WEEKEND FUN: Halloween Fun, Two Plays Hit the Stage, Artists Open Studios

Halloween celebrations are in full swing this weekend. The Commander’s Mansion will host the second annual Wicked Watertown on Saturday, and enjoy some fall fun at Gore Place on Sunday. It’s a weekend of theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, with two classic plays hitting the stage — one put on by the Watertown Children’s Theatre and the other by the Actors’ Shakespeare Project. Take an inside look at artists studios on Saturday and Sunday during the Turtle Studios Open Studios. While the event is just over the river in Newton, several Watertown artists create their works at the studios.

City’s Wicked Watertown Event to Features Halloween Fun

Once again in 2025, the Commander’s Mansion will be the site for Halloween fun during Wicked Watertown. See more details provided by the City of Watertown, below. Wicked Watertown returns to the Commander’s Mansion, located at 440 Talcott Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, from 4-8 p.m.! Featuring two sessions of tours for $5 per person and under 3 enters for free (choose your fright level: spooky or scary) plus free outdoor guest experiences including games and activities with Watertown Recreation, stories by flashlight with Watertown Free Public Library, and more Halloween fun!

LETTER: How the Commander’s Mansion Became a Gem for the City of Watertown

Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. Greetings Councilors:

 “They don’t know what they don’t know.” How did the revival of the Commander’s Mansion come to be? What was the process that restored this beautiful edifice to its full glory? The story, behind the story, can be found in the attached September 23, 2005 Final Report of the Watertown Arsenal Development Corporation.

WEEKEND FUN: Classic Cars, Crafting, Meditation, Classic Radio Play & Cribbage

You can start this beautiful summer weekend with a contemplative sound healing meditation on Friday evening at Mount Auburn Cemetery. It’s going to be cooler, though rain could interfere in that plan. If so, you might go instead to catch an entertaining radio mystery at the Mosesian that evening or on Saturday night. They promise hijinks and cocktails, a delicious combination! As a person who loves to share resources in our Facebook Buy Nothing group, the arts and crafts swap on Saturday afternoon at the library is a draw.

Celebrate Community, History, & Pride at the Commander’s Mansion This Summer

Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the City’s Events Team:

The historic Commander’s Mansion is the place to be this summer with two unforgettable 21+ ticketed events. Whether you’re toasting to 160 years of local history or raising a glass at a fabulous Pride brunch (or both!), there’s something special waiting for everyone at 440 Talcott Ave. WATERTOWN PRIDE PRESENTS: THE RETURN OF A TIPSY TEA PARTY

Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:30PM

440 Talcott Avenue, Watertown, MA

Back by popular demand, it’s the entertainment announcement you’ve been waiting for! Watertown Pride’s Tipsy Tea Party returns to the Commander’s Mansion with a dazzling day of drag performances, brunch, and lively celebration.  Hosted by the fierce and fabulous Killah Croc, this electrifying event also features show-stopping performances by Izzy Ready and Hazel Afrodite.

Women in Business, Non-Profit & City Government Speak at Sold Out Event in Watertown

Panelists at the Empowering Women in Leadership event, from left, Ariel Nathanson, Jan Taylor, and Roberta Miller. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Commander’s Mansion hosted a sold out Empowering Women in Leadership event on March 19, with panels made up of business owners, a non-profit director, and members of the City of Watertown administration. The event was the first hosted by the City of Watertown’s Events Team and co-sponsored by the City of Watertown and the Watertown Business Coalition. The first panel featured Roberta Miller, Interim Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts; Ariel Nathanson, founder of Finances for Feminists; and Jan Taylor, owner of Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio, who also is the Development Director for New Art Center in Newton. They spoke about the importance of finding allies and learning from them, collaborating with other business owners, and the importance of learning about finances.

Business Group Hosting Networking Event at the Commander’s Mansion

Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. The Watertown Business Coalition will host its first event of 2025, a morning networking event at the Commander’s Mansion. See details in the announcement below. It’s a New Year! Let’s continue a great start with a chance to connect with our neighbors, local small business, local employees and friends of the WBC and City Government. Enjoy coffee and light bites from Tatte while enjoying conversation with old friends and new faces.

See the Merry Mingle Activities List and Map, This Weekend at the Commander’s Mansion

See what’s in store for this year’s Merry Mingle, formerly the Whoville Jubilee, at Watertown’s historic Commander’s Mansion. See the list of activities provided by the City of Watertown, below. There are many activities planned for “The Merry Mingle” hosted at the Commander’s Mansion, located at 440 Talcott Avenue, on December 1, 2024, from 4-8pm! Free guest parking is available in the East Garage on Kingsbury Ave and a shuttle will be provided by Flett Co.  Handicap parking, ramp entry, and elevator access is available on site.