Feeling feisty or even festy? This is the weekend to indulge in festivals, including, of course, Watertown Porchfest on Saturday, a festival of local musicians that covers the whole town. While you probably know that already, you may not know about the festivals that surround Porchfest that add some variety to the weekend festivities. On Friday there is an art exhibit and an open mic comedy evening at Fort Gallery called Spring Harvest. Saturday after taking in some bands, head to the Dolma Fest which includes a competition for the best grape leaf and cabbage dolmas. A post-Porchfest event at our community TV studio includes a Mario Cart Grand Prix competition and a performance of the MIT Video Game Orchestra. So fun! Sunday afternoon, you can let your ears relax while enjoying the soundsof the Charles River at the Herring Festival. Face or arm painting of herrings included.
WATERTOWN PORCHFEST
Saturday, May 17, 12-6 p.m.
Performances will be all around town, go to website to see the map of locations
Porchfest is an afternoon of free music (and other performances) performed outside of people’s homes – on porches, patios, driveways, and lawns. There will be music of all kinds, so be sure to spend a little time browsing the band links or just walk down the street until you hear some music. Whether you are into discovering new bands or going to hear your friends play, it’s always a good time.
For more information: Click here
SPRING HARVEST and GARAGE FEST, a COMEDY NIGHT AT FORT GALLERY
Friday, May 16. 9 p.m.
Fort Gallery, 30 Maple St.
Enjoy a Dave Tree solo art show and Open Mic with DJ Treeman. There will be a comedy open mic including Tommy O’Deed, Matt Hayden, Katie Farrell, Amanda C, Kevin Quigley, Mitzy Pacardo and Cali Gold. The evening is sponsored by Wandering Soul Beer and Sweet Tree.
For more information: Click here
DOLMA FEST hosted by Amaras Art Alliance
Saturday, May 17, 4 p.m.
AGBU Center, 247 Mt. Auburn St.
Contestants will be showcasing their talent to become the ultimate dolma champion. Prizes will be given for the best grape leaf dolma, best cabbage dolma and best Yalachi. There will also be a savory and sweet table with savory and sweet treats for sale including hummus, eech, string cheese, jingyalov hats, stuffed eggplant with tahini, pastries and gata. $25 general admission.
For more information and to buy tickets: Click here
PORCHFEST AFTER HOURS – MARIO BROS MUSIC AND COMPETITION at WCA-TV
Saturday, May 17, 6-9 p.m.
30 Common St. Ste 120
WCA-TV will be hosting the MIT Video Game Orchestra during Porchfest After Hours for a special performance of music from Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Visitors can take part and test their skills against other competitors in a Mario Kart Grand Prix, accompanied by live performances of music from the game. The winner of each Grand Prix will have their name placed into a raffle to win some WCA-TV swag! This will be a first -come, first-served event for those interested in participating. The performance and tournament will take place in WCA-TV’s studio and will also be live-streamed on our channels as well as online for those unable to join us in person.
For more information: Click here
HERRING FESTIVAL
Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
64 Pleasant St. (To enter the Festival space, please navigate to DCR’s Dealtry Memorial Pool parking lot.)
Enjoy the summer weather, watch the fish migrate up the fish ladder, and participate in a community art build. Grab a bite from the Chicken and Rice Guys Food Truck or a refreshing scoop from the Frostee Ice Cream Truck. There will be a wide range of activities from a trout fishing demo to face painting, CRWA Senior Restoration Manager Lisa Kumpf will host dam tours for anyone interested in learning more about the Watertown Dam and the challenges it faces.
For more information and to register: Click here