Hello, Dedham.

Summer is officially here. Hats off to the Parks & Rec for another fabulous Flag Day parade. If you missed it, DedhamTV has a replay up now. Now, let's get into it.

In this week's Drop:

And of course, a happy Father’s Day to all the Dedham dads out there. Thanks for reading.

— KB

🍦 Beloved local spot scores a Boston Globe shoutout. A sweet spot made the Boston Globe's "Best of the Best 2026" list of fun things to do with kids this week. Curious which one? Log into BostonGlobe.com with your library card (see below 👀).

💳 Because your library card unlocks the Globe. Since January 2026, the Minuteman Library Network gives all Dedham Library patrons free 72-hour access to BostonGlobe.com and the Boston Globe App (& MORE!) Log in with your library card. Handy timing this week.

🚰 Water restrictions remain in effect. A reminder: Dedham-Westwood Water District's Level 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions (no outdoor watering, with limited exceptions for drip irrigation and hand-held hoses) began June 17. Full details at dwwd.org.

💦 Dedham gets its first Splash Pad. The Town of Dedham is throwing a Community Celebration Monday, June 22 at 5PM at Condon Park to mark the official opening of Dedham's very first Splash Pad. Bring a friend or two — all are welcome.

🥪 DPS launches Summer Meals Program. Free meals for all kids 18 and under run June 29–August 21 at multiple locations including Avery Elementary, Dedham Middle School, DHS, and Paul Park. No registration required. Full schedule and times at dedham.k12.ma.us.

🧹 Community cleanup is this Saturday. Three simultaneous neighborhood cleanups on Saturday, June 20 at 9AM: Riverdale's Marie Kehoe Park, Wilson Mountain trails, and Providence Highway (Dunkins to Best Buy). Register online or walk-ups are always welcome.

♻️ Cardboard recycling day — but make it fun. "Not Your Average Cardboard Recycling Day!" is Saturday, June 20.

⚽️ For Kicks. World Cup continues at Gillette next week. Upcoming match days are June 19, 23, 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, Dedham Corporate Center, or Islington stations on those days. Shuttle buses will connect Forge Park/495 and Walpole to Providence Line at Canton Junction. Plan ahead at mbta.com.

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

Music and activism will come together in Dedham on Sunday, June 21, from 3–5 PM, for “Fight Back with a Song!” The event features a dynamic lineup of notable artists, including Mark Erelli, critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist; Cosy Sheridan, called one of our era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters; Alastair Moock, Boston Music Award nominated singer-songwriter; Kemp Harris, who has shared stages with artists such as Koko Taylor, Livingston Taylor, Gil Scott-Heron, Kandace Springs and Taj Mahal; Les Sampou, an Americana singer-songwriter with a penchant for the blues, The Lied To’s, one of the finest contemporary guy/gal duos on the scene today; Tom Smith, whose award-winning songs are in turns humorous, touching, thought provoking and inspiring; and Ruthann Baler, a national songwriting award winner.

Sunday, June 21, from 3-5 PM (doors at 2:30)
First Church and Parish Dedham, 680 High St, Dedham
Parking available in front of church (Meeting House), behind church on Bullard St., & on-street parking nearby.

➡️ TODAY! Thursday, 6/11

🌿 Endicott Garden Luncheon. Celebrate summer with a leisurely lunch in the Endicott House garden, including a grounds tour, culinary demonstration, and a history talk featuring recently discovered family artifacts. 11:30AM–2:30PM

📚 Combined LGBTQ+ & Millennial Book Group — 7PM, Main Library Lawn. Special combined June session outdoors.

Friday, June 19 — Juneteenth
🏛️ Town offices and the Library are closed in observance of Juneteenth.

Saturday, June 20
🧹 Community Cleanups — 9AM, three locations. Walk-ups welcome.

♻️ Not Your Average Cardboard Recycling Day — details at dedham-ma.gov.

📖 Meet R.W. Alley — 2PM, The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity (around the corner from Blue Bunny Books). Meet the illustrator behind beloved characters like Paddington Bear.

🎊 Juneteenth Observance & Celebration — 12–3PM, Lower Memorial Field. A community event featuring the 54th Massachusetts color guard and keynote speakers on Dedham's Civil War and Juneteenth history.

🏳️‍🌈 Dedham Pride — 4–6PM, Barnes Memorial Park. Pride flag raising, live music, bounce house, community vendors, food & drink. Free — bring a blanket or chair. Rain updates at dedhampride.com.

Sunday, June 21 — Father's Day
🌞 Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year, marking the official start of astronomical summer.

Monday, June 22
💦 Splash Pad Opening Celebration — 5PM, Condon Park. Dedham's first-ever Splash Pad grand opening!

🏠 Let's Get Organized! with Set Things Straight — 6PM, Main Library Piano Space.

Tuesday, June 23
🎶 Dedham Square Circle: FREE Concert on the Green — 6PM, Dedham Square Town Green.

👶 Pajama Storytime — 5:45PM, Main Library Children's Room. Stories, songs, and crafts for ages 3+.

📖 History Lovers Book Group — 6:30PM, Main Library Rotunda.

Wednesday, June 24
🌽 Dedham Summer Farmers Market — 2–6PM, Dedham Square (670 High St). Every Wednesday through October.

🎵 Arts at Endicott: Summer Concert Series — 7PM, Endicott Estate. Free — bring a blanket or lawn chair.

👾 Pokémon Club — 3:30PM, Endicott Branch Children's Area.

👕 Take & Make: T-Shirt Bag — 5:30PM, Main Library Teen Space. Upcycle a tee into a beach bag.

🎹 Music with Michael — 6:30PM, Main Library Piano Space.

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

FRIDAY, 6/19
Sweet Haven at Friday Folk Coffeehouse | Sweet Haven is an acoustic and vocal group performing a variety of traditional music and contemporary Americana tunes, with inspiration from many sources. 7:30PM, First Church./

SATURDAY 6/20
🏳️‍🌈Dedham Pride — Live at Barnes Memorial Park
Pride comes with a live soundtrack Saturday, June 20 (4–6PM). Singer-songwriter Jason Trenouth opens, followed by classic rock and cover band Abbott Road. Free, all ages, Barnes Memorial Park.

SUNDAY 6/21
🎤“Fight Back with a Song!”
Music and activism will come together from 3–5 PM at First Church and Parish Dedham, 680 High St, Dedham.

TUESDAY, 6/23
🎶Concerts on the Green
The Dedham Square Circle's free Tuesday night series continues at 6PM on the Town Green in Dedham Square.

WEDNESDAY, 6/24
🎵Arts at Endicott Summer Concert Series
The DJWC's free outdoor concert series continues at 7PM on the Endicott Estate lawn. Bring a blanket, bring a friend.

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 Football Fundamentals Clinic
DYFC is hosting a free, no-experience-necessary football clinic for grades K–8, June 22–24, 5–7PM at Dedham High School. Just bring sneakers, comfortable clothes, and water. Register at Dedhamyfc.com — select "Clinic" as the event type.

Farmers Market POP Club — Register Now
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.

Roundhead Community Run with Live Fit Army
Thursday, June 18 at 6:30PM — a free community run departing from Roundhead Brewing.

Town offices are closed Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

🏛️ Upcoming Meetings:

📺 Missed a meeting? Catch replays at DedhamTV.com.

🥦 Farmers Market POP Club opens July 8 — register before spots fill.

🍽️ DPS Summer Meals Program begins June 29 through August 21.

🥾 Revolutionary Walking Tours — Saturday, June 27 at 5PM. Watch dedham-ma.gov for details.

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

☀️ Summer Stroll — Thursday, July 16, 6–9PM. High Street shuts down to cars and opens up to live bands, art, food, outdoor dining, and 50+ street vendors. Free to attend. dedhamsquarecircle.org

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.

Next week looking busy? Call for backup. I lean on Feast & Fettle when things get busy and get chef-prepared, kid-approved meals delivered to my door. Use the 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.