Join #ARTSTAYSHERE for a special screening of the documentary short A MATTER OF LIGHT on the founding of Vernon Street Studios, the largest artist workspace community in Somerville, on July 29, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Somerville Museum, One Westwood Rd., followed by a discussion with Anne Continelli, the filmmaker, and the founders. This special event is part of #ARTSTAYSHERE’s community curator exhibition FACES, PLACES & SPACES, on view through August 23. Go here to reserve your ticket for the film event: https://AMatterofLight.eventbrite.com. Go here to read the ArtScope feature on the exhibition: https://bit.ly/artscopejulaug26.

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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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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Wishing a very happy birthday to Natalia Potaris. We wish her a very special day. To Kaitlin Denk, we wish her a very happy birthday. We hope she had a great day. Happy birthday to Ron Newman. We hope he enjoys his day. Happy birthday to a local guy, Zach Zasloff. We wish him a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Gail Stoico, Mark Niedergang, Michael Delicato, Robert Carnes, Laura Pitone, Daniel M. Kimmel, Nancy Christine, Stephen Able, Anthony Cataldo, Jason Banning, Karen D’Amato, Mike Morrison, Sharon Paglia Breen, Mike Morrison, Tori Antonino, Jane Sherrill, and Michele Oliphant Spinale, a very happy birthday. We hope everyone has a great day. To all the others we may have missed, we also wish them a happy birthday.

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On Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m., visit the ROOTED Cafe for Breaking: The Stigma, a show focused on breaking the stigma of mental health. Acts include “Mirror: Inside Psychosis,” a one-person play starring Lizzie Granata, and A Piece by Channing. More info available on their website: https://artsatthearmory.org/events/breaking-the-stigma/.

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Join CAAS and the Somerville Fair Housing Commission for a presentation on what fair housing discrimination is, who fair housing law protects, and what you can do if you or your neighbor has experienced discrimination in housing. Thursday, July 30, 5 p.m. www.tinyurl.com/fairhousingsomerville.

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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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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, Wayne’s World (PG-13), is held on Thursday, July 30, at Seven Hills Park in Davis Square. 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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Groundwork Somerville is partnering with Gerly’s Ice Cream for a fundraising event on August 19. Join them for a hands-on workshop where they will make their own homemade ice cream from scratch with Gerly and her team. Every ticket includes two pints of ice cream to take home and a tasting of some of Gerly’s signature flavors. August 19, 6 – 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St, Cambridge, MA 02142. Adult Tickets: $55 / Youth Tickets: $35. Buy your ticket here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/groundwork-somerville-gerlys-ice-cream-workshop-fundraiser. Tickets are limited, and every registration for this event will go towards sustaining Groundwork Somerville’s youth programs and bring them closer to achieving their mission of building a healthier, greener, more equitable community.

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Join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), Assembly Connect, Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets (SASS), and neighbors to assess how safe, accessible, and comfortable it is to walk in Somerville’s Assembly Square. Assembly Square is surrounded by some of the most dangerous roads in Somerville. Our collective goal is to evaluate Assembly Square’s current status, share feedback with relevant decision-makers, and inform future planning efforts in the neighborhood. Tuesday, August 4, 6 – 8 p.m. The Lawn, 301 Assembly Row, Somerville. Register at https://www.facebook.com/somervilleptac.

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The risk of West Nile Virus has been raised to Moderate in Somerville. Community members are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases. For more tips and information, visit www.somervillema.gov/mosquito-advisory.

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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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Somerville’s annual Water System Flushing Program continues through late October. This program consists of flushing pipes at high velocities to clean water mains and maintain the highest possible water quality. Temporary drops in water pressure and/or discolored water can occur. In these cases, though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, it is advisable to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. To find out when your neighborhood will be affected and to learn more: somerville-ma.gov/hydrantflushing.

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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 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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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 has 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.