On Friday, August 21, the City of Somerville will celebrate Davis Square’s “summer glow up” with a ribbon-cutting from 4:30 to 5 p.m., directly before the Down in Davis: Alive at Five performance at Statue Park. The event will mark the completion of recent public space improvements in the square, including the activation of the Davis Square Slip Lane and new placemaking art at Statue Park.

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The State of Massachusetts will hold its Primary Election on Tuesday, September 1. This election will narrow the candidate pool before the November Election on Tuesday, November 3. Offices on the ballot include: Governor, Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, District Attorney, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Councilor, Senator in General Court, Representative in General Court, and Register of Probate. Eligible voters may vote one of three ways: on election day, via early voting, or vote by mail. Deadline to Register to Vote for the Primary Election is Saturday, August 22. More information for the State Primary Election is available at somervillema.gov/elections. You can also call 311 (617-666-3311) with questions.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Birthday to our own Bob “Monty” Doherty, who is celebrating this week. You can enjoy his historical columns in our paper every other week. We wish him the very best. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Valerie Mitchell, Laureen DeBrase, Amy Sarro, Pat Lane, Pam Keith, Debbi Hession, and Alicia Marie, 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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Somerville Arts & Culture invites community members to apply as panelists for the 2027 LCC Grant cycle. Panelists review grant applications, learn how the local funding process works, and help support artists and cultural projects across our community. Whether you’re an artist, educator, cultural organizer, or community member who cares about arts and culture, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by October 1. https://somervilleartscouncil.org/lcc/lcc-panelist-application/

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Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay for infrastructure upgrades from Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 30. Riders can use shuttles between Oak Grove and North Station, and the Green Line between North Station and Copley/Back Bay. MBTA.com/OrangeLine.

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SAC & the Inside-Out gallery (CVS Davis Sq) present the “Power of Print” Viva la Revolution! If you missed its debut during ArtBeat, you still have plenty of time to check out this prolific exhibit. This showcase features linoleum relief prints by 64 artists from our local community. To find out more, visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/power-of-print/.

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Join Mayor Jake Wilson and Somerville’s Council on Aging for the annual Mayor’s Senior Picnic at 11 a.m. at Trum Field on September 10. Call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319 for a free ticket by September 4. Enjoy good food, music, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends.

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The Somerville Bicycle Committee’s August Streetwise will be held on August 19 at 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St., featuring BCU Labs. From their website: “BCU Labs seeks to draw insight and tell stories from the wealth of biking data in Boston. Our mission is to leverage the power of data through creative experimentation, learn where Boston can improve its infrastructure … and continue to empower BCU’s advocacy one pedal at a time.”

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Early Bird Registration for SHC’s Somerville 5k is still open. Every step taken on October 3 supports the community’s most vulnerable, helping raise the critical funds needed to tackle housing and food insecurity. Lock in the early bird price for SHC’s 31st annual 5k Road Race by midnight on 8/31. Register today to run and claim your race t-shirt. For more information, visit https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/.

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Somerville Citizenship Day 2026 is offering free legal help for Green Card holders. On Saturday, August 22, 149 Broadway from 1 to 4 p.m., the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) and Project Citizenship will host Somerville Citizenship Day 2026. The Project Citizenship team will provide free legal assistance to eligible Green Card holders who are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship. Appointments are strongly recommended, as there will be limited availability for walk-ins. 617-694-5949.

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ESMS’s biggest fundraising event of the year is almost here. East Somerville’s Foodie Crawl 2026, Tuesday, September 15 (rain date: September 16), 6 – 8:30 p.m. Join them for an evening of delicious food, local discoveries, live music, and community connection while supporting the work of East Somerville Main Streets. For more information, visit: https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/foodie-crawl-2026.

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This fall, Somerville Recreation is offering all that and more. Residents can explore youth sports and enrichment programs, adult fitness classes, aquatics and swim lessons, seasonal special events, community celebrations, and much more, including a range of new programs. www.somervillerec.com.

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In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month, the City of Somerville invites community members to a candlelight vigil and flag planting on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) in memory of residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and years prior. Somerville Prevention Services staff will host events and trainings to distribute free overdose prevention information and harm reduction materials such as nasal spray naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and syringe disposal boxes. To register for an in-person training, visit the SPL website https://somervillepubliclibrary.org/. For more information on the vigil and flag planting, visit somervillema.gov/news.

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Design the next SomerStreets: Monster Mash festival poster! Monster Mash is Somerville’s annual family-friendly Halloween celebration, featuring live music, family activities, local food vendors, and our beloved Community Halloween Parade led by the School of Honk. The Somerville Arts Council is looking for an artist who can create a fun, creative, and spooky design that welcomes Halloween lovers of all ages. Apply by Sunday, August 23 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets/monster-mash-poster/

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Stop by Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave., Saturday, August 22 between 1 – 4 p.m. to check out the Kilt & Clover Celtic pop-up shop.

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New England Poetry Club board member Doug Holder will host a special evening celebrating Ibbetson Street Press at Chocolaffee Coffee Studio. Enjoy featured poets and writers, an open mic, poetry readings, creative conversation, and the chance to connect with fellow lovers of literature. Friday, August 21, 6 – 8 p.m., Chocolaffee Coffee Studio, 7 Dehon St., Revere. The event is free and open to all. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or simply curious about the local poetry scene, be part of an inspiring evening.

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Eat Your Way Around the World at Nibble Kitchen this summer. The City of Somerville’s Nibble Kitchen is serving up a rotating lineup of Peruvian, Guatemalan, and Ethiopian cuisine this summer at Bow Market in Union Square. The tiny space offers big rewards for diners – and chefs. For more information and the complete schedule, visit nibblesomerville.com.

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It’s the Year of the Neighbor in Somerville, a reminder that looking out for one another is what makes our community stronger. If you see someone who appears to be in distress, needs support, or may be at risk of harming themselves or others, knowing how to respond can make a difference. Learn more at somervillema.gov/howtohelp.

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Visit the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., on Tuesday, August 25, for The Moth StorySLAM with doors at 6:30 p.m. Listen to true stories or share your own at this open-mic storytelling competition. More info and tickets here: https://www.themoth.org/tickets/serendipity-7. This month’s topic is SERENDIPITY: Prepare a five-minute story about the time an accident felt like fate. A wrong turn lands you at your new best friend’s doorstep. The botched job interview that led you to your true calling. Losing your wallet – only for it to be found by a long-lost cousin. Coffee spilled on the shirt of your future soulmate. Happy accidents. Meet-cutes. Windfalls. Fortuitous flukes. Is it magic? Is it kismet? No … it’s pure serendipity.

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Somerville Flea is back. Stop by Sundays through October, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 52 Holland St. Discover the area’s best collection of artisan makers and vintage vendors. With 13 Sundays running from August through October, there’ll always be something new to explore. Support local businesses, shop one-of-a-kind finds, and uncover that treasure you never knew you needed or even existed.

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Somerville’s Elm-Beacon Connector Project is underway. After over a year spent engaging community members, analyzing traffic patterns and signal options, testing emergency and public transit operations, and finalizing plans, the city has begun the Elm-Beacon Connector project to implement a new, safer street design. Installation should be mostly complete by November. Regular updates on installation progress will be available on the project webpage at somervillema.gov/elmbeacon, or get even more details by signing up for the city’s Construction e-newsletter at somervillema.gov/subscribe.

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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: www.somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.

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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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Raise a glass to Union Square as What the Fluff? turns 21! This year’s theme – Legally Fluff: A Toast to Union Square – is an ode to 21 years of fluff-filled fun for all ages. Put on the party hats, blow up the balloons, grab a bubbly bev, and celebrate Somerville’s signature sweet spread in style. The 21st Annual What the Fluff? Festival, Saturday, September 19, 1 – 5 p.m. in Union Square.

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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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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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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 somervillemobilefarmersmarket.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/assemblyrowfarmers-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, on the right side, and enter your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper.