Matters ▸ Attachment
PE ArtBeat 2025 7-19 — File 25-1064
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL25-000063
File #: 25-009330
Public Event
Application for:
Somerville Arts Council
Organization name:
ArtBeat 2025
Event name:
This year’s ArtBeat festival explores the
Description:
theme 'Freeze' in all its interpretations. Literally, it evokes
icy temperatures—imagine igloos, snowflakes, sleet, and
parkas as we playfully trick ourselves into feeling chilly on
one of the hottest days of the year. But 'freeze' also
suggests freezing time, motion, and moments. In our fast-
paced world, what happens when we pause, slow down, or
even become glacial? We can’t wait to see your creative
takes on this cool theme! Now in its 37th year, ArtBeat is
Somerville’s premier multicultural arts festival, presented
by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) and Mayor Katjana
Ballantyne.
Event will span across multiple locations in
Location:
Davis Square, including Somerville Theater, Statue Park,
Seven Hills Park, and Kenney Park.
07/19/2025
Date(s):
07/20/2025
Rain date(s):
09:00 AM
Setup starts at (time):
11:00 PM
Event ends at (time):
ArtBeat brings the city to life with a diverse
Entertainment:
lineup of entertainment and activities. The festival features
two stages of live music, dynamic dance performances
inside the Somerville Theater, and an array of craft
vendors showcasing handmade goods. Throughout Davis
Square, visitors can experience interactive art, pop-up
performances, and engaging activities for all ages. With its
eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, and hands-on
experiences, ArtBeat celebrates Somerville’s vibrant arts
community in an unforgettable way.
Tents (will be no larger than
Temporary Structures:
10x10), tables, chairs, porta potties, 2 stages for music.
Dimension of the stages are 12x14.
Attendees:
Max attendance at one time: 3,000
Total people attending: 10,000
Maximum attendees accommodated: 10,000
Total Somerville residents attending: 7,000
free.
Attendee fees or suggested donations:
40,000
What is your budget for this event:
Social or cultural benefits:
ArtBeat is Somerville’s largest arts and culture festival,
featuring live music, dance performances, craft vendors,
and interactive activities for all ages. The festival
showcases art in all forms, providing a platform for local
artists while bringing the community together.
Financial benefits:
As one of the city's most well-known festivals, ArtBeat
draws large crowds to Davis Square, directly supporting
local businesses. The event is designed to highlight
businesses along the route, many of which actively
participate in the festival.
Iaritza Menjivar
Event Contact:
[phone removed] x2985
Event Contact Phone:
Event Information
Yes/No
If yes, Describe
Open to the public?
Yes
Open Calls for participation for city departments and
community organizations, Newsletters, press release,
social media, posters, post cards, news coverage, banners
on light posts around the city.
Food served?
Yes
Food Trucks and other food vendors-- at the moment we
are still planning these details and will update as needed in
the Coordinator Checklist.
Caterer used?
No
Alcohol served?
No
Grill/open-flame device used?
No
Streets blocked?
Yes
Davis Square will be closed to traffic for ArtBeat. Elm
Street will be shut down from the center of Davis Square.
However, access will remain open from Highland Avenue
to College Avenue and from College Avenue through
Winter Street into Holland Street. Final road closure details
will be determined in the IAP.
Sidewalks blocked?
No
Describe any accessibility features available to
attendees/participants
Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain clear for easy
navigation, and the festival layout will follow ADA
compliance standards. ADA-accessible parking will be
available. Additionally, we’re providing a water truck
through MWRA to keep everyone hydrated and adding
shaded areas for relief from the summer heat
Arrangements:
Police Detail:
Yes
Public safety needs and help with traffic details. will discuss
in IAP.
Parking (for Attendees)?
Yes
We will be reserving parking spots for vendors through
Traffic and Parking Dept.
Restrooms?
Yes
We will be prodiving porta potties through the DPW.
Liability Insurance?
No
Will any public parks be used?
Yes
Seven Hills Park, Statue Park, and Kenney Park.
Has the event occurred in the last two years?
Yes
July 15, 2023 & July 13, 2024
Approved By:
CS Mayor, Approved
Albert Bargoot, Approved
Maureen Lee, Approved with Conditions
ISD Health has approved with the condition a Coordinators checklist is submitted 30 days before the event to ISD Health. Additionally, 14 days prior to the
event, completed vendor Temporary Food Licenses are submitted.
Kevin Roche, Approved
CS Traffic and Parking, Approved
Eric Weisman, Approved
Susan Yerkes, Approved with Conditions
Park permits are also required for this event.
Charles Breen, Approved with Conditions
Will require fire details per past IAP's.
Rico Isidoro, Approved
Kimberly M. Wells, Approved