City to celebrate Newton’s birthday with free event

Published on February 02, 2026

All Aboard the Birthday Express Save the Date: 2-21-26

Newton will celebrate its 154th birthday with a community party and other special events this month.

The public is invited to a free, come-and-go event from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Newton Recreation Center, 415 N. Poplar.

The event will feature bounce houses for kids, a balloon artist, games, snow cones and popcorn, a teen room with video and board games, food and drink vendors, and live performances by the Newton High School pep band and the Railaires.

Newton’s “birthday” is the date of its incorporation as a city: Feb. 22, 1872. The party is the culmination of a weekend of birthday-themed events:

5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 – Third Thursday in downtown Newton will include photo opportunities with NHS’ Railer mascot and a giveaway for concessions tickets to use at Friday night’s NHS basketball games. Special thanks to Citizens State Bank, Union State Bank and White Eagle Credit Union for sponsoring the concessions tickets.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 – Pack the house at NHS boys basketball vs. Hutchinson! We’ll have swag item giveaways and a mascot performance at halftime, plus the first 50 attendees will get in free!

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 – Birthday party at Newton Rec Center.