaster of Medford Brewing Company. He lives in Medford with his wife Wendy and their cat Winnie. He loves to cook and his goal this year is to keep his Duolingo streak alive.

Open mics are monthly! Check ACM website for upcoming dates.

Free | Open to the Public
RSVPs Appreciated

Join ACM's Executive Director in conversation with Medford based comic artist Anna Christine. We will be talking about her latest memoir comic featured in Imprint In Print, an exhibition currently on display in the ACM galleries.

Tickets: $20 | $10 for under 18 and seniors

Fódhla brings both high energy and stellar artistry to the traditional music stage.

The trio’s sound is firmly rooted in the traditional Irish melodies and ornamentation that fiddler Ellery Klein and flute player Nicole Rabata honed during years spent abroad in Ireland’s cities Cork, Limerick, and Ennis. Fiddle and flute tunes are superbly supported by guitarist Bethany Waickman, whose inventive, tasteful chords unfold with driving rhythm perfected from years of playing for contradances.

Cognizant of their North American roots, Fódhla aims to appeal to a broad audience by bringing variety, inventive harmonies and unique arrangements to traditional music. A typical concert starts off with high-energy traditional sets of Irish reels and jigs. Fiddle and flute then trade melody and harmonies on a Québécois waltz paired with an elegant French bourrée. A joyful and toe-tapping pair of barndances soar out on a high note. Finally, the soft notes of guitar bring in a melancholy, exquisite slow air – music that brings out audible sighs from a rapt audience.

CACHE in Medford
Tickets: $20(youth) - $40 (adult)

CACHE in Medford is putting a creative spin on its spring fundraiser. Tea, Treats and Art will feature tea, treats, a guided art activity led by local artist Chelsea Brown, and a performance by the Tufts a cappella group the Jackson Jills. Sip on a cup of hot tea or a refreshing drink, enjoy delicious treats, and create a unique piece of art to take home with you. This is a perfect afternoon to celebrate spring and to help support the arts in Medford. Attendees are encouraged to wear a fun and festive tea party hat — get creative! This event is for ages 12 and over, and those ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Limited seats, book today!

Arts Collaborative Medford presents an unforgettable evening where fine art meets culinary mastery. Join us an exclusive dinner series featuring three-time Chopped champion, Chef Christopher Walker, and rising artist, Jahnae Wyatt, as they merge their crafts to create an immersive sensory experience. Embark on a culinary journey crafted by celebrity Chef Christopher Walker, Boston raised with over 20 years in fine dining. Inspired by Jahnae’s artistic vision and personal history, Chef Christopher has designed a bespoke three-course meal, with each dish bringing to life Jahnae’s themes of self, culture, heritage, and mythology.

Through art, food, and storytelling, this evening will invite you to reflect on your own cultural identity, memories, and the narratives that shape us all. 

$150 per seat | Drinks Included
Limited seating available—reserve your spot today!

*please note: at this time we can accommodate allergies but not preferences. we cannot make major menu changes for vegetarians or vegans.

Led by Rev. Wendy Miller Olapade
Donate what you can, Open to the Public - RSVP Appreciated

Join this Art & Soul Circle for deep dialogue about Room To Breathe, an exhibition exploring how art can be a form of active resistance.  At the heart of the show are the abstract paintings of Elaina Bates-Egan, whose charged compositions embody a dynamic interplay of chaos and clarity, mirroring the tensions and transformations of our time. The neighboring works of 12 local artists creating in collage and printmaking highlight how these mediums serve as powerful tools of political and social resistance, layering imagery and text to challenge, critique, and reimagine the world around us.

Room To Breathe is not just an exhibition—it is a collective exhale, a testament to the power of art to heal, protest, and imagine new possibilities. Join us for a soulful discussion about this impact in our lives.

$20 early bird ticket | $25 regular entry

19+ event | Valid ID to enter

APOLLO presents ASCEND, the first installation of our spring series at the new community art gallery, Arts Collaborative Medford. For our first installation, we are inviting local artists in the Boston scene to spin techno on the floor. Featuring local art vendors @atira.hope, @ring.around.your.finger, @sammy_lynnxoxo and more for art, trinkets, jewelry, and hemp slushies!

Spinning Words, Singing Worlds
Hosted by Medford Poet Laureate Vijaya Sundaram
Featured Poet: Thomas DeFreitas
Suggested Donation: $5-$10

Poets, dreamers, and song-writers - we want to see you, hear you, and welcome you! Bring an original poem, story, or song to read or sing. We’ll provide a microphone and podium.

Born in Boston, Thomas DeFreitas was educated at the Boston Latin School, and attended the University of Massachusetts both in Boston and in Amherst. His poems have appeared in Dappled Things, Ibbetson Street, Pensive, Plainsongs, and elsewhere. Thomas’s latest collection, “Walking Between the Raindrops”, was published by Kelsay Books in March. Since 2010, Thomas has been a resident of Arlington, Massachusetts.

Open mics are the 4th Thursday of every month!

Open to the Public
Tickets: $0-$20

A night of acoustic and electric blues from The Johnny Williams Band. Down By Riverside’s productions at Arts Collaborative Medford offer a fantastic listening room experience with no bad seats.

This show is to benefit Down By Riverside as they help build a great art and community space. 

Free | Open to the Public
Doors at 6:30 | Show at 7

Join Opening Doors artists Stephanie McKay and Alastair Moock for a concert and conversation at Arts Collaborative Medford.

Stephanie is a singer-songwriter whose unique blend of folk, soul, and jazz has led her to collaborations with artists as diverse as Toshi Reagon, Roy Hargrove, and Mos Def. Alastair is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has toured throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, sharing the stage with acts like Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and Greg Brown. Both were founding members of The Folk Collective, an inclusion and equity collaboration based out of Club Passim in Harvard Sq.

Stephanie and Alastair will be joined by Berklee professor and guitarist extraordinaire Tyrone Chase, who has played with Brian McKnight; Sheila E; Earth, Wind, and Fire and many more. Together, the trio will sing and swap songs and engage the audience in a conversation about social and racial barriers and some of the more productive ways we can work together towards greater representation, inclusion, and equity — even in these trying times.

This free community event is co-sponsored by Medford Arts Council, Arts Collaborative Medford, and The Opening Doors Project. Learn more here.

Thank you to our sponsors Medford Arts Council, Mass Cultural Council, and
The Antonia and Vladimer Kulaev Cultural Heritage Fund.

Hosted by Down By Riverside
Suggested Donation, Open to the public
Full event details here

The Jam Down By Riverside is a direct descendent of the now defunct Blues Jam at the Porch Sounthern Fare & Juke Joint, which was a descendant of the Johnny D’s blues jam. The jam is for building community and building skills. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, styles and instruments to join in the jamming. We do not have a strict Blues Only jam rule, but probably 85% of the repertoire is blues or blues-derived music. Please come to play or listen.

Free | Open to the public
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Light refreshments provided

A double opening reception celebrating the work of local artists. Room To Breathe brings together 13 artists using their voices to transform emotion into action, offering space for reflection, resilience, and renewal. Driven by Elaina Bates-Egan and supported by 12 artists working in collage and printmaking, these works serve as powerful tools of political and social resistance, layering imagery and text to challenge, critique, and reimagine the world around us.

Featured in ACM’s Literary Corner is Imprint In Print, a showcase of Medford based cartoonist Anna Christine. On display will be her autobiographical comics that explore patterns and repetition of experience across generations and within families.