Waltham residents won’t need to travel far to get spooked this weekend. Gore Place will host a guided tour of the mansion featuring ghost stories today, Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. Actors dressed in period costumes will guide participants through the historic home of former Massachusetts Gov. Christopher Gore. There are admission fees — 415 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6-12. Tours start at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.. Call 781-894-2798 for advance tickets. “It's not scary. We had children as young as 10 and they enjoyed it,” said Gore Place spokesman Thom Roach. “There is nothing particiular …

Enjoy the Waltham Farmer's Market and a performance by Hot Tamale Brass Band at 11 a.m. Take in the smooth sounds of jazz as you pickup your groceries for the week. Cost: Concert is free, food is not. Don’t feel like watching music? Then explore a women’s shoemaking class at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Studio Crossings at 14 Spring St. Learn how to make your own shoes of various types. Prior shoemaking experience not required and materials will be provided to participants. Cost: $250

"Collected Stories," by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies, will be playing at the Arsenal Center in Watertown throughout October. The show is directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary and features actors Liz Hayes and Bobbie Steinbach. The play deals with whether a person has the right to tell the story of someone else's life. Steinbach plays Ruth Steiner, a published short-story writer who lives and teaches in New York City. She meets up with Lisa, a creative writing graduate portrayed by Hayes who starts to make a life for herself under Ruth's tutelage.  "It's a relationship …

Little Women, the Musical Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Why Go: This Broadway musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel comes to life in this production by the Wellesley Players. The show features music direction by Shawn Gelzleichter and choreography by Kelly Murphy. Pricing: $25 - general admission / $22 - students, youth, seniors Improv Comedy Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 8 p.m. Why Go: Bring your sense of humor and be prepared to participate in…

Blue Skies Jazz Trio Performs at Waltham Farmers’ Market Where/When: Moody St. & Main St., Waltham, Saturday, 11 a.m. Why Go: Enjoy a free concert by Blue Skies featuring Waltham resident Krista Carmichael. And while you’re there, stroll through the market and support local farmers and artisans. There are only a few weeks left in the season. Pricing: Free Watertown Open Studios Where/When: Turtle Studios, 268 Arlington St., Watertown, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Why Go: Over 50 local artists will be displaying their work in the second annual Watertown Open Studios. Visit Turtle …

Waltham Farm Day Where/When: Waltham Fields Community Farm, 240 Beaver St., Waltham, Saturday, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Why Go:  Enjoy an afternoon of family friendly activities and celebrate the fall harvesting season. Listen to authentic bluegrass and country music, learn to make cider and participate in a variety of games, art projects, and gardening activities. Pricing: Free Faire on the Square Where/When: Saltonstall Park, 149 Main St., Watertown, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Why Go:  Bring your family and friends to Watertown’s annual Faire on the Square and enjoy children’s rides, music, crafts, …

New Repertory Theatre: "Rent" Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; matinees on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Why Go: Enjoy one of this weekend's performances of "Rent," the hit rock opera by Jonathan Larson. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a group of struggling bohemian artists living in New York City’s Lower East Side.   Pricing: $28-$63 Hovey Players Present "The Tempest"  Where/When: Abbott Memorial Theater, 9 Spring St., Waltham, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Why Go: The production…

Armenian Street Fair & Festival Where/When: Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Friday, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Why Go: Experience Armenian culture and cuisine at this weekend-long festival. The event will showcase the historical, cultural and artistic treasures of Armenia and the Armenian-American community. Enjoy live music by internationally renowned Armenian musicians, gourmet foods by local vendors, and fun children’s activities. Pricing: Free admission; tickets required for entertainment performances. Click …

Improv Comedy Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 8 p.m. Why Go: Children and adults can laugh along with the comedy troupe Improv Jones Boston. Bring your sense of humor and be prepared to participate in the show. Pricing: $10 Jason Russell House and the Smith Museum Tours Where/When: Massachusetts Ave. & Jason St., Arlington, Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Why Go: Explore some local history by taking a guided tour of the Jason Russell House, the site of the bloodiest fighting on the first day of the Revolutionary War.  Afterwards, visit the …

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions Where/When: Lyman Estate Greenhouses, 185 Lyman St., Waltham, Friday, 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Why Go: Come see some of the most beautiful horses in the world perform dramatic maneuvers showcasing their grace and strength. The Hermann family, breeders and trainers of the famed Lipizzan horse, present this truly unique family-oriented arena attraction. Pricing: $15 adults/$12 children, $12 adults/$10 children (in advance), children under 5 - free. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321…

Open Mic Night Where/When: More Than Words, 376 Moody St., Waltham, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Why Go: Attention poets, musicians, comedians … here’s your chance to perform. Sign up at 7:30 p.m. and show off your talents. Or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the performers. The show features Masterpiece and Joker from Yung Mass Records. Pricing: Free The 4th Annual Beantown Tapfest Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 8 p.m. Why Go: A mix of choreographed groups and solo acts will perform in this year’s Beantown Tapfest’s tap extravaganza.  Pricing: $30 Annual Doo…

The Sound of Music Where/When: Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Why Go: Enjoy a star-studded performance of one of the most beloved musicals of all time. The show features stage and screen actor Patrick Cassidy and Broadway actress Sarah Pfisterer. Pricing: $35-$57 Improvisational Comedy Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 8 p.m. Why Go: Children and adults can laugh along with Improv Jones, Jr., a comedy troupe made up of teens. Bring your sense of humor and be prepared to participate in …

Circus Smirkus 2011 Big Top Tour Where/When: Gore Place Society, 52 Gore St., Waltham, Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. Why Go: Kids of all ages will love this international traveling youth circus. Come see kids perform on the highwire and trapeze, and as clowns, jugglers and acrobats. This 2-hour show runs throughout the weekend. Pricing: $25 for adults, $19 for children, free for kids under 2 New Repertory Theatre: "The World Goes 'Round" Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Saturday, 3:30 p.m., and …

80’s Night at The Skellig Where/When: The Skellig Irish Music Pub & Restaurant, 240 Moody St., Waltham, Friday, 9:30 p.m. Why Go: This night is hosted by the band Scattershot, which will perform hits from the 1980s. There will also be a Ladies of the ’80s sing with the band contest, so come prepared to perform if you dare. Pricing: Dinner and drinks New Repertory Theatre: "The World Goes ‘Round" Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Saturday, 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, 4 p.m. Why Go: Classic musical theater featuring the works of composer…

New Repertory Theatre: "The World Goes 'Round" Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 4 p.m. Why Go: Enjoy a musical theater performance featuring the works of composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Classic tunes such as "New York, New York," "Cabaret," and "Maybe This Time" are interwoven into an up-tempo evening of song and dance. Pricing: $28-$58 Breakfast on the Farm Where/When: Waltham Fields Community Farm, 240 Beaver St., Waltham, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Why Go: Stop by for a buffet-style breakfast made with …

The Resurrectionists Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Why Go: Catch the driving rhythms and showmanship of this 4-piece rock band. The Resurrectionists have performed for countless audiences throughout the Boston area, and the concert promises to be a lively and entertaining show.   Pricing: $12 adults / $8 students and members New England Aquarium’s Traveling Tidepool Exhibit Where/When: Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St., Watertown, Saturday, 1- 4 p.m. Why Go: Bring the kids to the mall to learn about the coastal animals of New England and …

July 4th Family Events Where/When: Prospect Hill Park, 314 Totten Pond Rd., Waltham, Monday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Why Go: This family event includes children’s rides, pony rides, animal shows, music, food and more.  Pricing: Free July 4th Fireworks   Where/When: Baseball Unlimited, 55 Athletic Field Rd. Waltham, Monday, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Why Go: Music and fireworks top off a fun weekend of celebrations. Come to Leary Field in Waltham for a concert at 5:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  Plus, there are plenty of other towns nearby holding festivities on the 4th. Check out the July 4th …

The Auerbach Dynasty Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. Why Go: On the heels of the Bruins victory, why not celebrate the Celtics winning tradition? This one-man play, “The Auerbach Dynasty,” follows Arnold “Red” Auerbach, the cigar-chomping coach from his college player days to his triumphs as the brains behind the Boston Celtics. Pricing: $35 Folk Singer Terry Kitchen Performs at Waltham Farmers’ Market Where/When: Main St. and Moody St., Waltham, Saturday, 11 a.m. Why Go: Come hear award-winning …

Damn Yankees Where/When: Watertown Children’s Theatre, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Why Go: Bring the whole family to the WCT’s spring musical. Erica Berman directs a cast of fifth to ninth graders who star in this well-known Broadway show about a fan who makes a pact with the Devil to help his baseball team win the pennant.   Pricing: $12 Mahsa Vahdat and Mighty Sam McClain in Concert Where/When: Iranian Association of Boston, 17 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Friday, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Why Go: Persian singer Mahsa Vahdat and American …

3rd Annual Waltham Riverfest Where/When: Sovereign Bank, 1 Moody St., Waltham, Friday, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Why Go: Rent a canoe or kayak, listen to live bands, and enjoy a variety of art shows and performers.  In Embassy Park, the Diamond Family Circus will give a special aerial arts and acrobat performance. For events, locations, and times, visit the Waltham Riverfest Web site. Pricing: Free, although kayak rentals and other services have fees. ArsenalArts Presents The Duppy Conquerors Where/When: Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, Friday, 7:30 …