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What do books, QR codes and motorcycles have in common? They are all part of Watertown’s upcoming arts scene! With the community’s input, The Watertown Current features a summary of arts events and cultural opportunities. Thanks for sharing!
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Shaun Johnson
Town Players Community Theater is bringing “Shaun Johnson & The Big Band Experience” to the Heritage Theater at the Watertown Event Center for a one-night show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16. Tickets to this big pop band, with an Emmy-winning front man, are $25 (general admission) and go on sale Aug. 1 at www.townplayers.net. Johnson and his eight-piece ensemble put on a high-energy show that bridges classic Frank Sinatra standards with modern Michael Buble stylings. For additional information, call Town Players at 605-882-2076. The Watertown Event Center is located at 1901 Ninth Ave. SW.
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Rows and rows of table filled books were packed into the Codington County Extension Complex for last year’s book sale. Photo by Tucker Hermans, The Watertown Current.
While some might argue there’s no such thing as having “too many books,” perhaps many of us have a few we’d be willing to donate to the Friends of Watertown Regional Library’s annual book sale? Donations of gently used books, DVDs, CDs and albums will be accepted at the Codington County Extension Complex (south entrance) between Sept. 8 and Sept. 10. Donations can also be made in specially marked carts at County Fair Foods and Hy-Vee from Sept. 4-10.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2026 Used Book Sale Sept. 11-13 at the Codington County Extension Complex, located at 1910 W. Kemp. For additional information, call 605-881-1694.
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Following a full week of on-stage rehearsals at The Goss Opera House, local students will be featured in two Missoula Children’s Theatre productions during the first two Fridays in August. “Betty Lou and The Country Beast” will take the stage on Friday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The following Friday, Aug. 14, will bring performances of “Cinderella” at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. All the shows are open to the public and free of charge. The Goss Opera House is located at 100 E. Kemp in Downtown Watertown.
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Thursday Night Live this week (July 30) will bring a rumble of motorcycles downtown during the Rally Rush Motorcycle Show at Foundation Plaza. The band “Vinyl 5” takes the stage from 6 to 9 p.m., while vendors provide a variety of merchandise, food and beverages. The “Matt Gauger Band” is scheduled to play at Thursday Night Live on Aug. 6. As always, bring your own lawn chairs.
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The summer’s final Concert on Kemp on Wednesday, Aug. 5, will feature two bands – Geezer and Chester – from 6 to 9 p.m. This third concert in the “Summer of Red, White & Blue” series will feature the “blue” theme and those attending are encouraged to wear patriotic blue attire. The stage and local vendors will be set up between Second Street SE and Maple Street. Bring your own chairs.
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“Color, Imagination and Life: An Artist’s Journey to Express Them All” by Lance Jeschke will be unveiled at The Goss Opera House’s Art Alley with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. An “artist talk” with Jeschke is set for 5:30 p.m. The recently designed gallery at The Goss will feature rotating artwork by local and regional artists. All are welcome. There is no cost to attend.
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Nicholas Waite
Arts Night at the Pub on Thursday, Aug. 13, will feature Nicholas Waite, a nature photographer from Watertown whose focus often includes small-in-frame subjects and man-made structures that share spaces. Waite will share images, talk about how he is inspired and answer questions. Arts Night, held on the second Thursday of each month at Dempsey’s ATY at the Watertown Regional Airport, begins at 5:30, with an art talk at 6:30 p.m. The event will also be live-streamed on the Northern Prairie Arts Facebook page.
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“History of Stained Glass” will be the featured program on Aug. 3 and Aug. 5 for elementary-age kids at the Codington County Heritage Museum in Downtown Watertown. Participants will study the history of stained glass and take home a stained glass project they have created. Students can choose either Monday or Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required.
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“Flower Power” is part of the Watertown Artwalk. Photo by Twila Schmitt for The Watertown Current.
Remember, you can stroll through the Watertown Artwalk in Downtown Watertown any time – and the morning and evening hours are still quite lovely during these summer temperatures! Each sculpture location contains a QR code which (when scanned) will bring a message directly from the artist to your phone. As you explore, the artists will tell you about the inspiration behind the sculptures you are viewing.
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“Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you are absolutely right.” – Henry Ford
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 twilaschmitt@gmail.com.
