Porchfest

Somerville PorchFest is a community-powered music event where neighbors host musicians on porches across the city. Each year, thousands of residents and visitors walk, bike, and explore performances throughout the city.  This year PorchFest will be on Saturday May 9th following the time zones:  West Zone (West of Willow Ave): 12 – 2 pm  Central Zone (Willow Ave to Central St): 2 – 4 pm   East Zone (East of Central St): 4 – 6 pm  Severe weather and other emergencies can happen. PorchFest attendees can sign up for day-of emergency text alerts for this year's event: text SOMPORCHES26 to 888777.   For up-to-date information and map, please visit the PorchFest Page.

City of Somerville

SomerStreets: Carnaval

Carnaval highlights the heart of the East Somerville Business District, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, and visitors through live music, food, and family-friendly activities inspired by cultures from around the world.  SomerStreets: Carnaval is co-produced by East Somerville Main Streets and the Somerville Arts Council. The festival will take place on Sunday, June 7, from 2–6 p.m. (Severe weather date: Sunday, June 14) and will once again transform Broadway into a vibrant, walkable celebration of community and culture.  The festival will stretch along Broadway, from McGrath Highway to Pennsylvania Avenue, creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.  To ensure public safety at the event, several road closures and parking bans will be in effect on Broadway between McGrath Highway and Pennsylvania Avenue: For more information about road closures contact 311 (617-666-3311).

Broadway from McGrath Hwy to Pennsylvania Ave

Big Gay Dance Party

Come celebrate Pride Month with an unforgettable dance party in Union Square! This free, all-ages event is a joyful celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike. This event is collaboratively produced by the Somerville Arts Council and the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department, working together to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.  This year we’re turning up the party with an extra hour of dancing! Join us on Saturday, June 27 (rain date: June 28) from 4:30 to 8:30 PM for even more time to move and celebrate and show up in all your joy.   And when the plaza dance floor closes… the celebration continues! We’re excited to lead straight into the official Big Gay Dance Party After Party.  More details on the event coming soon.

Union Square

Fireworks Celebration

Join Mayor Jake Wilson and the Somerville Arts Council for our annual Fireworks Celebration with live entertainment at Trum Field on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:00 PM.  Severe Weather Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (same schedule). Road closures and MBTA reroutes may impact travel whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or taking public transit. Check transportation and commuting updates on our website.

Trum Field

4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Arts Council for our Fireworks Celebration with live entertainment at Trum Field, scheduled for Wednesday, June 25th (Severe Weather Date on Friday, June 27th, same times.) What’s New This Year: In collaboration with the Somerville Museum and the Department of Racial and Social Justice, the evening will begin with a public reading of Frederick Douglass’s historic speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” from 5:30–6:30 PM at the corner of Cedar and Broadway. Want to take part? You can sign up as a reader on-site or register in advance below. Food vendors include:<ul><li>Italian Wizard</li><li>Fried dough and lemonade</li><li><a href="https://www.dosmanos.online/">Dos Manos Kitchen</a></li><li><a href="https://premiereonbroadway.com/">Premiere on Broadway</a></li><li><a href="https://publicsomerville.com/">Public Tavern</a></li></ul>Entertainment Schedule:<ul><li>6:30 PM – DJ Desy spinning tunes</li><li>7:45 PM – Live music by Search Party</li><li>9:00 PM – Get ready for the Fireworks Countdown!</li></ul>To ensure public safety and pedestrian access to events, traffic and parking restrictions will be in place as follows: Parking Restrictions No Parking:<ul><li>8 AM to Midnight – Broadway East Bound from Charles E. Ryan Road to Cedar St</li><li>8 AM to Midnight – Cedar St (both sides) from Broadway to Murdock St.</li><li>8 AM to Midnight – Charles E. Ryan Road (both sides) from Broadway to the end of the street.</li><li>3 PM to Midnight – Franey Road both sides from Cedar St to Charles E. Ryan Road</li><li>3 PM to Midnight – Cedar St both sides from Murdock St. to Morrison Ave</li><li>4 PM to Midnight – Broadway both sides from Boston Ave to Medford St</li></ul>Road Closures<ul><li>3:00 PM to Midnight – Franey Road is closed to vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic. Authorized personnel only.</li><li>4 PM to 6 PM – Charles E. Ryan Road is closed to all except residents from Broadway to the end of the street.</li><li>4:30 PM to 6PM – Cedar St from Morrison Ave to Broadway, is closed to all except residents.</li><li>5 PM to Midnight – Broadway closed to all vehicular traffic from Boston Ave to Medford St</li><li>5 PM to Midnight – Hinckley St from Fiske Ave to Broadway</li><li>6PM to Midnight – Cedar Street Morrison to Broadways closed to ALL vehicular traffic (no resident traffic either).</li><li>6PM to Midnight – Charles E Ryan Road from Broadway to end of St. closed to ALL vehicular traffic (no resident traffic either).</li></ul>Medford bordering Somerville:<ul><li>5 PM to Midnight – Williams Street at Winter Hill Road no access to Broadway</li><li>5 PM to Midnight – Williams Street at Albion St. no access to Winter Hill Road</li></ul>MBTA Buses 80 &amp; 89 rerouted from 5 p.m. to midnight. See <a href="http://www.mbta.com%20for/">www.mbta.com for</a> full detour information. Due to the large crowds and loud noise associated with the Fireworks Celebration, the City recommends that attendees leave pets at home and not bring unnecessary bags or backpacks. All bags and backpacks are subject to inspection. For more information, please call 311 (or 617-666-3311), or visit <a href="http://www.somervillema.gov/">www.somerville.gov</a>

Join us for Somerville’s Big Gay Dance Party – An Outdoor Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride! Come celebrate Pride Month with an unforgettable dance party in Union Square Plaza! This free, all-ages event is a joyful celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike. This year’s theme: Halloween in June! Get creative and bring your most fabulous, spooky, or outrageous costume—because who says you can’t celebrate Halloween in June? Whether you come dressed as a glamorous ghoul, a glittering ghost, or your fabulous self, we can’t wait to see your look on the dance floor! Sounds by DJ Live: Keeping the energy high with a killer dance set. Drag performances by Amanda Playwith and Lily: Serving up fierce, fabulous, and unforgettable performances. Professional photographs with Megan Senturk LGBTQ+ organizations will be tabling! Connect with local groups doing meaningful work in the community. Pride is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. This event is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors, while also sharing joy, self-expression, and community connection. Weather date: June 22nd. Free and open to all! Let’s make this a night of dancing, connection, and celebration in the spirit of Pride!

Union Square Plaza

The Haitian Flag Festival

The Haitian Flag Festival on May 17th, weather date May 18 is a vibrant celebration of Haitian culture and heritage, marking the creation of the Haitian flag. The event brings together the community to celebrate Haiti’s rich history, pride, and unity through music, food, art, and cultural performances. A highlight of the festival is the opportunity to enjoy traditional Haitian dishes, adding a delicious and authentic taste of Haitian culture to the celebration. This special day honors the significance of the Haitian flag, which symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the spirit of independence. The festival is an opportunity for everyone to learn about and appreciate Haitian traditions, while also creating connections within the community. This event is a collaboration between The Haitian Service Providers Coalition (HSPC) and SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA). Weather Date: May 18

Somerville City Hall

Somerville PorchFest

PorchFest is not your average music fest— it is a decentralized celebration where musicians turn porches, driveways, and yards into performance spaces across Somerville. Stroll, bike, or dance your way through the city! NEW this year: - Restricted streets: No performances or crowding allowed on designated roads emergency vehicles need access! - More Porta-Potties will be placed around the city. - Volunteers with PorchFest T-shirts will be around to help and guide you. - More Police Presence will be in the city for safety. Use common sense and enjoy the day. -No open containers; this is prohibited. -Use trash bins. -Use Porta-potties; stay off residents' private property. Zone times: 12–2 PM: West (West of Willow Ave) 2–4 PM: Central (Central to Willow Ave) 4–6 PM: East (East of Central St) This event draws big crowds, so plan your day ahead, public transit is highly encouraged. Let’s keep PorchFest safe, smooth, and music-filled for all!&nbsp; Banner Photo Courtesy of The Shirts and Shoes

SomerStreets: Monster Mash

Save the date for SomerStreets: Monster Mash on Sunday, October 20th from 2:00-6:00pm (rain date 10/27) on Somerville Ave between School St to Warren Ave. A free and family friendly event! Make sure to dress up in your best Halloween costume and show it off at the Halloween Parade led by School of Honk. Join us on Somerville Ave for some exciting activities including an interactive puppet show, parkour, a crafts and vintage market, live music and more! We will have open call for volunteers coming up soon! Visit: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/monster">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/monster</a> If you have any questions, contact the Events Coordinator: Iaritza Menjivar, <a href="mailto:imenjivar@somervillema.gov">imenjivar@somervillema.gov</a>

Somerville Ave  (School St to Warren Ave)

Se Réfleter Dans by Colette Brésilla Closing Reception

Se Réfleter Dans celebrates the dynamic vision of Haitian-born painter, textile designer, and sculptor&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colettebresilla.com/" target="_blank">Colette Brésilla</a>&nbsp;who explores the cultural and creative contexts as a tool for social change. Curated from the artist’s private collection, the exhibition is organized thematically into a fifteen-piece series of work with a remarkable interpretation of mirrored images which, like their reflections, can be ambiguous and even contradictory; yet a glaring characterization of the complexities of human identity both personal and cultural.&nbsp;&nbsp; The female form and principle is prominently featured in the artist’s artwork; from a Haitian market women with pipes and Japanese geishas to thinkers, and mothers. The inspiration of these selections was drawn from the artist's interest in representations of complicated figures at ease with themselves who at the same time mirror particular identities.&nbsp; This exhibit ranges from small to big dimensions, and was created by the artist from 2012-2015, and offers a captivating glimpse into her&nbsp;evolution over the past 30 years. Brésilla exclusively works with palette knives, oil sticks, and wax paste and has a connection to the ancient technique of appliqué, an important art from Benin, West Africa, the ancestral homeland named by many Haitians.

The Armory

Rock and Roll Yard Sale

Save the date! The 2024 Somerville Rock + Roll Yard Sale is happening on Sunday, September 8, 12-5pm at Union Square Plaza with a rain date of Sunday, September 15. This is the 20th year! Come find yourself (or a loved one) a vintage treasure. This event features vendors selling an eclectic mix of vinyl records, vintage + DIY handmade goods. This is the perfect way to support independent small businesses!  Somerville Rock &amp; Roll Yard Sale is the Boston-Area "Sister - Event" to the the Providence Record Show and Rock &amp; Roll Yard Sale and is a Sale of Vinyl Records and DIY Handmade Goods produced by <a href="https://whatcheerprovidence.com/">what cheer records</a>.  If you have any questions, contact the Events Coordinator: Iaritza Menjivar, <a href="mailto:imenjivar@somervillema.gov">imenjivar@somervillema.gov</a>

Yart Sale

Save the date for Yart Sale 2024! Get ready for a vibrant, creative, and community-focused summer day: the Yart Sale! A city-wide yard sale, focused on ART. Saturday, August 10th, (Rain Date: August 11th) 12 PM to 6 PM Explore an entire city's worth of front yards, driveways, and porches transformed into mini art galleries and bustling markets. Here's what you can expect: paintings, photography, handmade objects, band merch, art supplies, art tools, collectible items, plants, art supplies, frames, vintage clothes, etc. Take home unique finds, each yard is a treasure of items you won't find anywhere else. This citywide event is fun for all ages, we highly encourage to bring your friends and family. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of art, community, and fun! Participation forms will be available by the end of June 2024. Please visit: <a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yartsale">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yartsale</a> Note: Each participating location may have different opening hours. Detailed information will be available on the participant's location entry. Any questions, contact: iaritza menjivar - <a href="mailto:imenjivar@somervillema.gov">imenjivar@somervillema.gov</a>

Somerville (city wide event)

SomerStreets: Strike Up the Bands 

Save the date for SomerStreets: Strike Up the Bands on Sunday, August 4th from 2:00-6:00pm, rain or shine! Meet us on Highland Ave between Central St to Lowell St for a bouncy house and exciting entertainment including Esh Circus, Parkour, craft vendors and more! Music Line Up: Armory Stage located at 191 Highland Ave will be curated by <a href="https://www.citixenjoy.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2wU5pZyGRjXGvh6pvh5MqrkgZStwHjX5JrLH9XMkCuG1frW7RthAFd5fU_aem_ARWLlF5o4k-vLvbDXtYO1G7tSrbz9TqMMxPCmGJY1CBqoMBVXPvCov3IpMsLtPvot2QQHi-jAm3DnE1AxpHbZqcb">Citixen Joy</a>. Line up will soon be posted on our website Central St. stage located at 154 Highland Ave:  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fmcollectivemusic/">FM Collective</a> and more! Participate at SomerStreets: We are working on our open call for Craft vendors, Community tabling, businesses, and volunteers! Visit:<a href="https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/strikeup">https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/strikeup</a> If you have any questions, contact the Events Coordinator: iaritza menjivar, <a href="mailto:imenjivar@somervillema.gov">imenjivar@somervillema.gov</a>

Armory Stage

Big Gay Dance Party 2024

Sat, June 22, 5PM-8PM Join us Saturday, June 22nd, from 5 to 8pm at Union Square Plaza, Somerville. Come celebrate Pride month with an outdoor dance party. This year's theme is Dinosaurs! Bring your most Prehistoric looks and get ready to Rex the dancefloor! <ul><li>Sounds by DJ Live </li><li>Performances by Amanda Playwith and Lilly Rose Valore </li><li>LGBTQ+ organizations will be tabling. </li><li>This event is free and open to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies!</li></ul>For more information about LGBTQ+ programming, events, and information, please contact Izzy Starr at 617-625-6600 ext. 2404, <a href="mailto:istarr@somervillema.gov">istarr@somervillema.gov</a>

Somerville is invited to get their dancing shoes on as the 2024 SomerStreets: Carnaval returns Sunday, June 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date Sunday, June 9) to kick off the 2024 SomerStreets season, which will include a series of four neighborhood street festivals across Somerville.  SomerStreets: Carnaval celebrates the East Broadway Business District and community with food, music, and activities from around the world. Programming will extend along East Broadway from Kensington Avenue to Pennsylvania Ave.  The event will kick off at 2 p.m. with a parade starting at Garfield and Broadway. Attendees can shop more than 30 artisan vendors, view performances from Grooversity and Sinha Capoeira, enjoy food from 18 neighborhood restaurants and join an interactive dance class with Samba Viva! There will also be plenty of family friendly fun including Somerville’s Let's Get Truckin', Parkour, and other activities.  To ensure public safety at the event, several road closures and parking bans will be in effect on Broadway between McGrath Highway and Pennsylvania Avenue: For more information about road closures contact 311 (617-666-3311). SomerStreets: Carnaval is organized by East Somerville Main Streets in collaboration with the Somerville Arts Council.

East Somerville on Broadway

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 💬

Community recs 💬

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

This weekend for you

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 🚨

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

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

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

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.

somervilleartscouncil

Experiences

Porchfest

SomerStreets: Carnaval

Big Gay Dance Party

Fireworks Celebration

4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Big Gay Dance Party

The Haitian Flag Festival

Somerville PorchFest

SomerStreets: Monster Mash

Se Réfleter Dans by Colette Brésilla Closing Reception

Rock and Roll Yard Sale

Yart Sale

SomerStreets: Strike Up the Bands

Big Gay Dance Party 2024

SomerStreets: Carnaval