Somer Fest Returns August 2 to Celebrate BIPOC Creativity, Culture & Community

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.  

Back for the first time since 2022, Somer Fest will take place on Saturday, August 2, at Seven Hills Park, located just behind the Davis Square MBTA station, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, August 3). This event is free and open to all. 

“I’m so excited to welcome Somer Fest back to our city,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “Its return brings fresh energy to our summer and creates a meaningful and inclusive space to celebrate the artists, entrepreneurs, and communities who help make Somerville such a dynamic and inclusive place to live.” 

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. 

“At Citixen Joy, we are committed to building joy-centered spaces where culture and commerce meet,” said Stephond Goler, founder and producer of Citixen Joy. “Somer Fest is our vision for an inclusive, future-forward community festival — one that celebrates not only where we’ve been but where we are going.” 

Somer Fest 2025 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. 

Follow @citixenjoy and use #SomerFest2025 on Instagram and TikTok for artist reveals, behind-the-scenes content, and event updates. 

For more event information, visit somervilleartscouncil.org/events/somer-fest. 

About Citixen Joy: 
Citixen Joy is a Boston-based event production company specializing in pop-up concerts and creative activations in underutilized spaces. With a focus on cultural equity and community engagement, Citixen Joy is redefining how and where we experience the arts. 

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 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 somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.