Entertainment

Russell Cooperative Preschool’s Spring Ramble Returns May 16 with Puppets, Music & Family Fun

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Two of Tanglewood Marionettes’ handcrafted puppets, and a child painting an acorn at a craft table during the Spring Ramble. The following announcement was provided by Russell Cooperative Preschool:

A Watertown spring tradition returns this month as Russell Cooperative Preschool hosts its annual Spring Ramble on Saturday, May 16, on the grounds of First Parish of Watertown at 35 Church Street. The family-friendly celebration will feature live entertainment, crafts, outdoor games, music, and community fun. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a free public performance of Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes. The nationally recognized marionette troupe will present a 40-minute adaptation of the classic fairy tale featuring handcrafted puppets, colorful sets, and storytelling designed for young audiences and families. Following the puppet show, Russell’s Spring Ramble moves outdoors from noon to 2 p.m., where families can enjoy games, crafts, treats, and children’s activities on the lawn, while taking in the festive energy of Watertown Porchfest, with a slate of musical acts organized by First Parish of Watertown.

Entertainment

Pickup Soccer, Outdoor Watch Party, Crafts & More at Watertown World Cup

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

Love soccer? Love fútbol? As Boston gears up to host World Cup matches this summer, you can play and watch the world’s sport with friends and neighbors right here in town — during the first ever Watertown World Cup! Here’s what to expect:

Pickup Soccer and Sign-Making PartySaturday, May 23 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside on Saltonstall Field

The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) and the Watertown Recreation Department will host pickup soccer and crafting outside on Saltonstall Field. Project Literacy learners and teachers will lead the soccer match, and library staff will provide craft materials so you can make a sign for your favorite team, in preparation for World Cup 2026! Spectators welcome.

Entertainment

Landmark Gorky Exhibit Extended at Armenian Museum

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This first exhibit of Arshile Gorky’s work in an Armenian museum includes paintings and drawing from the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Housatonic Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, and other lenders. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

Due to overwhelming interest and positive reviews from prominent publications such as Boston Art Review and Artscope magazine, the Armenian Museum of America recently announce that “Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections” has been extended to Sept. 27, 2026. The show was highlighted as a top pick by the Boston Globe and by GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen. 

This landmark exhibition was opened to coincide with the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky programming in the City of Watertown. Curated by Kim S. Theriault and sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation, the exhibition brings together works from private collectors and leading institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Housatonic Museum of Art, and Yale University Art Gallery.

Around Town

Free Bike Checks, Biking Info, Lawn Games at Event Hosted by City

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The City’s annual Get Out Your Bike event is on May 16th featuring free bike checks. See more information in the announcement from Live Well Watertown. Meet representatives from city agencies and pick up information and resources about healthy living programs, bicycle safety and maintenance, commuting pathways, and more! NEMO bike mechanics will be on-site for free bike safety checks covering the ABCs: Air, Brakes, and Chains.First come, first served. There will also be lawn games offered by the Watertown Recreation staff. WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Rain date May 17)

WHERE:Watertown Square Dock Charles River Road at Galen Street BridgeSponsored by:  Watertown Transportation Management Association (Watertown TMA), Live Well Watertown, the Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee and the City of Watertown and Watertown Recreation.

Around Town

Watertown Housing Authority Running Annual Diaper Drive

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Housing Authority:

The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) announced last week that they are running their annual Diaper Drive for the month of May, 2026. Community members are encouraged to donate unopened diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 2T-5T Pull Ups. Donations can be dropped off at the WHA’s main office located at 55 Waverley Ave, Watertown AM 20472, on Monday-Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Diapers are given directly to residents of the WHA in need and shared with other local community partners for distribution. For questions, please contact WHA’s Resident Services Manager, Maeve Kennelly at 617-631-7434.

Around Town

Tour the New Public Art in Coolidge Square During “Open for Business”

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown invites the community to celebrate the intersection of art and commerce at the opening reception for “Open for Business,” a public art initiative featuring two new site-specific installations in the heart of Coolidge Square. The reception will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, experience the completed works, and explore the diverse local businesses that define the character of the square. Launched during the Mount Auburn Street reconstruction, “Open for Business” was designed to maintain the vibrancy of the district and encourage foot traffic during a period of infrastructure transformation. “These installations serve as a beacon, drawing residents and visitors to rediscover our cherished local establishments,” says Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner. “By bringing world-class art to our sidewalks, we are turning a period of construction into an opportunity for discovery.”

Around Town

Watertown Police Holding Rape Aggression Defense Classes

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The following information came from the Watertown Police Department:

The Watertown Police Department is offering the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Women’s Self-Defense Program from June 8-11, 2026, at 5:30-8:30 p.m.

This program is open to women ages 18 and older and includes hands-on self-defense training focused on risk awareness, prevention, and realistic physical defense techniques. Participants will learn practical tactics and concepts designed to build confidence and personal safety awareness. Registration is now open! To register, call 617-600-1306 or email WPDtraining@police.watertown-ma.gov

Around Town

Herring Festival 2026: A Fish Migration Celebration

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The migration of herring and other fish up the Charles River will be celebrated at the Charles River Watershed Association’s Herring Festival. The event will take place near the Watertown Dam at 64 Pleasant St. on Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. See more details at in the announcement from the CRWA, below. Each spring, the Charles River becomes a vital spawning ground for diadromous fish species such as the Alewife, Blueback Herring, American Shad, and Rainbow Smelt. These fish are key players in the local ecosystem and are a historical representation of Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural ways of life. Join us for our annual celebration of fish migration to honor the herring with an afternoon of free, family fun! 

This year, we are also premiering a community artwork titled “River Run”, developed in collaboration with muralist Sophy Tuttle.