What's New
What's going on at the Winchester Cultural District?
SAVE THE DATE! AfroCaribe Fest at the Griffin Museum - July 25, 2-5PM
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Winchester Community Music School, in collaboration with Arts Winchester and the Griffin Museum, will present the Afro Caribe Festival at the Griffin Museum Terrace on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with a rain date of Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The free, public festival will feature an afternoon of African and Caribbean music, storytelling, history, and hands-on art-making activities at the Griffin Museum Terrace, 67 Shore Road, Winchester, MA. Debra “Sista Dee” Smith and her award-winning reggae group, Dis-N-Dat Band, will headline the festival. Smith is a performer, educator, producer, arranger, director, and faculty member at Winchester Community Music School. She will also present a video program on Trinidadian history. Yaya Inaru ni will share the cultural heritage of Bomba from Puerto Rico through music, storytelling, drumming, and community engagement. The performing lineup also includes Wicked Winchester, a local steel drum ensemble. Throughout the afternoon, local artist Linda Forsythe will lead interactive visual art-making activities. Schedule of Events Time Activity 2:00–2:25 PM - Dis-N-Dat Band performance 2:30–4:30 PM - Interactive art-making with Linda Forsythe 2:35–3:05 PM - Trinidadian history presentation with Debra Smith 2:30–3:00 PM - Yaya Inaru ni storytelling and drumming 3:20–3:35 PM - Wicked Winchester steel drum ensemble 3:45–4:15 PM - Yaya Inaru ni storytelling and drumming 4:15–5:00 PM - Dis-N-Dat Band performance The organizers gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsors who have made this event possible: Winchester Co-operative Bank, Winchester Rotary, and the Winchester Cultural Council. The Afro Caribe Festival is free and open to the public. |
2026 Sidewalk Art Installed!
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We are pleased to present the 2026 Sidewalk Art exhibit! Forty-three tiles with art by Winchester students, professional photographers and Arthur Griffin are now on display on downtown Winchester sidewalks. Thank you to curators for your amazing selections -
We are so grateful for all our sponsors - your support enables this wonderful annual summer tradition and also helps Arts Winchester support the Griffin's Vision(ary) and Our Town exhibits. Thank you to WFEE, GreenLine Consultants, Hall and Sullivan, Studio on the Common, TAB Northwest Boston, TNG, Winchester Co-Operative Bank, Winchester Cultural Council, Winchester Savings Bank, Winchester School of Chinese Culture and individual private donors. Thank you to Board members and volunteers for your help installing the exhibit. |
Open Studios 2026 - Call for Artists is now open
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Calling all artists!
Winchester Open Studios is planned for Saturday, November 21. This year we are introducing a new location at the Town Hall in easy walking distance to the Jenks Center and continuing to offer a training seminar to help participating artists make the most of Open Studios. Sign up here. |
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Winchester Cultural District
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The Winchester Cultural District is a walkable, art and culture-rich place in the heart of Winchester. It is comprised of three primary downtown zones as well as four satellite destinations at the Wright-Locke Farm, the Sanborn House & Cultural Center, the Winchester Community School of Music, and 50 Cross Street. Art and cultural is intermixed throughout the Cultural District including Cultural Assets, our outdoor Winchester Riverwalk exhibit, Winchester Cultural Council's Utility Box program. While you are enjoying the cultural assets, there are many shops and dining options as well. |
The RiverwalkStroll along the Aberjona River from Judkins Pond to Mill Pond and tour the current Winchester Riverwalk exhibit. Visit the Jenks Center and Winchester Public Library. Relax along the river’s edge. Watch the night herons hunting at the Winchester Dam during the annual herring run.
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The Viaduct LaneRide the commuter rail into Winchester Center or bike in via the Tri-Community Greenway into the Viaduct Lane. Visit the Griffin Museum of Photography. Stop by one of our many shops and restaurants. During the summer months, our downtown turns into an outdoor gallery.
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The VillageSee the Village centered around the beautiful First Congregational Church (FCC) with its Reno Garden. The formation of this church initiated the birth of Winchester Village. Attend one the FCC's music or art events or visit the Winchester Farmers Market during the summer months - a hub of food, community, music, and art.
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Satellite Locations
Sanborn House & Cultural Center
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Winchester Community Music School
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Wright-Locke Farm
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50 Cross Street
50 Cross Street is the home of Ballet Arts Centre of Winchester, Kidstock Creative Theater, and Stage Music Center.
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Our Sponsors
The Winchester Cultural District and its Managing Partners are truly grateful to our sponsors for their generosity supporting our programs. We are greatly appreciative of the many ways that these organizations contribute to the cultivation of arts and culture in our town.
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In Kind Sponsor
Special THANKS to Josh and Mike at Josh Burke Properties Services for providing the solid foundations for the Roger sculptures.
Thank you to Nevola Sprinkler & Landscape Lighting for donating extra time to our new Shore Road park.
Thank you to Nevola Sprinkler & Landscape Lighting for donating extra time to our new Shore Road park.
Corporate Sidewalk Art Sponsors
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