Hello, Dedham.

School is (almost!) out, so if it finally feels like your summer can begin, consider this your permission slip. This week, we’ve got a walking tour through Revolutionary War history, and the Strawberry Moon rising over the weekend.

In this week's Drop:

Let’s get into it. Thanks again for reading!

— KB

🍯 Oh bother. It wasn’t Pooh, but an unlucky creature made the news this week after getting its head caught in a jar. Not to worry, Dedham Animal Control saved the day!

💦 First Splash! Dedham's new splash pad at Condon Park finally has its celebration moment — and it was rescheduled from last week due to weather. The First Splash Community Celebration is happening Monday, June 29 at 5PM at Condon Park. Go enjoy it!

👕 Give a closet some love. Avery Elementary's PTO is collecting new, like-new, or gently used children's clothing, shoes, back-to-school items, and sports equipment (no helmets) for the Avery Closet. Donation bins are at Avery Elementary from July 1 through August 3 — near the cafeteria door and at the front entrance. A free shopping event in August will follow. Questions? Email [email protected].

🚰 Water restrictions are still in effect. The Dedham-Westwood Water District's Level 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions remain in place. Outdoor watering is prohibited, with limited exceptions for drip irrigation and hand-held hoses. Full details at dwwd.org.

⚽️ For Kicks. World Cup continues at Gillette. Upcoming match days are June 26, 29 and July 9. On all World Cup match days, the Franklin Line will not run between Readville and Windsor Gardens — that means no service at Endicott or Dedham Corporate Center stations on those days. Plan ahead at mbta.com.

✳️ Look out below! Next week, a special edition of The Drop is headed to your inbox, so you can plan for some extra summer fun, starting with the 4th. Have something special to add? Hit reply & let me know or learn about sponsoring The Dedham Drop.

Have a local announcement or news item? Hit reply and let us know.

➡️ TODAY! Thursday, 6/25
😅 Sweatin' to the Oldies — 6:30PM, Main Library Media Tables. A Richard Simmons classic workout — yes, really. Go for it.

🎮 Game Night at Roundhead. Join Roundhead every Thursday for board games, arcade games, and local brews in the taproom. 21+. 5–9PM.

Saturday 6/27:

🦔 Live Animal Show with Joe's Crazzy Critters. Join the summer reading kickoff with some new friends. Main Library. 10:30AM-Noon.

🎸 Dedham Porchfest! The town turns into one big outdoor music venue. This year features 28 porches, 4–8PM, with performers ranging from jazz to classic rock to indie folk. Free and family-friendly. Pick a neighborhood, grab a lawn chair, and wander.

🚶 Revolutionary Walking Tour. In the spirit of America's 250th, join Museum educator Jim Parr for a one-hour tour of Dedham's Revolutionary War history. Start and end at the Dedham Museum, 612 High Street. Tours at 5PM or 6:15PM. Max 15 per tour — register in advance at dedhammuseum.org.

🛒 Dedham Food Pantry Family Shopping. 8AM. Dedham Food Pantry.

Sunday 6/28:

🧘 Free Yoga & Pilates on the Town Green. Free outdoor fitness on the Town Green. All are welcome.

Monday 6/29:

💦 First Splash! Community Celebration. Dedham's brand-new splash pad at Condon Park finally gets its party — rescheduled from last week due to weather. Come celebrate summer and try out the new pad! 5PM. Condon Park.

🎶 Monday Morning Music at the Endicott Branch Library. Live music and singing with Jonah, children's librarian. Ages 0–5. 9:30AM and 10:30AM.

Tuesday 6/30:

🎵 Concerts on the Green. Free live music on the Town Green, presented by Dedham Square Circle. Grab dinner in the Square and bring a lawn chair. 6–8PM. Town Green, 600 High Street.

Wednesday 7/1:

🌽 Dedham Summer Farmers Market. Local produce, specialty foods, makers, and live music every Wednesday on the First Church lawn. 2–5PM. 670 High Street.

🎶 Arts at Endicott: Summer Concert Series. The DJWC's beloved outdoor concert series continues on the lawn of the Endicott Estate. Free and family-friendly. 6:30PM opening act, 7PM main performance.

🎸 Dedham Porchfest. 4–8PM. 28 addresses, 28 stages, one whole town. This year's performers include Jazz Chemists, Swirvin, Stop Calling Me Frank, The Dogmatics, The Instamatics, Ray Hendricks, Pat McCann, Barry O'Toole, Bunker Hill Dudes On A Mission, Ice Lemonade and The Apple Snaps, toejam, Blues in the Corner, Scott Damgaard and the Bubbs Band, Jonny Goes to Boston, east street quartet, Abbott Road, Brendan Mongeon, Lucas boisvert, Vink, Jerry's Dream (Dead cover band), On Tap, Emersons, and more.

🌱Endicott Community Greenhouse — Volunteers Always Needed
Individuals and community service groups are always welcome at the Endicott Community Greenhouse. Stop by or call 781-329-9356.

⚽ Dedham Youth Soccer Summer Camp is registering now! Two week-long pre-season training sessions at Memorial Park in August (Aug 10–14 or Aug 17–21), 5:30–7:45PM. Ages 7–18. Resident pricing: $170 (1 week) or $270 (2 weeks). Online registration now available. Contact [email protected] or 617-281-0542.

🥕Farmers Market POP Club. The Power of Produce (POP) Club returns to the Dedham Farmers Market this summer — a free program for kids ages 4–10. Registered kids get $5 tokens weekly to spend on fresh produce, plus crafts and activities each week. Runs July 8–29, capped at 30 kids/week. Spots go fast. Contact [email protected] to sign up.

🌳 Have a say in Dedham's green future. The Town is collecting public comments on its draft 2026 Open Space & Recreation Plan through July 20. The plan covers how Dedham will protect and invest in its parks, open spaces, and recreational opportunities. Online comment form available in multiple languages at beheard.dedham-ma.gov/osrc2026. Printed forms available on request.

🍽️ Free Summer Meals for Kids. The Dedham Public Schools Summer Meals Program kicks off this Wednesday, June 29, and runs through August 21. Free meals are available to all kids 18 and under — no registration required. Locations include Avery Elementary, Dedham Middle School, Dedham High School, and Paul Park. Full schedule and times at dedham.k12.ma.us.

📺 Missed a concert, meeting, or the Flag Day Parade? Catch replays at DedhamTV.com.

🌠 June Bootids meteor shower peaks June 27. Typically modest, but with a history of surprise outbursts.

🍓 The Strawberry Full Moon rises on Sunday, June 29. Named by Indigenous peoples for the wild strawberry harvest season that comes this time of year. It'll be bright and beautiful in the evening sky. Step outside after dark and take a look: no equipment needed. Heads up: this moon is a Micromoon, meaning it's near its farthest point from Earth and will appear slightly smaller than average, but no less lovely.

As always, double-check links before heading out — times and details can change. If you see an error or have something to add, hit reply.

Summer-mode on? Let someone else do the cooking. I lean on Feast & Fettle when things get busy and get chef-prepared, kid-approved meals delivered to my door. Use this link for 50% off your first week.*

*Occasionally, I’ll include affiliate links. If you click, I may receive a tiny commission. Most of the time, you’ll receive an offer. Win/Win! These products/services mentioned are ones I believe in.