THOMASTON — After more than six months of closure for renovations, Watts Hall Community Arts is set to reopen its doors this April with a full lineup of music, dancing, and community celebrations. Located at 174 Main Street in Thomaston, Watts Hall will welcome the public back with a mix of ticketed performances and free events throughout the month.

Watts Hall has been closed to the public since October 2025 to complete a series of major building improvements. Recent upgrades include the installation of a new HVAC system, critical safety enhancements, an expanded catering kitchen, additional restroom facilities, and aesthetic improvements throughout the space. According to Community Arts, in a news release, additional work is planned, including the refinishing of floors scheduled for July 2026.

Funding for these improvements was made possible through support from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures program, the Northern Border Regional Commission’s CATALYST program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds from the Town of Thomaston, the Davis Foundation, and generous private donations.

“We are thrilled to reopen Watts Hall and invite the community back into this space,” said Kendray Rodriguez, managing director of Watts Hall Community Arts. “This building has been part of Thomaston’s story for generations, and we are excited to see it filled with energy again.”

Watts Hall Community Arts provides the following schedule and descriptions for its featured events:

The reopening lineup begins Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m., with the return of the Watts Hall Band Dance Party. Known for their high-energy performances, the 12-piece band features a full horn section, strong vocals, and a crowd-pleasing mix of rock, blues, and R&B favorites that keep the dance floor moving.

On Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m., the Watts Hall Community Players will present A Few of Our Favorite Things, a free event featuring three short plays followed by Broadway karaoke. The evening includes performances of the one-act plays Sure Thing, Words Words Words, and Check Please, and concludes with an open invitation for audience members to take the stage and sing their favorite show tunes. Donations to the Watts Hall Community Players will be accepted.

Latin Dance Night with Primo Cubano follows on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. The group brings the vibrant sounds of traditional Cuban Son music to the Hall, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and welcoming. Audiences can expect an evening of rhythm, movement, and connection as Primo Cubano shares the rich musical traditions that have influenced generations of Latin music.

The reopening series continues on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m., with Paul Benjamin presents: Blues Night featuring Johnny Rawls. Touring from Mississippi, Rawls is a celebrated figure in soul blues with a career spanning more than 50 years. His performances are known for their smooth, powerful sound and deep emotional resonance, offering audiences a chance to experience a true blues legend in an intimate setting.

Free pop-up programs:

In addition to the featured events, Watts Hall Community Arts will host a series of free pop-up programs throughout April to welcome the community back and thank them for their support during the closure. Details about these events will be announced on the Watts Hall Community Arts website at https://wattshallthomaston.com and shared on social media as they become available.

For more information about upcoming events, visit https://wattshallthomaston.com.

Watts Hall Community Arts is committed to ensuring that Watts Hall continues the proud tradition of enriching community life in Thomaston and Midcoast Maine. Our mission is to ensure that this historic building continues to serve as a center for community engagement while promoting the Hall as a premier arts and entertainment venue that contributes to the heart and soul of a vibrant Main Street.