SomerStreets: Gilman Square Arts & Music Festival on Saturday, September 12

From kid’s music and a Honk band to interactive circus activities and pumpkin painting, there’s free fun for the whole family at the upcoming SomerStreets: Gilman Square Arts & Music Festival.

Held on Saturday, September 12, from noon to 5 p.m. (rain date Sunday, September 13), this edition of the City’s SomerStreets series is co-hosted by the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council and the City of Somerville Arts and Culture Division. All events will take place at Edward Leathers Park (108 Walnut St.).

Festival highlights:

• Interactive performances by Esh Circus
• Entertainment from Cate the Great
• Pumpkin painting with Neighborhood Produce
• Local artists and makers
• Food from Nibble Kitchen vendors and local favorites
• A beer garden hosted by Winter Hill Brewing Company
• Family-friendly activities and more

Music Lineup:

• 12–12:45 p.m.: Matt Heaton (kid’s music)
• 1– 1:45 p.m.: Pink Slip (ska punk)
• 2– 2:45 p.m.: Dom the Composer (R&B, gospel, folk) 
• 3– 3:45 p.m.: Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band (Balkan-Klezmer-funk-Honk)
• 4– 4:45 p.m.: FM Collective (Latin, hip-hop, jazz)

The event is free and open to all. For updates and the complete entertainment schedule, visit somervilleartscouncil.org/events/gilman-sq-fest.

2026 Location Update: Edward Leathers Park

Due to ongoing construction along Pearl Street, this year’s festival will temporarily move to Edward L. Leathers Community Park and portions of Walnut Street. To make room for the festivities, Walnut Street will be closed between Pearl and Medford streets, and Skilton Avenue will also be closed.

 Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.

This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV (somervillema.gov/video) Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613. Videos generally post within one business day of recording.