Watertown News | Your Source for Local News

Charles River Ferry Taking Shape — Wada Hoppah Will Soon Take to the Water

By Charlie Breitrose | May 29, 2026

Drew Rollert, founder of Wada Hoppah, standing on the nearly completed Charles River ferry. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

CONCORD — Three years of dreams and a year-and-a-half of design and labor is coming together in the form of the first modern ferry built to navigate the Charles River.

City Council Passes Budget, Now Await Legislature’s Decision on Tax Relief

Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.

The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, but the City’s financial future could be darkened if the State does not approve a tax relief legislation submitted by the City.

Gold Kings Hockey Will Face New Foes Next Season, League Gets New Name

The Boston Gold Kings will host a pair of new additions to their league at John A. Ryan Arena in 2o26-27. (Courtesy of the Boston Gold Kings)

The Boston Gold Kings made it all the way to the finals for the second year in a row in 2025-26, this time falling in the last round. The Watertown-based hockey team will have more competition in 2026-27, as the league expands.

Sacrifices of Veterans Remembered at Memorial Day Ceremony; Importance of Veterans Benefits Discussed

Members of Watertown Veterans organizations hold the flags during the 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony at Victory Field. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

For former Marine George McMasters Memorial Day gives him mixed feelings, and is a time when he can remember his compatriots who were lost in battle.

More Headlines

Community Food Drive Aims to Help Restock Watertown’s Food Pantries for Summertime Need

See Who Will March in Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade, the Parade Route

Fire Department Looking to Hire Paramedics to Run 2 Ambulances; Keep Hydrants Snow Free

Around Town

Watertown Night Heron Dragon Boat Team Returns for 47th Boston Dragon Boat Festival

By Guest Writer | 4 hours ago

Members of the Watertown Night Heron Dragon BoatTeam gather for their first on-water practice of the season. The team, organized by the Chinese American Association of Watertown (CAAW), will represent Watertown at the 47th Boston Dragon Boat Festival. (Photo by Margaret Wong, CAAW)

The following announcement was provided by the Chinese American Association of Watertown:

The Watertown Night Heron Dragon Boat Team is back on the water and gearing up for the 47th Boston Dragon Boat Festival, taking place June 13-14 along the Charles River.

Around Town

Sidewalk Replacements, Removal of Catenary System This Week on Mt. Auburn Street

By Guest Writer | 4 hours ago

Crews will be replacing sidewalks on parts of Mt. Auburn Street, along with removing the old bus wires system, and replacing drainage. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.

Real Estate

Eight Watertown Properties Were Sold This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | 4 hours ago

Watertown had sales of four condos, a pair of townhouses, a single family, and a two family home.

Around Town

Watertown Scout Brings Home District Pinewood Derby Trophy With a Car Designed All by Herself

By Guest Writer | May 30, 2026

Elisa Ruby Peck and her proud dad, Jon, after Elisa won the District Pinewood Derby.

By Jon Peck

When it comes to Scouting and Pinewood Derby Racing, the competition is fierce across the country and the rules are unwavering. Divided into divisions by age, each Scout is given an Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit with a block of wood, some wheels and an eye-watering amount of guidelines regarding weights and materials.

Entertainment

Come Join the Very First Creative Chats Conference

By Guest Writer | May 30, 2026

Matt Hanna has hosted Creative Chats since 2025 to talk about creativity with a variety of guests from Watertown. On Thursday, June 4, from 12-4 p.m. Hanna will host the first Creative Chats Conference at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. See more information in the announcement below.

Entertainment

COMIC: Small Saves Looks for a Little Help From His Friends

By Guest Writer | May 30, 2026

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.

Entertainment

Oud Masters John Berberian & Antranig Kzirian to Perform at the Armenian Museum of America

By Guest Writer | May 29, 2026

John Berberian (right) and Antranig Kzirian will perform together at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown for an evening of storytelling, Armenian folk traditions, and improvisation.

The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is pleased to present “Music in Color: Oudflections” on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m., an intimate and dynamic evening celebrating the rich traditions and contemporary evolution of Armenian music with two generations of oud players. This program is generously sponsored by Nancy R. Kolligian.

Around Town

Watertown’s Community Preservation Program is Turning 10 Years Old

By Guest Writer | May 29, 2026

The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Join the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for a special Annual Public Hearing to celebrate completed Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects and help us update the CPA Plan.