May 1 marks the start of Newton’s first Festival of the Arts, a month of performances,  scholar and author talks, and parties—both cocktail and family-friendly—to benefit the city's food bank and other nonprofits. Mayor Setti Warren posed the idea to his cultural affairs director more than a year ago, and that meeting turned into a plan for a week of events. But when the city's arts organizations got a hold of it, they all wanted in.

“We had so much enthusiasm and energy on a cold, miserable day thinking about spring that we knew we had to extend the calendar,” said festival chair Gloria Gavris.

Among the 60-some free and ticketed events, at 25 venues, here are the highlights (see the whole calendar):  

The Imaginary Invalid, presented by Newton Theatre Company, May 2, 2 p.m., Newton Cultural Center at City Hall (in advance, $15/$10 seniors and students; at the door, $20/$15)

See a song-and-dance translation of 17th-century French playwright Moliere’s satire about medicine, hypochondria and marriage. Intermission includes performances by two local bands.   

Exultet: A Cappella Clausura Concert, May 3, 4 p.m., Newton Cultural Center at City Hall (in advance, $20/$14 seniors and students; at the door, $25/$18)

This ensemble, named after the cloistered nuns of the 17th century, is all about performing music written by women, and they’ll premiere Welsh composer Hilary Tann’s “Exultet Terra,” along with other pieces.

Cabaret: Spring into Song, presented by Boston Association of Cabaret Artists, May 3, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Newton Cultural Center at City Hall ($20/$10 seniors and students)

Hear jazz standards, Broadway favorites and songs from the Great American Songbook.

Eat, Drink & Feel Russian, May 6, 6:30 p.m., Café St. Petersburg ($75; $25 for just the concert)

The salon starts with a buffet of Russian specialties. Then Russia scholar Harlow Loomis Robinson speaks about the late 19th-century romantic period, and finally the audience listens to music from the era.

Folk Festival with Catie Curtis, May 9, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Newton City Hall Outdoor Tent ($25/$15 seniors and students)

Folk star Catie Curtis, who’s sung at the White House, toured for 20 years and released 13 albums, headlines this show that includes local singer-songwriter Rob Siegel and Americana band Waiting for Neil.

Ethnic Heritage Festival, May 10, noon to 6 p.m., Newton City Hall Outdoor Tent (free)

Catch performances and food from the American Chinese Art & Dance Society, Boston Eastern Heritage Chorus, Irish Heritage Music and other Newton cultural organizations.

The Cossack Beyond the Danube, presented by Commonwealth Lyric Theatre, May 14 and 15, 8 p.m., First Baptist Church of Newton ($30/$40/$50/$100; $20 students with ID)

Hear the first national Ukrainian opera, composed in 1863, that tells the story of the Cossacks exile to Turkey and their trek back home. It’s sung in Ukrainian, with English text, and the cast will be dressed in traditional costumes.

Repurposed Spaces: Artists of the Clafin School Studios, May 14 to May 23, New Art Center (free)

The gallery will exhibit works by the 16 resident-artists of the former elementary school.

The Stars Align: A Music for Food Concert, May 20, 7 p.m., Newton North High School ($25/$20 students; $75/$50 premium seats)

Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist Malcolm Lowe and cellist Mickey Katz, Grammy-winning violist Kim Kashkashian, Boston Chamber Music Society violinist Lynn Change and Boston Conservatory of Music pianist Jonathan Bass play works by Brahms, Bartok and Ravel. The concert benefits Newton’s four food pantries.

Newton Notable Authors, May 21, 7 p.m., Showcase SuperLux at The Street in Chestnut Hill ($50)

Memoir ghostwriter-to-the-stars William Novak, author Anita Diamant, former assistant DA and author William Landay and Boston Globe Magazine staff writer Neil Swidey discuss writing and their most recent books while guests sip cocktails.

Festival of the Arts Closing Celebration, May 30, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Shaw House at Mount Ida College ($75)

End the month over drinks and apps with MFA Director Malcolm Rogers, sculptor Nancy Schon, of “Make Way for Ducklings,” Grammy-winning violist Kim Kashkashian, and “Sopranos” star Marianne Leone Cooper. The Tracy Clark Trio, pianist Joanne Baker and young opera singers Clark Rubinshtein and Jean Furman entertain.