Somerville’s Veterans Breakfast for Purple Heart Recipients takes place on Thursday, July 23. The city’s Veterans Services Division is hosting a breakfast for local veterans and their families. Ahead of National Purple Heart Day on August 7, this breakfast will honor Purple Heart medal recipients. This event will take place at the Highlander Cafe at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.) at 9 a.m. Register to attend by emailing veterans@somervillema.gov.

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The public is invited to attend a virtual special meeting of the City Council and public hearing on body-worn cameras. The meeting and hearing, initiated by Mayor Jake Wilson, will take place virtually on Monday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. All community members are invited to provide public comment during the hearing portion. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ZKBxEsFSVmU_6EqGI2h3g#/registration. If you are unable to attend the hearing but wish to be heard, submit public comments by 12 p.m. on July 27 to the City Clerk at 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143 or by email to publiccomments@somervillema.gov.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to our good friend Jimmy Del Ponte. We wish him a special day. Happy birthday to former Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang, who is also celebrating this week. We hope he has a great birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Nancy McCarty, Susanne Sordillo, Cheryl Chaille Horan, Alice Galvin, Tommy McDaid, Frank Tello Jr, Carol Powers, Joan Campo McKenna, Stephanie Ann, Erika Uyterhoeven, Justin Klekota, Peter McIsaac, and Cynthia Finn, a very happy birthday. We hope everyone has a great day. To all the others we may have missed, we sincerely wish them the very best of birthdays.

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Train playground Pizza Parents present, Somerville Legislative Candidate Meet & Greet on Wednesday, July 29, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Hoyt-Sullivan Playground. Get to know the candidate running for State Representative and State Senator representing Somerville.

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Join the Somerville Public Library for its annual Comix Con, a fan-themed day with programs inspired by your favorite fandoms, local vendors, cosplaying, and more. This event will take place on Saturday, July 25, at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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The Red Line will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street, July 21 – 30. This work is part of the MBTA’s regular, planned renewal and revitalization work, which is ongoing and continuous. Riders can find complete information at MBTA.com/RedLine. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between these stations. Riders are also encouraged to utilize existing Bus Routes 69, 87, 88, 89, 91, and 109 from Davis Square, Harvard Square, and Central Square to connect with the Green Line’s Medford/Tufts and Union Square branches as an alternative way to travel to Park Street.

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Aeronaut Brewing Co., 14 Tyler St, is bringing live music to Somerville this summer with Patiopalooza, a free outdoor concert series featuring some of New England’s most exciting emerging and established bands. This Saturday, July 25, the popular Ballroom Thieves are playing for free in Somerville. Enjoy an afternoon of free live music, local food vendors, and craft beer on the patio at Aeronaut Brewing’s Somernova location. Music Schedule: 2 p.m. – Midnight Motion, 3:30 p.m. – Autumn Hollow, 5:00 p.m. – Ballroom Thieves. Admission: Free (registration encouraged). Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990980784121.

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Experience the fabric of our community at the Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave. Somerville Quipus, created by artist Leddy Saenz and on view at the Growing Center, is inspired by the ancient Andean quipu – a sophisticated system of knotted cords used throughout the Andes to record knowledge, tell stories, and preserve history. The colorful cords that make up the installation were handcrafted by Padres Latinos families, each representing shared experiences, memories, and cultural heritage. Together, they create a living artwork that honors migration, resilience, belonging, and the strength of community. Visit the Somerville Community Growing Center through August 31 to experience this evolving community installation and discover the stories woven by Padres Latinos families that continue to connect us all.

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Are you a local musician or duo looking to perform? East Somerville Main Streets is seeking talented local artists to perform at this year’s Foodie Crawl, an evening celebrating our incredible local restaurants, community, and culture. Solo artists and duos welcome. Application deadline: August 3. For more information visit: https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/foodie-crawl-2026.

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The city’s annual SomerMovie Fest is set to return, bringing you exciting evenings of family-friendly films to be shown in parks around Somerville this summer. The next free movie screening, Mean Girls (PG-13), is held on Thursday, July 23, at the Lincoln Park softball field (290 Washington St.). The approximate start time is 8:15 p.m. For more information, please visit https://www.somervillema.gov/moviefest. Persons with disabilities who need ADA accommodations to access this program, please contact ada@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311).

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As part of the implementation of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan, the city aims to increase safety and enhance mobility for people travelling on Washington Street between Tufts Street and the Boston city line. A community meeting was held on June 17 to introduce the project, and the Mobility team is still seeking feedback. Learn more at https://voice.somervillema.gov/eastwashington and complete the survey by July 24 to share your ideas for the project.

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Summer Film Night: Power to the Pedals takes place Thursday, July 23, 8 – 9:15 p.m., at the Somerville Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave. Come check out Power to the Pedals: Wenzday Jane and the Culture of Change, with filmmaker Bob Nesson and a lively discussion with special topical guests in a garden setting. Contact: Maddie at madeleinecmorgan@gmail.com.

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The City of Somerville’s Sustainability and Environment Division (SED) is now accepting applications for Cooling East Somerville, offering eligible East Somerville residents up to $5,000 to remove pavement from their property and replace it with shade trees, plants, and other cooling landscape improvements. Go to www.voice.somervillema.gov/cooling-east-somerville to learn more and apply. Interested residents can also contact Elyse Belarge at ebelarge@somervillema.gov or 781-823-9332.

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Take a survey on Bilingual Education in Somerville. Somerville Public Schools (SPS) is gathering information to better understand community perspectives on bilingual education opportunities. All families with children currently enrolled or with the potential to enroll in SPS are invited to take a brief, 10-question survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F76SD5N . The data gathered is for informational purposes only and will help inform future planning. All responses are voluntary and confidential.

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Looking for a creative summer activity for your child? Join the Somerville Museum for the Somerville Museum Vacation Arts Program, a week of hands-on artmaking designed for ages 7–11. From August 17 to 21, young artists will explore a new mix of creative workshops each day, including beads and books, terrariums, mosaics, rhythm, printmaking, corn husk doll making, crochet, shell etching, clothing upcycling, and stuffed animal making. All materials and daily snacks are provided. 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, $60 per day or $250 for the full week. Discounts available for siblings, Somerville Museum members, and EBT cardholders. Space is limited; register through Eventbrite. https://www.somervillemuseum.org/vacationarts.

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Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, Saturday, August 8: Next monthly Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day at DPW (1 Franey Rd.), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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With the hot weather here to stay for a while, community members are encouraged to review ways to stay cool, healthy, and safe. Tips are available in multiple languages at www.somervillema.gov/keepcool.

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Save the date for the 21st Annual What the Fluff? Festival, Saturday, September 19, 1 – 5 p.m. in Union Square. Are you interested in being a vendor at this year’s Festival? Go here to find out more: unionsquare-main.org/fluffvendors. Applications for community groups at What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Inno-vation are live and filling up fast. Are you a non-profit or community group looking to get the word out about your work? Fill out the Fluff Fest Community Group Application: https://form.jotform.com/261824906044154 What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Innovation will reserve up to fifteen (15) complimentary 10’x10′ spaces within the festival footprint for Community Groups. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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Dilboy Pool and Stadium are now open to the public. Dilboy Pool has a swimming and wading pool for all ages, open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Lap Swim hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Admission is free. Dilboy Stadium is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m.to 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Only walking and running are permitted on the track. Admission is free. More information can be found at www.somervillerec.com. For more information on all Somerville pools, visit somervillema.gov/pools.

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Somerville’s Yart Sale returns August 8. Somerville’s porches, driveways, and front yards will transform into mini galleries and pop-up markets as Yart Sale returns on Saturday, August 8, (rain date: August 9) from noon to 6 p.m. Expect to find paintings, photography, handmade objects, jewelry, art supplies and tools, collectible items, plants, frames, vintage clothes, and more. For full event guidelines, visit: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yart-sale/.

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The Powder House, Milk Row Cemetery and Prospect Hill Tower will be open to the public on select dates and times through October, as part of History on the Line, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville. History unlocked: Drop-in chat on select Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m., and select Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For dates and more information, visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.

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The Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue near Davis Square, will present a free Vacation Bible School from Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All children, from age 4 up to the 5th grade, are welcome to attend. This rainforest-themed program includes Bible stories, music, creative activities, games, and free snacks each day. For more information or to register your child, see www.ILoveSCBC.org/events.

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Somergloom Festival returns for year 6 at Crystal Ballroom, August 6, 7, 8, 9. Somergloom is an underground heavy music and arts festival based in Somerville, Massachusetts, in the Greater Boston area. Unencumbered by genre, Somergloom showcases and celebrates the richness of today’s heavy music scene, centered around music that is introspective, creatively ambitious, evoking a melancholic quality that we like to call “gloom”. Limited-Time Ticket Sale Tuesday 7/7/26-7/10/26. For lineup details, visit Somergloom.com

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Join Union Square Main Streets and 60+ of your favorite local food producers for the 22nd Annual Union Square Farmers Market. Shop local Saturdays through October 31, except July 4 and September 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. They continue to offer our SNAP matches. Check the market webpage for the latest info and to see which vendors accept SNAP. To get the latest updates about the Union Square Farmers Market, visit www.unionsquaremain.org/2026-season.

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Friendly Caller Program. The Somerville Council on Aging has many wonderful volunteers who are waiting to give you a call. Whether you are looking to make a new friend or would just like a friendly chat to look forward to every week, this program has you covered. Call Natasha Naim at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317, to learn more about the program and to sign up.

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Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Meal Program. All are welcome. Registration is required. You will need to register on a weekly basis. Each week, on Monday or Tuesday, call the COA Reservation line at 617-625-6600 ext. 2323 to reserve your spot for the following week.

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The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market returned for the 2026 season. The market brings fresh, affordable, local produce to four city locations Thursdays through Saturdays and runs through October 31. All produce is sourced from local farms and priced affordably to make healthy, fresh food accessible to all. The mobile market accepts cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP, Fresh Connect, WIC Farmers Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. All are welcome. For the full schedule, weekly produce updates, and more information about programs and events, visit the market’s website at somervillemobilefarmers-market.org.

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Assembly Row Farmers Market is being held at 375 Assembly Row, Somerville, on Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m. The market will run from June 12 to October 9. Each week, you’ll be able to find goods from nearly 30 New England-based farmers and producers. Expect a great mix of seasonal produce, baked goods, dairy and eggs, meats and seafood, honey, jams, specialty foods, and more. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the weekend, discover local favorites, or simply enjoy a fresh Friday visit to Assembly Row. https://marketspread.com/market/37299/assembly-row-farmers-market/.

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The Davis Square Market has opened for the 2026 Season. The market will run every Wednesday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., through November 25, at 44 Day St., Somerville. This long-running market features over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering a vibrant selection of delicious produce, protein, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals, alongside a host of other locally made products. The market accepts cash, credit/debit cards, WIC/Senior coupons, and EBT cards and offers a weekly $15 SNAP Match. Visit https://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis.

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Arts Editor, Doug Holder, for setting up a GoFundMe campaign for The Somerville Times. With the cost of printing going up and a lack of businesses having the resources to advertise, free papers feel the effect. We sincerely thank all who have already contributed and thank any future contributors. If you are interested in helping, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-somerville-times. Or if anyone is interested in advertising, please contact Bobbietoner@aol.com. We offer great discounts to help our advertisers be able to advertise. Thank you all so much for your support!

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Don’t forget, if you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website, over to the right side, and fill out your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper.