Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Member Appreciation Social at Donohue’s

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The Watertown Business Coalition will host a Member Appreciation Social at Donohue’s Bar & Grill on Wednesday, May, 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to members and non-members. See more details in the information from the WBC, below:

Join us for a fun night as we celebrate YOU – our members, friends and WBC Community! We wouldn’t be here without your constant support, we’re so grateful you’re part of this growing community! Hear about the WBC’s 2026 so far and updates on exciting member benefits we’re rolling out in May. Come, bring a friend (or two), and learn how to get the most out of your membership.

Business

Watertown Community STEM Night Returns to the Middle School

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The showcase of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in the Watertown Public Schools, along with people and businesses in the city that work in those sectors, returns to Watertown Middle School on April 29. See more details in the announcement from the organizers, below. Mark your calendars, Watertown! On Wednesday, April 29th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Watertown Middle School is transforming into a hub of innovation, curiosity, and local talent for the 2nd Annual Community STEM Night, presented by the Watertown Business Coalition and Watertown Public Schools! Whether you’re a student with a passion for coding, a parent curious about what’s happening in our classrooms, or a resident interested in the booming life science sector in our backyard, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition’s Quarterly Coffee Connect Coming to Commander’s Mansion

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The Watertown Business Coalition and the City of Watertown’s Events Team will co-host a Quarterly Coffee Connect at the Commander’s Mansion on April 15. See details in the announcement from the WBC, below. Join the Watertown Business Coalition and the City Events Team on Wednesday, April 15th from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Commander’s Mansion for a morning of networking, coffee, a light breakfast generously provided by Panera Bread Catering, and samples from BesTEA. Hear from the City Events Team as they provide a sneak peek at the City’s Events for 2026 including EcoFest, Octoberfest at The Faire and more! We also look forward to hearing from Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, who is our non-profit partner for this event. 

We can’t wait to see you there!

Entertainment

Watertown Business Coalition & Cultural District Announce Art Pop-Ups on Merchants Row

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Business Coalition:

The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC), in partnership with the Watertown Cultural District, the City of Watertown, and the Watertown Arts Market, is proud to announce Art Pop-Ups on Merchants Row, a vibrant series of three intimate outdoor markets designed to showcase the city’s creative economy. The series serves as a high-visibility platform for local creators and a “teaser” leading up to the city’s premier summer event: the Watertown Arts Market on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The Series at a Glance

Located off of Main Street in the heart of Watertown Square, each pop-up is designed to be an intimate experience, featuring just nine visual artists and two acoustic performers. This curated approach ensures prime visibility for every participant and a boutique shopping experience for attendees. Event Dates (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM):

Saturday, July 11

Saturday, July 25

Saturday, August 1

Call for Artists & Performers

The Art Pop Ups team is seeking a diverse array of Watertown-based artists across all mediums to display and sell their work.

Entertainment

See When Registration Will Open for the 6th Annual Watertown Arts Market

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The Watertown Arts Market returns to Arsenal Park on Aug. 8, 2026. (Photo by Natalie Nigito Photography)

Registration will open for the 2026 Watertown Arts Market on Wednesday, April 1. See more details in the announcement from the Watertown Business Coalition, below. The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC), in partnership with the City of Watertown, is proud to announce the return of the Watertown Arts Market on Saturday, Aug.

Around Town

Hear How Watertown is Prepping for a Big Summer of Tourism in 2026 at Watertown’s Open

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Little Local Conversations, the Watertown Business Coalition, and the City of Watertown’s Economic Development department present a panel discussion on Summer Tourism 2026 on April 7. Watertown’s Open is a series of live podcast events that bring local businesses and local business advocates together to share their stories and knowledge to help lift the entire business community. The project is a collaboration between the City of Watertown’s Economic Development Planner, the Little Local Conversations podcast, and the Watertown Business Coalition. Summer Tourism 2026: A Live Podcast Discussion on How Watertown Businesses Can Capitalize on the Tourist Influx This Summer

Join us for the next Watertown’s Open event at WCA-TV Studios at 30 Common St in Watertown. (See this page on their website for directions and parking info.) There will be a panel discussion to discuss what’s going on in the Watertown/Greater Boston region this summer (hint: a lot!), how panelists have successfully attracted tourists for previous events, and how we can work together to bring people to Watertown this summer.

Business

What New Industries Might be Attracted to Watertown, Changes to the Square Discussed by City Manager

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City Manager George Proakis spoke at the Watertown Business Coalition’s City Update on March 5, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown became a magnet for life science companies in the last several years, and City Manager George Proakis said the building boom in that industry may be slowed, but other industries may be attracted to the same things: proximity to Boston and the universities in the area, easy access, and a nice place to be. Proakis spoke about the City’s economic and financial outlook during the Watertown Business Coalition’s City Update on Thursday morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites. His outlook for Watertown’s economic future was positive, despite the dip in the City’s most prominent industry: life sciences. “We are still in a community, in a state that is well invested in new growth.

Business

City Manager’s City Update Will Focus on Local Business Community & Economy

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The Watertown Business Coalition will host Watertown City Manager George Proakis at the annual City Update. His talk will focus on news and issues that will impact Watertown’s businesses and the local economy. See more information provided by the WBC, below. The WBC is honored to again partner with Watertown’s City Manager, George Proakis, to provide a City Update. Please join us on March 5th at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites at Arsenal Yards in Watertown!