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‘Slice of the City’ events are early evening, drop-in style meetups at green spaces in each of Somerville’s wards. The mayor, City Council, and city staff will be present to mingle with residents. Join us to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the city outside of formal meetings, and, of course, enjoy some pizza.

PorchFest got me doing things I never expected, including performing The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” this year with the LBK crew at Whitfield. Huge thanks to Emily and Brian for hosting us, and appreciation to the whole band crew for the energy, patience, and good vibes. PorchFest is one of the best reminders of what makes Somerville special, neighbors, music, chaos, community, and a little courage to get on stage.

— Will Mbah, Somerville City Councilor At Large

Celebrate Somerville’s community and honor Haitian Flag Day by joining a Haitian Flag raising ceremony on May 18. Hosted by the City of Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), in partnership with the Haitian Service Providers Coalition (HSPC), all are invited to attend. The event celebrates Somerville’s Haitian community and honors the history and enduring spirit of Haiti. Attendees will hear from Mayor Jake Wilson and SOIA and HSPC staff.

This year’s PorchFest takes place on Saturday, May 9, throughout the city.

Hear great tunes right in your neighborhood. Community members are invited to Somerville’s PorchFest on Saturday, May 9, an annual event that transforms porches and stoops across the city into mini-stages for a day of free, live musical performances. Hundreds of bands at more than 500 locations will be performing music ranging from indie, punk, and hip hop to Latin, jazz, country, and world music. Travel across the city or stay in your area to connect with neighbors (it is the Year of the Neighbor in Somerville after all).

22nd Annual Union Square Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 9 and runs Saturdays through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. — Photo by Lizzie McCarty

Since 2005, shoppers from all over Greater Boston have found a new flavor in Union Square with culturally-relevant eats and treats, by chatting with community groups, and filling their reusable bags with high-quality, fresh fruits and vegetables at the Union Square Farmers Market. This annual neighborhood tradition continues to serve as an important catalyst for vibrancy, economic opportunity, and community connection in the densest city in New England.

The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities invites you to Red Sox Disability Pride Game Night on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves at 7:10 p.m.

The Burren pub has been offering the best in food, drink, and entertainment since 1996. — Photos by Sydney Johnson

By Sydney Johnson

On Elm Street in Somerville, Massachusetts, the pull of a lively crowd and the bright scrape of a fiddle tuning up drift onto the sidewalk, beckoning people inside. Just beyond the door, The Burren hums with animated conversations and music. It’s warm, low-lit rooms, echoing with a variety of genres, including Jazz, Blues, and Traditional Irish music. The pub, founded by Irish musicians Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello, has welcomed patrons for three decades, building a community around shared tables and shared tunes.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By David Dahlbacka

An important part of public participation in policy-making is giving oral testimony at public hearings. For your testimony to be effective, your audience must remember what you say, and what they remember is determined in large part by how you structure your testimony.