A NEW LYCEUM Once it was the setting for a revolution. Today, Concord is again serving as backdrop for an exchange of new ideas and differing points of view, albeit without the muskets this time.

Sam Durant’s conceptual art installation, titled “Meeting House,’’ is a pavilion-like structure in the meadow between two historic landmarks, the North Bridge and the Old Manse, intended to promote thought and conversation. To make this happen, Durant has posted provocative questions around the edge of the piece and launched a conversation series, called Lyceums, for visitors to talk about race in our society.

“In the 18th and 19th century, lyceums were held regularly all over the country, and in Europe as well, as a way of effecting public communication and debate,’’ said Durant, a California-based multimedia artist whose work is renowned for exploring social, political, and cultural issues and referencing American history.

“This was also a way for the abolitionists of the 19th century to spread their message throughout the country’s cities and small towns,’’ he said. “This is the continuation of a tradition that goes back to the era of Concord’s Old Manse.’’

The first Lyceum discussion, held during the summer, celebrated African-American food traditions. The next one will feature a poetry reading with Boston poet laureate Danielle Legros Georges, Kevin Young, Robin Coste Lewis, and Tisa Bryant, each of whom has composed new works for this reading. The Meeting House is part of a two-year outdoor art initiative presented by The Trustees, which owns the Old Manse.

Concord is often seen as the birthplace of American literature and identity, Durant said. “The Transcendentalists were so important to our current conception of who we are as Americans. Now we have a whole generation of African-American poets and novelists and memoirists carving their own path in American literature and opening a window into another perspective from their own history, lineage, and culture.’’

The poetry reading lyceum will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. Parking for the Lyceums is at The Old Manse on Monument Street. Admission to the Lyceums is free. For more information about the Lyceums and other programming related to “The Meeting House,’’ go to www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/special-events/artxlandscape/the-meeting-house.html.

CUBAN MEMORIES Lexington’s Munroe Saturday Nights series opens its 2016-17 season with “Cuba: Memory, Art and Action: An Evening to Benefit Caritas Cuba’’ in partnership with Friends of Caritas Cubana. Featuring readings and musical selections from the Cuban and Cuban-American experience, a panel discussion with local Cuban-Americans sharing their observations from recent trips to Cuba, and a silent auction of paintings and photography by Cuban artists, the event takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at First Parish in Lexington, 7 Harrington Rd., Lexington. Admission is free (suggested donation of $10). To reserve seats or for more information, go to www.munroecenter.org.

SONGWRITERS SHINE The Boston Association of Cabaret Artists presents a songwriters’ performance showcase on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. Featured performers will include Dennis Livingston and Will McMillan, with Doug Hammer on piano and special guests Jinny Sagorin, Tracy Clark, and Brian De Lorenzo. Tickets are $15 members, $18 nonmembers. For tickets or more information, call 508-405-2787 or go to amazingthings.org.

ELECTION TAKE Nationally recognized Boston-based comic Jimmy Tingle takes on the upcoming presidential election with his one-man show, “Jimmy Tingle for President,’’ on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. at Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. Tickets are $29 to $49 and can be purchased at www.caryhalllexington.com or by calling 617-531-1257.

FALL GETAWAYS The Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, in partnership with the town’s Conservation Trust and Historical Society, presents an evening with Alison O’Leary, author of “Inns and Adventures: an Explorer’s Guide to Vermont, New Hampshire and the Berkshires,’’ at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. The author will discuss New England options for adventure, relaxation, and the perfect fall getaway. Admission is free but seats are limited; for more information or to reserve a seat, go to www.LittletonLibrary.org/events or call 978-540-2600. The library is located at 41 Shattuck St., Littleton.

PLAYFUL ART Room 83 Spring presents “Facsimile,’’ an exhibit of sculpture, painting, and assemblage by John C. Anderson, Brian Bishop, Venetia Dale, Pier Gustafson, and Judy Haberl on view now through Oct. 29. The exhibit invites artists to create playful facsimiles of everyday objects: a grocery cart made of sticks; handbag contents from transparent silicone; machinery from paper and paint. Gallery hours are Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m. Room 83 Spring is located at 83 Spring St., Watertown. For more information, go to www.room83spring.com.

CRAFTS FESTIVAL Fruitlands Museum’s annual juried crafts festival features artisans selling jewelry, ceramics, glassware, wood items, fiber arts, and more on Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the festival, which includes museum entrance, is $5 per member, $10 per nonmember (children under 12 are free). The museum is located at 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. For more information, go to www.fruitlands.org or call 978-456-3924.

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