Ignite Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Food & Fire!

On Saturday, September 27 (rain date: Sept 28), Union Square transforms into a dazzling hub of food, fire, and global culture for the 13th annual<a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/ignite-festival-2/"> Ignite Festival</a>. This year we’re reimagining the festival with even more ways to take part—enjoy free micro-cooking classes with chefs representing Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, Laos, and Haiti, taste your way through a mouthwatering lineup of food vendors (from Ghanaian cuisine to Filipino, Colombian, and more), map your own food stories on our Global Food Map, and cheer on the legendary curry eating contest. Union Square will be alive all afternoon and evening with a vibrant mix of performances—Brazilian bull dance, the flowing energy of Peruvian Amazonian dance paired with the powerful beats of Afro-Peruvian rhythm, alongside Haitian folklore and Mexican folk dance, filling the plaza with color and spirit. As the sun sets, the Boston Circus Guild ignites the square with a breathtaking fire show—blending skill, drama, and pure spectacle. Add in roving performers, interactive art, our favorite 10-foot-tall birds Flaminko and Muchos Colores, and global beats from DJ Philip Tan—and you’ve got one unforgettable evening. Also expect a bevy of interactive activities such as “create your flag”, tarot card reading with Madame Anderson, Arabic calligraphy, face painting and more. Limited parking; we encourage using public transportation. The event is free but we encourage festival goers to support festival food vendors and all local businesses.

Union Square Plaza and Lot

Somerville ArtBeat 2025 Festival

Somerville ArtBeat 2025 Festival Get ready for ArtBeat 2025one of the largest festivals of the season! In addition to approximately 100 craft and food vendors community organizations and general talent artists on the street we'll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater. This year's ArtBeat theme is “Freeze.” About 2025 Theme: FREEZE At this year‘s festival we will explore the word “freeze” in the many ways this word can be interpreted. Literally “freeze” applies to the temperature — and we love the idea of convincing ourselves it is frigid on what is usually the hottest day of the year! Think igloos snowflakes sleet and parkas. Yet beyond icy cold weather freeze also connotes freezing time freezing motion and a freeze frame. Also in this rushed world what happens when we freeze pause and slow down? What happens when we get glacial? We look forward to your creative interpretations of this chilled out theme! About the ArtBeat Festival ArtBeat is Somerville’s annual multi-media street party! The festival showcases the City’s diverse and vibrant arts communities and attracts thousands of visitors to Davis Square. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne ArtBeat is now in its 39th year and features an eclectic mix of music dance theater food performance and interactive activities. We choose a new theme each year to keep things fresh! Website ArtBeat 2025 link: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/artbeat-freeze/">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/artbeat-freeze/</a> To ArtBeat 2025 facebook event link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/16B9dtfyP6/">https://www.facebook.com/share/16B9dtfyP6/</a>

Davis Square

Ignite: A Global Street Food, Fire & Light Festival

Ignite: A Global Street Food, Fire &amp; Light Festival 📅 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 (Rain date: 9/29) ⏰ 6-10 pm 📍 Union Square Plaza and Lot, Somerville ABOUT THE EVENT: This year’s Ignite Festival promises to be more tasty, fiery and international than ever. Numerous Union Square restaurants will be out on the street vending, along with many Nibble program chefs. The Ignite Festival’s International Food Court will feature cuisines from across the globe including Peruvian eats from Machu Picchu, Masala Square’s “fire samosas,” smoky chuzos de pollo from Elena’s Colombian Bakeshop, traditional Japanese cold udon &amp; crispy tempura from Nagomi Bento -- and so much more! There will also be food demos starting at 6:15pm, followed by an incendiary curry eating contest hosted by Masala Square. This is your opportunity to tempt fate - or watch the brave contestants who participate in the crazy hot contest. We also encourage you to stop by the Nibble table to share your global food stories! And of course, there will be entertainment galore in the form of fire throwers, roving entertainment, and performers representing cultures from near and far. To kick things off at 6pm Samba Viva will fire things up with dance and samba. Also on deck is a Chinese dragon performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu &amp; Tai Chi Academy, and Cofradia Cultural, a lavishly costumed Dominican dance troupe. And as always the Boston Circus Guild will round out the evening with their spectacular performance of fire throwing and twirling. There will al-so be light and art installations, roving dancers and circus artists, and a roving 10-foot-tall cat named Lima Bean. LOGISTICAL INFORMATION: Limited parking; we encourage people to take public transportation. Event is free but we encourage festival goers to support festival food vendors and all local businesses.&nbsp; For more information, please visit here: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artsunion/2024/ignite" target="_blank">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artsunion/2024/ignite</a>

Exchanging Notes Final Performance 2024

Exchanging Notes Final Performance 2024 Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 First show: 6:30pm Second show: 8:00pm SomArts Space at the Hive, 561 Windsor Street, 4th floor, Somerville About the Exchanging Notes Project Once again, the Somerville Arts Council and the Georgian Studies at Harvard University’s Davis Center join forces to catalyze a vibrant cross-cultural collaboration among four talented artists—two from Somerville and two from the country of Georgia. The genres this year are dance/choreography and percussion/drumming. After a rigorous selection process, the Exchanging Notes jury selected four artists to participate in the program: dancers/choreographers Claire Lane, Lasha Mdzinarashvili, and percussionists/drummers Georgi Oniani, and Marcus Santos. About the Exchanging Notes Final Performance: an Evening of Dance and Drums Our cross-cultural quartet of artists will present the work they have been collaborating on over the summer – working both in person and remotely. The dance segment of the evening will showcase not only traditional Georgian dance but also the fusion of Claire’s contemporary style with Lasha’s style, which is deeply steeped in historical Georgian tradition. Marcus and Giorgi will also present their musical fusion by showcasing how drumming as a language melts cultural divide, with Marcus also infusing the work with the rhythms of his native Brazil. Also expect to see an explosive performance with all four artists, fusing genres and cultures. Marcus, who teaches at Somerville High School, will also invite Somerville youth drummers to be part of this one-of-a-kind cultural performance. For more information and RSVP, visit here: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/exchangingnotes/2024?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR24KNEsGtLBCL8XmtM_-qFHullYhNJyi5D-7N7JcvJ_gn4GTPxSPkIdanI_aem_VWY33dUqfmrd4IinXajn0g" target="_blank">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/exchangingnotes/2024</a>

SomArts Space at the Hive

Somerville ArtBeat 2024 Festival

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟏𝟒, 𝟏𝟏𝐀𝐌-𝟏𝟎𝐏𝐌 HOWEVER: The ArtBeat dance showcase IS taking place on SAT., JULY 13, 12PM-4PM, inside the Somerville Theatre. Get ready for ArtBeat 2024, one of the largest festivals of the season! In addition to approximately 100 craft and food vendors, community organizations and general talent artists on the street we'll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater. This year's ArtBeat theme is “Wild.” About 2024 Theme: WILD At this year’s festival we will explore all that is wild and the myriad ways this word can be interpreted. Wild can convey that which is uninhabited untamed and convey images like lushness, luxuriance and nature in its pure unkempt form. Wild can also convey that which is feral, fierce and unconventional. How will Somerville and all its artists and community members interpret this theme? We anticipate a wild ride. Whatever the art form or mode of expression we seek performances and activities that are "out there" weird and exuberant. Let's generate artistic expression by leaving polite society behind and wander into the wild. About the ArtBeat Festival ArtBeat is Somerville’s annual multi-media street party! The festival showcases the City’s diverse and vibrant arts communities and attracts ten thousand visitors to Davis Square. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. ArtBeat is now in its 38th year and features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and interactive activities. ArtBeat 2024 facebook event link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/sMt7ccJ55hCmFagR/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/share/sMt7ccJ55hCmFagR/</a> Website ArtBeat 2024 link: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2024" target="_blank">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2024</a>

SomerStreets: Strike Up the Bands

‘Strike up the Bands’ at SomerStreets on Highland Ave.,&nbsp;Sunday, September 17th Celebrate Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, and more! There will be 2 stages of music featuring music from local bands, line-up will be posted soon. This festival also includes craft vendors, community tabling groups, and many interactive activities for kids and adults! Don't miss out on the fun. Activities along Highland Ave. will include:<ul><li>Live music on two stages</li><li>Vintage and artisan market by local craft vendors</li><li>Aerial performances by Esh Circus Arts</li><li>Activities and games such as hula hooping, bounce house, and more!&nbsp;</li><li>Explore a fire truck and ambulance</li><li>Community vendors &amp; local businesses</li><li>And more!</li></ul>SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally-renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity. Through SomerStreets, the City and its community partners aim to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity and reconnect with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment. SomerStreets builds on the Shape Up Somerville healthy living initiative. Similar open street events take place all around the world, providing space normally taken up by automobile traffic for people to be more active. SomerStreets is an annual series that takes place on Sundays during the summer and fall.&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information, visit <a href="http://www.somervillema.gov/" target="_blank">www.somervillema.gov</a> or <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets" target="_blank">www.somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets</a>.&nbsp; With questions about the festival or press queries, please contact Events Coordinator, Iaritza Menjivar at <a href="mailto:imenjivar@somervillema.gov" target="_blank">imenjivar@somervillema.gov</a> or 617-625-6600 ext. 2998.&nbsp;

Somerville

SomerStreets: Monster Mash 

“Monster Mash” at SomerStreets on Somerville Ave. Sunday, October 30 Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, and more! SOMERVILLE – Join us at the last SomerStreets festival of the year, the spooky and fun “Monster Mash” on Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date Nov 6) on Somerville Ave. between School St. and Warren Ave. SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles. Through SomerStreets, the City and its community partners aim to promote and encourage reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment.  Activities along Somerville Ave. will include  <ul><li>All day live music on two stages: Stage at 389 Somerville Ave in collaboration with Mass Ave Music and a stage at 12 Warren Ave featuring an array of local bands</li><li>Wear your costumes and meet us at 3pm at the intersection of Warren Ave and Somerville Ave to join the Halloween parade led by the School of Honk.</li><li>Dia de los Muertos Celebration Activity with Estela Calzada</li><li>Handstands, juggling, acrobatics and comedy for all ages with Cate the Great</li><li>The Roaming Railroad</li><li>Magic tricks with magician, Just Felice</li><li>Vintage vendors with Blue Bandana Relics</li><li>Parkour, Knucklebones, Buzz Roar bringing the mini golf, and Event Them with even more games</li><li>Pumpkin carving with Somerville Recreation</li><li>Join the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission and the Somerville Museum for the “Ghosts of Milk Row Cemetery” tours at the historic Milk Row Cemetery at 400 Somerville Ave. </li></ul> To ensure public safety at this SomerStreets event, the following road closures and parking bans will be in effect.  <ul><li>Somerville Ave. from School St to Warren Ave.: Closed to all vehicular traffic 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.; no parking 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. </li><li>Quincy St. and Church St. will become two way streets between Summer St. and Somerville Ave. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. to allow access for abutters. Bow St. will also be two way for abutters. </li><li>MBTA buses will be rerouted from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For locations of rerouted bus stops, visit MBTA.com.</li></ul> For more information, visit <a href="http://www.somervillema.gov/">www.somervillema.gov</a>, or <a href="http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/">www.somervilleartscouncil.org</a>. With questions about the festival or press inquiries, please contact Events Coordinator, Iaritza Menjivar at 617-625-6600 ext. 2985.  <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/monster">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/monster</a>

Somervilel Avenue

Ignite Festival

Ignite: A Global Street Food, Fire &amp; Light Festival Saturday, October 1st from 6-10pm  To celebrate Union Square’s sizzling food landscape we bring you: the IGNITE Festival! Expect an evening of international eats, fire throwers, roving entertainment, and a raucous celebration of global culture.  In addition to many local food vendors, there will be interactive light installations, numerous illuminated performers and to top it all off, FIRE! Local eateries throughout the Square will be featuring Ignite themed specials.  Fire Square Performance Line Up (in Union Square Plaza parking lot) JenLin Dance  - Korean Drum Dance Performance Flamenco Boston - Flamenco Dance Performance KS Dance Studio - Haitian Dance Performance NewYakCity 95 - Hip-Hop Dance Performance Boston Circus Guild - Fire Show Performance  A Trike Called Funk - DJ Dance Party  Throughout the festival (in Union Square Plaza, throughout the evening)  Ongoing over the course of the evening, there will be dazzling light installations and projections by local artists: Caitlin Canty, Greg Kowalski, Pamela Hersch, Shanna,  Maria Servellon, Maura Mendoza,  Circe Rowan, and Olivia Moon. Enjoy roaming performances by the Somerville Fairy Troop and hula-hoop artists. In addition, there will be illuminated balloon art, glow-in-the-dark face painting, street activities, and more! Festival lighting design by Todd Sargent. Food Vendors Include: Union Square Pizza El Mineirao Siam Ginger Masala Square Machu Picchu Arts Council’s Nibble Culinary NEP Entrepreneurs.  Check out the Union Square restaurants for potential Ignite-themed specials in honor of the event.  Follow festival updates here:  <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artsunion/2022/ignite">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artsunion/2022/ignite</a> Facebook Ignite Event Link:  <a href="https://fb.me/e/2Kk7wy12Y">https://fb.me/e/2Kk7wy12Y</a> Instagram  @somervilleartscouncil Poster Image Credit: Jef Czekaj

Union Square

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

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Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

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Experiences