Ah, the lazy days of summer are almost here.
And lucky us! We don’t have to travel far — or spend a lot of money — to fill our hours with exceptional family fun. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, our county seat of Somerville has months of entertainment covered.
“There are fun, educational and meaningful activities that families can enjoy right in our own backyard,” says Natalie Pineiro, executive director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. “We provide programming with a focus on the arts, culture and tourism.”
Somerville launches its season with the adrenaline-pumping Tour of Somerville, the oldest competitive bicycle race in the country since cyclists took the inaugural lap in 1940. Pineiro estimates about 2,000 spectators line the race route, watching elite cyclists from around the world compete. Families can experience the route prior to the event by registering for the Family Fun Ride sponsored by Somerville Recreation.
In another longstanding tradition, collector cars have lined the Somerville streets on Friday nights for the past three decades. Around 1,500 spectators come to town to marvel at lovingly restored classics, custom cars, new cars, motorcycles and more during Somerville’s Cruise Nights.
The Summer Stage Concert Series brings a variety of music performances to Division Street every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This summer, look out for the Tyrone Stackhouse Project, Stepbrothers Band, Al Gold & Cold in Hand, Diamond Eye Jack, King Elvis Tribute Show, Green Planet Band and others. Bring a chair but get ready to dance. Want even more music? Downtown Somerville is bringing back Show Tune Sundays, which feature Broadway acts, like Lauren Palmeri (Beauty and the Beast national tour), Daryl Stewart (Into the Woods) and Daniel Belnavis (Hamilton, first national tour) who delighted crowds last summer.
Feeling nostalgic for a good ole fashioned drive-in movie, just watching a Hollywood classic under the stars? Somerville conjures this feeling with the Starlit Cinema Series on Thursday nights. This beloved activity is a great occasion for families to bring their chairs to Division Street, get takeout or dessert from one of the local restaurants and watch a film with neighbors and friends. And while you’re downtown, hunt for the portraits of acting legends Paul Robeson and Lee Van Cleef, who grew up in The Ville.
This month, Somerville hosts the annual Street Fair and Craft Show on June 4 and celebrates Pride Month. And all summer long, families can enjoy the Instagram-worthy Charm Field, a whimsical sculpture garden on the lawn of the historic Somerset County Courthouse created by Brooklyn-based artists Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao, also known as “Chiaozza.”
See the calendar of events at downtownsomerville.com. As you’re having fun in Somerville or elsewhere local this summer, snap photos and tag us on Instagram @bridgewater_somerset_hills.
“There are fun, educational and meaningful activities that families can enjoy right in our own backyard.”