Comicazi offers the public a great place to buy, trade, or sell comic books and various collectibles, as well as participate in special events. — Photos courtesy of Jill Carter

By Angelina Parrillo

On a warm summer day, Comicazi is one of the coolest destinations for comics and collectibles in Davis Square. The storefront beckons passersby with a promise to entertain, displaying action figures and toys for sale by the bunch and an ever-present offer of free comic books.

Enjoy live performances, an artisan market, food, activities, and more at Seven Hills Park

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council, in proud partnership with Citixen Joy, invite community members to Somer Fest, a flagship community festival celebrating the talent, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) performers and vendors.  

The Kaleidoscope: Reflecting the Moment exhibition at the Somerville Museum. Runs now through August 23. ~ Photos courtesy of Stephanie Marlin-Curiel

 By The Times Staff

Step into a reflection of our reality during the summer exhibition at the Somerville Museum, going on now until August 23.

The immersive, multi-sensory exhibition invites visitors to experience and explore shifting concepts in the community during a time of transformation.

Stilting Unicorns, baton twirling Purple People Eaters, juggling werewolves, and hula hooping elves are among the “Mythical Creatures” expected to appear at Nunziato Park near Union Square in Somerville this weekend.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Do you know who Snooki and Pauly D are? How about some dude known simply as The Situation? They are the supposedly real-life characters on the MTV smash hit, Jersey Shore.

Of course, Happy Days’ Arthur Fonzarelli was the first one to come up with a nickname beginning with “the.” Give me The Fonz over The Situation any day. The Fonz never removed his leather jacket and flaunted his abs. They never had to bleep The Fonz out.

Federal agencies do not threaten individuals or demand immediate payment

The FBI Boston Division has seen an increase in reports of scammers targeting New Englanders through unsolicited telephone calls in which the caller claims to be a representative of well-known law enforcement and government agencies, including the FBI, to extort money or steal personally identifiable information.

Local photographer Mario Quiroz’s P’alante: Stories Moving Somerville Forward gallery opening will take place on Monday, August 4, at the West Branch Library.

Community members are invited to attend the gallery opening for the upcoming P’alante: Stories Moving Somerville Forward photo and video project. Opening at the West Branch Library, this community-centered project was led by local photographer Mario Quiroz, in collaboration with the Somerville Media Center and the Community Action Agency of Somerville, with support from the Ballantyne administration including Somerville Public Library, the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Department of Racial and Social Justice, SomerPromise, and the Somerville Arts Council with support from the Mass Cultural Council.

Indigenous, Black, and colonial narratives highlighted the Blessing of the Bay: Three Voices, One Shore event held this past weekend. — Photos courtesy of Yuris Mangolds

By The Times Staff

Blessing of the Bay: Three Voices, One Shore, the newest installment in Somerville Museum’s History in the Park series, offered a powerful and multivocal reflection on the area historically known as Ten Hills Farm last Saturday. Held on the banks of the Mystic River, the event brought together Indigenous, Black, and colonial narratives to reframe the city’s oldest settlement. 

Niki Vavar and the knight training obstacle course. — Photos by Norah Doyle

By Norah Doyle

Somerville Public Library hosted its annual ComixCon with a medieval twist on Saturday, July 26.

The library, decorated with fantasy character cardboard cutouts like Luke Skywalker, Tyrion Lanister, and even Wonder Woman, was bursting with enthusiastic attendees. To enter the building, guests would pass by knight training sessions on the front lawn and children scurrying around on hobby horses.

Somer Fest, the city’s flagship festival celebrating BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, creators, and small businesses, is back for the first time since 2022 on Saturday, August 2, at Seven Hills Park from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The 2025 event features a dynamic lineup of performers, including hip-hop artist Bille, soulful sounds from Mada Silva, and more. Attendees can enjoy a curated artisan market, food from Dos Manos Kitchen, and interactive experiences and activities for all ages. Produced by the Somerville Arts Council in collaboration with Citixen Joy, this open-air festival is designed to uplift local creativity, spark connection, and build an inclusive cultural experience for all.