Plan Ahead: Getting to Somerville’s 2026 Inauguration Ceremony and Public Reception

The City of Somerville is sharing travel and parking information to help attendees plan ahead for the 2026 Inauguration Ceremony at Somerville High School and the public reception at the Somerville Armory on Saturday, January 3.

Parking in Somerville can be tight. Please leave time for parking and consider using overflow lots or alternate transportation. Community members are encouraged to take public transit, carpool, walk, or bike if able. Attendees who plan to drive can park on main roads, side streets, and also in designated overflow lots, some of which will be connected by the free shuttle service described below.

Event Locations

• Inauguration Ceremony: Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave.
• Public Reception: Somerville Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

Parking and Arrival Information

HP Accessible Spots 

• Accessible parking spots are located on the SHS Concourse, the City Hall Concourse, and in front of the Armory

Somerville High School Parking

• On Street Parking
  • Parking is available on main streets, neighborhood side roads (parking permit requirements will be relaxed for the evening), or off-site at overflow lots. Please also consider carpooling.
• High School Overflow Parking
• The Homans Loton Medford Street in Gilman Square by the T Stop
• SHS Concourseat 81 Highland Ave. offers a limited number of spaces. City Hall Concourse access will be restricted.
• Dormition Greek Church Lot, 29 Central St. The full lot at 29 Central St. is open for Inaugural parking 4 p.m. to midnight and will be served by free shuttles. 

Armory Parking

• The Armory parking lot behind the building is open to the public.
• Armory Overflow Parking at St. Catherine’s 75 Belmont St. will be open 4 p.m. to midnight and connected via free shuttle service.
• On Street Parking can be found on Highland Ave. and neighborhood side streets (parking permit requirements will be relaxed for the evening).
• Shuttle service will run between the High School and the Armory, so if you park for the Ceremony near the High School, consider using the shuttles to get to the Reception and back, rather than reparking near the Armory. 

Free Shuttle Service

Free shuttles will run continuous loops between overflow lots, Somerville High School, and the Armory at key points throughout the evening. 

• Before the Ceremony: Overflow Lot → Somerville High School
  • Approximately 5–6 p.m.
  • Loop includes: 29 Central St. → Somerville High School at 81 Highland Ave.
• After the Ceremony: Somerville High School → Armory (and back to Overflow Lots)
  • Approximately 7:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Somerville High School ↔ Armory loop
  • Somerville High School → overflow parking loop (29 Central St. and 75 Belmont St.)
• During/After the Reception:
  • Approximately 7:30 –11:30 p.m.
  • Armory ↔ Somerville High School ↔ Overflow Lots
  • Shuttles will run a four-stop loop: Armory → SHS → 29 Central St. → 75 Belmont St
  • Shuttles will also run a short loop between the Armory and 75 Belmont. 

Encouraged: Public Transit, Walking, Biking, and Carpooling

Due to limited parking near Somerville High School and the Armory, attendees are strongly encouraged to:

• Take the MBTA (bus routes serving Highland Avenue and nearby corridors)
• Carpool if driving
• Walk or bike if able (please use bike racks and follow posted instructions)
• Consider parking further away if able to leave closer spots for those who need them more.

Ride-Share / Drop-Off

Attendees using ride-share or being dropped off should plan for congestion and allow extra time. Please follow onsite staff direction and posted wayfinding signage.

For more information on all inaugural events, please visit somervillema.gov/inauguration2026.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.