Pups in the Park Returns to Wellesley Wonderful Weekend

May 9, 2026 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: There is something special about the way dogs bring people together.

On Saturday, May 16, during Wellesley Wonderful Weekend, the Rotary Club of Wellesley will once again host Pups in the Park, a joyful celebration of dogs, community, and compassion at Hunnewell Field.

Wellesley Rotary, Pups in the Park. Officer Tana DiCenso & Winnie

The event invites families, dog lovers, and curious passersby to enjoy an afternoon filled with wagging tails and smiling faces. Highlights include a dog parade and costume contest, fun dog competitions, a photo booth, kids’ face painting, live music, a vendor market, and plenty of treats for both humans and pups.

One of the most exciting additions this year is a Ride-Along Raffle. One lucky Wellesley student will win a memorable ride to school on the first day of the new school year with Officer DiCenso and Winnie, the Wellesley Police Department’s beloved canine companion.

Beyond the fun, the event also supports an important cause. Proceeds from Pups in the Park benefit the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a global organization dedicated to rescuing animals and protecting wildlife around the world.

For organizers, the heart of the event is simple: celebrating the connection between people and animals while bringing neighbors together.

Wellesley Pups in the Park — Boy with freshly painted face and his dog

“Dogs have a way of reminding us what community looks like,” said event organizer Linda Tighe. “They get us outside, they connect us with each other, and they bring joy wherever they go. Pups in the Park is really about celebrating that spirit.”

Dogs are welcome (of course), and attendees without dogs are equally encouraged to come enjoy the festivities.

More information and registration details can be found at WellesleyRotary.org.

New theatre company at Wellesley’s Temple Beth Elohim to launch with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

April 13, 2026 by Bob Brown

Wellesley’s Temple Beth Elohim is returning to the musical stage after more than a decade, with a new troupe aiming to build a lasting theatre tradition starting with “Fiddler on the Roof” in late April and early May.

A team of about 100 people are part of the TBE Players team bringing “Fiddler” to the synagogue as a celebration of Jewish tradition, resilience, and community. The musical is directed by Rachel Humphrey and Tess Rosen, produced by Jane Brown, and supported by Cantor Shanna Zell, staff liaison. Rehearsals take place a few days a week, and have been happening since February.

After moving to a Boston suburb during the pandemic, Humphrey joined Temple Beth Elohim in 2023 as the world re-opened. She found a community filled with theatre-lovers and experienced cast and crew members.

“Reportedly, there was a meaningful interest in starting some kind of theatre program in the synagogue for years before I came. Then I showed up, by happy coincidence… with experience running a synagogue-based theatre program, and an eagerness to try to start one here,” she says. “I didn’t know about the interest… I just wondered if they wanted my help. The rest is history!”

Humphrey, who outside of TBE Players is a medical oncologist running a biotech firm, participated in theatre in high school and (after spending some time as a lead singer in rock bands) returned to the stage years later at a synagogue-based theatre group in Woodridge, Conn. She directed, produced, and/or acted in Woodridge performances, including “Fiddler,” and the last play she directed there was “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 2008.

It’s taken about a year to pull together the intergenerational TBE Players team, which includes both Temple Beth Elohim members and non-members, experienced cast and crew, as well as newcomers.

“When I first approached the synagogue staff to consider starting a theatre program, we all felt it was important to assemble a solid group of dedicated theatre-lovers to help ensure success,” Humphrey says. “That took time—as we made personal outreaches to folks we thought would be great additions to the team. It expanded from there by word of mouth as more people, including those who were trying theatre out for the first-time, began to join.”

The performances will also feature an assembly of talented musicians, who will be situated in an open pit to one side of the stage at Temple Beth Elohim, which will accommodate 300-plus show goers per performance.

The TBE Players will play “Fiddler on the Roof” straight—”no twists this time…”—sticking to the script, music, and choreography from the original in the 1960s. But Humphrey assures that “Fiddler,” even though it’s set in the early 1900s, will resonate for modern audiences with its themes of community and the importance of tradition and faith in a complex world.

“The themes… are just as relevant now as when the show first came out,” she says.

TBE Players’ “Fiddler on the Roof” at Temple Beth Elohim at 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley

Thursday, April 30 | 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 2 | 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 3 | 4:00 pm

Tickets ($18) are available online and will be available at the door as well.

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Get ready: Wellesley Wonderful Weekend 2026 is just around the corner

April 10, 2026 by Deborah Brown

The town of Wellesley is preparing for one of its most anticipated traditions as the Celebrations Committee gears up for Wellesley Wonderful Weekend. This year’s festivities are set to be particularly historic, as the community gathers to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.

The major events include the Veteran’s Parade, followed by the Town picnic, concert, and fireworks, on Sunday, May 17. In addition, there’s plenty to do over the whole weekend including checking out historical displays; open houses all over town (police, fire, MLP, and more); the Schofield 5k Wonder Run; Rotary Club of Wellesley’s Pups in the Park event; and so much more.

Honor our local heroes

At its heart, Wellesley Wonderful Weekend is about honoring those who have served. As always, the Celebration Committee invites everyone to recognize the veterans who have defended our country, and the organizations that serve our community every day.

If you are a Wellesley Veteran, the Committee wants you to be a part of the festivities. All local veterans are encouraged to sign up here to participate in the parade, join the reviewing stand, or attend the special reception.

Join the march

The Wellesley Veterans’ Parade is a massive undertaking that traditionally brings the entire town to the streets. In past years, the parade has featured over 104 units, 14 bands, and more than 2,500 participants.

The Celebrations Committee is now accepting registrations for groups that want to march in this year’s milestone event. Whether you represent a local organization, a youth group, or a community service club, now is the time to register and join the ranks of those celebrating Wellesley’s spirit.

Your community “to-do” list

To make this weekend happen, the Celebrations Committee relies on the generosity and participation of residents. Here is how you can get involved today:

Donate to the cause: Please contribute to the event fund. Every donation goes toward supporting the parade and the various community activities held throughout the weekend. Donate today to help recognize those who serve.
Register to march in the parade.
Vote on parade balloons: The Committee has already begun inviting the public to vote on which balloons will soar through the streets this year. Vote here.
Clear your calendar: Wellesley Wonderful Weekend will take place Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17. From the Picnic in the Park to the fireworks spectacular at Hunnewell Field, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the fun.

Arts roundup—Wellesley Repertory Theatre presents “Come From Away”; Colossal Collage Night; Music Collective at Babson; new director coming to the Davis; “Dance” with WSO; and more

April 7, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Wellesley is fortunate to have a lively arts scene, with various opportunities to engage with or make art at any given time. Check out a concert, theater performance, or art reception this month. Here are just a few events happening soon, here and beyond Wellesley.

Wellesley Theatre Project presents Come From Away

Come From Away is a moving and uplifting musical based on the true story of what happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. When 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly diverted there, the residents of this isolated community opened their hearts and homes to the stranded travelers.

DATES: April 16, 17, 18 & 19
TICKETS here

Art Wellesley, Colossal Collage Maker Night

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 22, 6:30pm-8:30pm
LOCATION: St. Paul Church Parish Hall (Rear building), 502 Washington Street
DESCRIPTION: Let’s create a colossal collage together. During community maker nights, participants use found papers to cut, glue, and assemble a botanical-themed collage. Think big, as in colossally big. Elizabeth Cohen and Jenny Schneider will expertly guide the process. The colossal collage will be hung at the Wellesley Free Library throughout June. This event is free and open to everyone. No art experience required.

Babson Music Collective Concert

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 27, 7pm
LOCATION: Babson College, Carling-Sorenson Theater
COST: Free, and open to the public
REGISTRATION encouraged, (walk-ins welcome)
DESCRIPTION: The Collective is rooted in the jazz traditions of improvisation and creative expression. The strudent group finds inspiration in a range of musical styles from pop and afro beat to classic jazz standards.

Wellesley College arts news

Wellesley College has announced the appointment of Dina Deitsch as the new Ruth Gordon Shapiro ’37 Director of the Davis Museum. Currently director and chief curator of Tufts University Art Galleries, Deitsch will begin work at Wellesley in mid-July.

Deitsch has worked at Boston area art organizations for nearly two decades. Deitsch earned her B.A. at the Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University. She holds an M.A. in the history of art from Williams College and completed additional graduate work at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, specializing at both schools in modern and contemporary American and European art.

Currently leading the Davis are interim co-directors Amanda Gilvin and Mary Beth Timm.

In other Wellesley College arts news, congratulations to Wellesley Repertory Theatre, which produced “Lifted,” written by Wellesley College alumna Mfoniso Udofia.

Presented as a work-in- progress last week at the College’s Alumnae Hall, the ‘text-in-hand’ presentations treated the audience to creativity in action as Udofia continues to hone this powerful play about a Harvard researcher accused of plagiarism for incorporating her deceased father’s work into her own.

Exhibit at Beth Urdang Gallery

LOCATION: 15 Central Street / 16 Grove Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
DATE: through April 25
ARTISTS: Clara Berta, recent paintings, a brilliant painter of exuberant light-filled abstractions based in Laguna Beach, CA whose works reflect the natural radiance of her surroundings.

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, “Dance!”

DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 10, 2pm
LOCATION: The WSO is back at the beautifully renovated Mass Bay Auditorium, 5o Oakland St., Wellesley
TICKETS here
HIGHLIGHTS: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) – Four Waltzes; Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) – Concert Piece, Harp, Op. 39; Claude Debussy (1862-1918) – Dances Sacres et Profanes, Emily Richardson, Harp; Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) – Estancia: Four Dances; Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) – Petruchka

Apply to be a Community Art Advisor

The Community Foundation for MetroWest is seeking 3-5 Community Advisors to help guide the Foundation’s investment in arts and culture across the region. This is for nine months with a stipend of $6,500.

Community Advisors will work with the Foundation over a 9-month period beginning in July 2026, bringing community perspectives to conversations about outreach, strategy, and investment in MetroWest’s arts and culture ecosystem. Advisors will help identify key needs and opportunities for creatives and cultural organizations, connect the Foundation to a broader range of voices, and inform more equitable, community-driven strategies for supporting the arts.

Learn more and apply here.

Beyond Wellesley

EVENT: Boston Lyric Opera presents Daughter of the Regiment
DATES: April 24 – May 3
LOCATION: Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St
TICKETS here
DESCRIPTION: Laughter meets revolutionary spirit in BLO’s staging of Donizetti’s comedy. This production tells a heartfelt tale of love and loyalty in a patriotic toast to America at 250. Presented in partnership with Everyone250.

Not that we’re being dramatic, but we simply cannot survive without your help.

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Summer plans are starting to shape up in Wellesley—here’s what’s on tap

March 18, 2026 by Deborah Brown

The Wellesley Recreation Department has a full roster of fun planned for this summer, so don’t be so hasty to leave town. Between the concerts lineup, the annual MOPO miler, and the Family Fishing Clinic, good times are coming soon. Concerts take place on the bandstand behind Town Hall, and usually start at 7pm. In past years, there have been plenty of active games set up for the kids, too.

Plus, summer camp. The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page, sponsored by NEOC, lists over 100 programs from local day camps to overnight adventures.

Here’s the gist of the scheduled activities. We’ll dive into the details once summer looks like it’s really going to happen. Don’t see your free or low-cost Wellesley summer 2026 event listed? Email us at theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

Family Fishing Clinic

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm
LOCATION: Longfellow Pond, 204 Oakland St., Wellesley
FEE: $5
DESCRIPTION: Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Now’s your chance, let the MassWildlife Angler Education Program be your guide. We’ll have equipment on hand for use, as well as terminal tackle, and live bait. You’ll learn the basics, from casting out, to baiting up, and the best part – you’ll be able to fish. So come try your hand at this great pastime, guaranteed to catch some fun! Pre-registration is required.
PRO TIP: This one is popular. You might want to sign up now. Check out Rec’s brochure.

Morses Pond, the beach within reach

2026 Morses Pond season operation dates are June 22, 2026- August 16, 2026.

Residents can purchase MOPO beach tags online or at the Recreation Office.

Fun to be had: BBQ Pavillion rentals, swim lessons, non-motorized water craft rentals, playground.

MOPO is open seven days a week; lifeguards on duty 10am to 5pm
Park Rangers on duty: 5pm to dusk

During the hours of 10am-5pm, walkers /runners/dogs are not allowed through the beach area

Summer concerts

Thursday, June 24: Wellesley Town Band—Our very own Town Band performs a lively mix of familiar, crowd-pleasing music designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Their repertoire typically includes classic marches, beloved show tunes from Broadway musicals, and recognizable themes from popular movies.

Wednesday, July 8: The Rico Barr Band—New England’s Premier Classic Rock, Soul and Blues Band. Gritty and groovy music that’s fun to listen to and fun to dance to. The Band’s song list includes The History of Rock & Roll, 50s to the present.

Wednesday, July 15: Classic Groove—A repertoire range from R&B and Top 40 to Smooth Jazz and Latin, and more.

Wednesday, July 22: The Reminisants—Classic hits and golden oldies from the ‘50s through the ‘70s, playing a collection of great music appealing to all kinds of musical tastes and generations.

MOPO Miler

DATE: July 19, 8:45am check-in; swim starts at 9:30am

There’s typically a small fee to take part. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and those under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. We swear we’re going to swim it this year.

Music at Morses Pond

DATES: Sundays, July 5; July 12; August 9; August 16
TIME: 2pm-4pm

Sign up now for summer camp

SPONSORED CONTENT: It’s that exciting time of year again—time to register your children for summer camp. Programs have their sign-up links ready to go, so now’s the time to jump on things, before spaces fill up.

The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page lists over 100 programs from local day camps to overnight adventures.

Thanks to NEOC for their swell sponsorship of our Summer Camps page. NEOC sparks and stokes the excitement, discovery, and fun children have while outside and builds their understanding of nature, where kids explore and play outside at an easy pace, without any technology at all.

Party on...

Wellesley Cotillion gets 2026 off to a fun & stylish start

February 16, 2026 by admin

Wellesley Cotillion 2026 — Photos by Darren & Patty Bovie

About 500 students from Wellesley High School and surrounding private schools carried on the Wellesley Cotillion tradition late last month, and had a great night according to organizers.

The Cotillion tradition began in the 1940s, and to this day provides a forum for students to practice their manners and dancing skills. This year’s edition was held at the Verve Hotel in Natick.

Thanks to Darren & Patty Bovie for sharing photos from the event.

See something? Send something: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Tradition

Get ready for Wellesley Cotillion 2026 (registration closes Jan. 20)

January 14, 2026 by admin

The Wellesley Cotillion, the town’s annual formal winter dance for high school juniors and seniors, this year is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 from 7:30-10:30pm at the Verve Hotel in Natick.

Registration closes on Jan. 20th and financial help is available to ensure anyone who wants to attend can do so.

The Cotillion (see official website) is open to all juniors and seniors who reside in Wellesley, and to all juniors & seniors who attend Wellesley High School.

The Cotillion tradition began in the 1940s as “The Christmas Cotillion,” offering a forum for students to practice their manners and dancing skills.

Students today are asked to dress for the special occasion, go through the traditional receiving line, greet parent chaperones, and introduce their dates. Typically, about 600 students attend.

Snacks and drinks will be served, but not full meals. Students must arrive and leave the venue via chartered buses from Wellesley High School (more rules to know).

For Cotillion updates, follow @wellesleycotillion on Instagram or The Wellesley Cotillion on Facebook.

Questions? Email the Cotillion Committee: wellesleycotillion@gmail.com

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert is Saturday, Dec. 6

December 3, 2025 by admin

SPONSORED CONTENT: The Wellesley Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 6, 2pm, at MassBay Community College, 50 Oakland St., Wellesley.

The program will include holiday favorites for Christmas and Hanukkah, featuring the Fireside Barbershop Quartet. For their third time with the WSO, they will sing two songs with the orchestra and two a cappella. The finale will be the traditional singalong—and, of course, there will be lots of sleigh bells ringing in some of the music!

The Fireside Quartet, Wellesley — The Fireside Quartet. Photo via WSO.

After the concert, the orchestra invites everyone to a reception in the cafeteria, where there will be a special guest who is beloved by children of all ages.

Tickets are “pay-what-you-can”, available online at www.wellesleysymphony.org and at the door. Seating is general admission. There is plenty of free parking at MassBay, 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley.