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Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

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Top Stories

 
  • —Natick Outdoor Store sold to longtime employee
  •   —Private education opportunities at open house events near Natick
  • —Halloween happenings
 
 

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Charles River Watershed Assoc. to host South Natick Dam office hours

July 16, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Dam removal is underway in South Natick. The Charles River Watershed Association will host office hours with coffee and treats at the Bacon Free Library this summer. Drop in to ask questions and learn more about dam removal and restoration efforts across the Charles River Watershed and Massachusetts.

South Natick dam
Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan, June 8, 2026

dam removal
Dam removal in process, July 9, 2026

 

South Natick Dam Office Hours

 
DATES/TIMES:

July 31, 10am-noon
Guest: Adrienne Dunk, GZA; expertise: Project Permitting

August 14, 10am-noon

August 28, 10am-noon

LOCATION: Bacon Free Library, 58 Eliot St., Natick
 

Coverage from your reliable local news source

 
Natick Report has been covering the dam removal process since the beginning. Review our stories before you attend office hours…

July 9, 2026—Mud bath anyone? South Natick dam removal continues

June 25, 2026—South Natick Dam removal ‘has passed the go/no go point’

May 26, 2026—It’s almost time to pay your respects to the South Natick dam

All the way back to 2022—Recommendation on South Natick Dam’s fate fast approaching

There’s much more…just type South Natick dam into our search bar for more stories.

Filed Under: Construction, South Natick Dam

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Natick arts roundup, July

July 8, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Natick 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, art gallery opening this month. Here are just a few events happening soon.

Don’t see your free or low-cost Natick cultural event listed? Contact natickreport@gmail.com for inclusion.


The Gallery at Broadmoor: Thoughtful Animals by David Parish

Broadmoor, Natick, photography exhibit
Yak, Bhutan, by David Parish

David Parish is a long-term resident of Natick. He has been involved with several organizations in the town, including as Chair of the Broadmoor Advisory Board and, most recently, as Chair of the Bacon Free Library.

David began his travels as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkey and, when possible, has continued to travel with his wife, Shirley, hoping to observe animals in their natural settings.  His wish is that the photos on display will appeal to children, and perhaps even some adults.

David describes his working style as, “Push the button and hope for the best.”

David’s animal photography exhibition, Thoughtful Animals, will be on display in the Broadmoor Assembly Room now through September 4.


Afterimages at Bacon Free Library

Bacon Free Library, art exhibit
Photo by Bob Parlin

Bob Parlin’s photography exhibit Afterimages will be on display from now through July 29th.

Bob says, “My Afterimages photography exhibit centers on experiences, especially those tied to moments of beauty, where an image stays with you long after seeing it.  My favorite photographs capture creations of nature and humanity, revealing how truly breathtaking our world is.  I hope they give the viewer a sense of both wonder and joy.”

None of Bob’s images are altered in any way—not even cropped. Except for the canvases, every photo was taken with an iPhone 13 Pro.


Will cross street for art

While you’re in South Natick, stop by Page Waterman Gallery, across the street from the Bacon Free Library. The South Natick dam may be in the process of removal, but paintings are forever.

Page Waterman Gallery, Natick
South Natick Falls Early Spring, by  Ryan Black, oil on linen panel
Page Waterman Gallery, Natick
South Natick Falls, Summertime, by T.M. Nicholas, oil on linen panel.

Art at the Morse Institute

The Morse Institute Library provides space for artistic displays and exhibits of an educational, cultural, civic, charitable or recreational nature. Currently, the main level features five artists, two of them Natick residents.

Morse Institute Library, art
Monica Septimio

Monica Septimio, Brazilian impressionist artist, author, and Natick resident, is healed and transformed by the power of art. She pours her soul into art, inspired by dreams, her childhood, faith, and culture. Her art has inspired the publication of four children’s bilingual books and one for adult readers entitled Joy, which are all a part of the Morse Institute’s collection.

Debra Sayre has lived in Natick since the age of 10. She started and continues to run the Natick Farmers Market for the Natick Center Associates/Natick Center Cultural District, as well as Kids Connect, Inc., a non-profit tutoring company serving Natick students in grades 1 thru 12.

In her art, she is drawn to stones and beads to make necklaces and earrings. Wood, metal, glass, ceramic, or stone all find their way into her studio and hopefully, onto someone’s neck or ears to add flavor to any outfit.

Be sure to head downstairs to the Lebowitz Meeting Hall for another opportunity to view art.


The Holly Chin Natick Academy of Performing Arts

Family friendly. Perfect for kids. Tickets here.

Into the Woods JR.—Be careful what you wish for as this cockeyed fairytale comes to life. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. Performances will be Friday, July 17 at 7PM and Saturday, July 18 at 1PM.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.—Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Performances will be Friday, August 14 at 7PM and Saturday, August 15 at 1PM.


Natick Farmers Market and Natick Nights

There’s usually something artsy going on at the Natick Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9am-1pm on the Common) and at Natick Nights (the next one is Wednesday July 16). Mofe information from the Natick Center Cultural District.


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Filed Under: Art, Theater

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Town of Natick (and beyond)—July 4th, 2026 holiday week schedule

July 2, 2026 by Deborah Brown

All Town of Natick departments and offices are closed on Friday, July 4th, in celebration of Independence Day.

The Recycling Center will be open on Friday, July 3, 8am-noon; closed on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.

Morse Institute Library will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4; (closed all Sundays during the summer)

Bacon Free Library will be closed on Friday, July 3 (closed all Saturdays during the summer, and always on Sundays)

Banks and post offices will be closed. Supermarkets, package stores, and other retailers will be largely open, but some with special holiday hours, so check before you go.


Natick July 4th Community Picnic!

Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday on the Common with your friends and neighbors.  Music, games, fun, kid’s parade with decorated wagons, bikes, strollers, wheelchairs!

Bring your picnic basket and be prepared to smile.

Learn more: Natick4th.org

Host: Natick Friends of the 4th (an all-volunteer, non-profit organization)

Natick, 4th of July


Fireworks—leave the rockets’ red glare display to the pros

July 3rd, Needham—Fireworks on Friday, July 3. They’ve also got activities and celebrations going on all weekend.

July 3rd, Walpole’s annual Night Before the Fourth includes a parade at 6pm with food, music and fun behind the Center Fire Station (20 Stone St.), immediately after the parade. Fireworks start around 9pm.

July 4th, Needham—The Charles River YMCA is hosting its Annual July 4th Road Race with a start time of 8:15am from the Needham Free Public Library. Registration is $45 for adults, $30 for adaptive, $20 for ages 12-17,  and free for ages 12 and under.

July 4th, Newton—There will be a full day of activities going on, including fireworks at dusk at Albemarle Field, 250 Albemarle Rd.

Where to see all Massachusetts fireworks displays

Here’s a list of every (legal) fireworks display in the state. Pro tip—fireworks, they’re not just for the 4th of July anymore. There are many displays scheduled into late September, so you can keep the oohs and ahhs going all summer long.

Wellesley did its official fireworks in May as part of Wellesley Wonderful Weekend activities.


Save the date:  July Jubilation, Saturday, July 18

July Jubilation, WellesleyTIME: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Wellesley Square
DESCRIPTION: A Wellesley Square Summertime tradition. From Central Street (which is closed for the tents and tables) to Church Square and Washington Street, you’ll love the once-a-year deals and summer fun.

Amazing savings at scores of shops, plus…

  • Music
  • Entertainment
  • Live Demonstrations and Performances
  • Food Trucks

We celebrate every time we receive a reader donation to support our local news venture.

 

Filed Under: Holidays

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Blue Square Pizza: a sourdough revolution in Natick

June 26, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Natick Center’s colorful architectural curiosity, The Block, has officially welcomed Blue Square Pizza, the sourdough-centric brainchild of founder Troy Sproul. Get ready for four different kinds of pizza and endless topping options at the 2-table, 4-seat, 1 S Main St. location.  

Blue Square Pizza, Natick

Although the address is 1 Main St., don’t be alarmed if you can’t see Blue Square right away. It’s there. The door actually opens onto Pond Rd., which is where we meter-parked when we stopped in during their first week of business. The nearby Pond St. lot is another paid-parking option.

Sproul doesn’t come to Natick uninitiated in the ways of pizza. After spending years at Papa John’s, he stepped away to earn his MBA and, armed with newfound corporate knowledge, launched his first Blue Square in Hopkinton in 2022. A Northborough location soon followed. With two successful shops, Natick seemed ripe to receive the gospel of sourdough-crust pizza. 

At Blue Square, the menu is a curated tour of regional American pizza styles. But here, rather than a yeast-based crust, the toppings sit on a fermented foundation that delivers a unique flavor profile. Here’s the lowdown:

Blue Square Pizza, Natick
New York style pizza. Gobble-worthy.

The New York Style—Round pies, hand tossed and baked thin and crispy, then cut into triangles.

The Detroit Style—Cooked in rectangular pans, and Wisconsin brick cheese is spread edge-to-edge, melting down the sides to create a buttery, lacy, caramelized perimeter.

The Chicago Cracker—A thin version for those who want their pizza’s crust to announce itself with an assertive crunch when eaten.

The Grandma Pie—Just like your Sicilian grandma used to make. Baked in 12”x16” rectangular pans, and cut into squares. Crispy on the bottom and edges, light and airy in the center.

If you are looking for a cozy date night spot with candlelight and table service, keep driving. Blue Square Pizza is unassuming in the most literal sense. The interior is sparse and spotless, featuring only two small tables and two chairs. During my visit, both tables were occupied by staff laptops, requiring a polite request to the cashier to clear a space just to sit down. And don’t think you’re going to just park it and get some work done. The wi-fi password is not made available to customers. Blue Square likes to keep their customer interactions friendly, but quick.

The takeout-first philosophy is felt in the amenities—or lack thereof. When I asked for a glass of tap water, I was met with a hard no. There are no trash cans available for customers, either inside the restaurant or just outside the door, which led to the awkward (and frankly, “yuck”) experience of leaving used napkins on the table upon departure. There is a restroom for customers.

Blue Square Pizza, Natick

So the basic logistics are simple, but the food is undeniably excellent. I tried out the New York Classic Cheese and was not disappointed. The sourdough base and high-quality cheese earn top marks, making the eating experience sublime. The sheer variety of options make Blue Square a place where you could easily rotate through the menu for months without boredom. Whether it’s the $15 Detroit small (6 slices) or the $36 Grandma-style bacon and fig jam pie, there is something here for every pizza aficianado. Just not single slices. This is a whole-pie kind of place.

Fortunately the good weather is here, and you can always take your pizza over to Natick Common. Whether this will lead to trash cans stuffed with pizza boxes, annoying DPW workers, is yet to be seen. But it seems certain that this is a spot that will draw crowds eager to take out, relax in the place of their choice, and enjoy a great pizza.

Blue Square Pizza

  • 1 S Main Street, Natick, MA 01760
  • Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30am-8pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30am-8:30pm
  • Pickup, dine-in (limited), and delivery. Order online here.
  • Restroom available; no tap water or public trash cans.

What’s going around The Block

  • Maverick Men’s Grooming Center—opened last month
  • Sa Nguyen’s Nhậu; and San Sushi Bar—aiming for a late summer/early fall opening for Nhậu, with San Sushi Bar opening sometime after that.

Filed Under: Business, Food, Restaurants

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Memorial Beach in Natick opens for season

June 22, 2026 by Deborah Brown

The town of Natick has officially opened Memorial Beach at Dug Pond for the 2026 summer season. Beach hours are Monday-Sunday, 10:30am-6:30pm

Register for season membership prior to arrival—you can pick up your passes at the Cole Center or at the Memorial Beach front gate.

Swim lessons registration is open.

Swim team registration is open.

memorial beach dug pond
Memorial Beach at Dug Pond

Please send news tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

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Wellesley Theatre Project presents “Peter and the Starcatcher”

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