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Classical pianist will perform in Watertown on Friday, Nov. 14, as part of the Watertown Concert Association series. Courtesy photo.
Back-to-school time can also mean that it’s time to add some exciting local events to our fall calendars. With the community’s input, The Watertown Current will feature a weekly summary of upcoming arts and cultural opportunities. Keep those events coming!
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The Watertown Concert Association’s upcoming season begins September 19 – and season tickets are available for purchase now. Six concerts are included in the season ticket package. Adult tickets are $50, while student tickets are $20. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the D.D. Miller Auditorium, located at Watertown High School. The 2025-26 season includes:
Friday, Sept. 19, 2025: M5-The Mexican Brass (Classical music with a modern flair).
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025: The Perfect Love Song – Andreas Kern (Solo classical pianist).
Friday, April 10, 2026: American Tune – Simon, Croce & Taylor – Tom Glynn (70s musical tribute).
Tuesday, April 21, 2026: Young Original (Classic American music).
Friday, May 8, 2026: Live from Laurel Canyon (Folk rock in story & song).
For concert details, or information on purchasing season tickets, check out www.concertassociation.net/watertownsd. Questions may also be directed to John Larson, WCA president, at 605-886-3237.
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The South Dakota State Library is launching a special program – Read 250 – to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. This self-paced, self-reporting program is dedicated to the study and appreciation of the nation’s history. “Reading books is a great way to immerse oneself in American history and celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday,” said State Librarian George Seamon. “Books have a way of transporting readers to different places and times, of helping us to understand what it was like to live in a different era. And what’s great about libraries is that we can build a community around that experience of learning through reading.” Participants will use an app to track their reading and take part in other activities like visiting one of South Dakota’s eight Carnegie Libraries or exploring historical sites. The program is available until Dec. 31, 2026. Sign up at www.readerzone.com with program code SD250.
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Town Players Community Theater will host an entertaining evening of “Live Acoustic Music featuring Marcus Howard and Mandy Shay,” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22. The interactive event will also have a karaoke segment and singing bingo. Tickets to this fundraising concert for Town Players are $10 and may be purchased at www.townplayers.net or by stopping at the box office at 5 South Broadway.
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Artists who love spending time outdoors can make the short trip to Lake Poinsett Recreation Area for “Nature’s Palette: Art & Inspiration in Nature” on Saturday, Aug. 30. Beginning at 3 p.m., participants will take a sensory walk, focusing on the colors, textures, and sounds of nature and will then create nature-inspired art using natural materials found in the park. Supplies and space are limited, so artists are asked to register in advance by calling 605-983-5085.
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The Redlin Art Center will be open Labor Day weekend on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday (Labor Day) from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the Redlin Art Center is free.
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The South Dakota State Poetry Society’s Annual Poetry Contest is accepting submissions through Dec. 1, 2025. Poets of all ages may enter in two categories: portrait (poems about you or someone you know from South Dakota) or landscape (poems about the land and features that make South Dakota unique.) There are no restrictions to the length or the style of poems to be submitted. Winning poems will be published in the spring issue of “Pasque Petals” and will also receive a cash award. Guidelines are available at www.sdpoetry.org.
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Get ready to enjoy “Dinner and a Movie” at the Goss Opera House – as this season’s line up has been announced. Scheduled movies include: Sept. 18 – Les Misérables (2012); Oct. 16 – Wait Until Dark; Nov. 20 – The Breakfast Club; Dec. 11 – The Nativity Story; Jan. 15 – Miracle; Feb. 12 – Back to the Future; March 19 – The Godfather; and April 9 – The Lion King. Those who wish to enjoy a meal will purchase floor seats in the Reliabank Theater, while balcony seats are available for anyone who wants to just enjoy the movie. All food and beverages will be purchased separately at the event. Tickets are available at www.thegossoperahouse.com.
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Take the time to tour the historic Mellette House in Watertown. Courtesy photo.
Fall’s arrival will soon bring this season’s touring hours at the Mellette House to a close. Located at 421 First Ave. NW, this historic house built in 1885 was the residence of Arthur Mellette, the first governor of South Dakota. Stop by Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. during posted hours, or call 605-886-4730 to arrange a tour. Admission is free – and the gift shop is filled with unique finds.
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“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” – Bruce Garrabrandt
(Twila Schmitt writes to keep you up-to-date with arts opportunities in and around Watertown. Have a suggestion? Want an item included in the next column? Email [email protected].)
