Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Ignite 9-27 — File 25-1396
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL25-000138
File #: 25-021206
Ignite Festival
Event Name:
Somerville Arts Council (Ignite
Business Name:
Festival)
Public Event License
Application Type:
90 Union Square
Location:
APPLICANT
Somerville Arts Council
Company Name:
Iaritza Menjivar
Contact Name:
Business Address:
50 Evergreen Ave
Somerville, MA 02145
Home Address:
50 Evergeen Ave
Somerville, MA 02145
Work Phone:
Home Phone:
imenjivar@somervillema.gov
Email:
# of days: 1
Does this event occupy a public space or significantly affect nearby residents?: Yes
Are you the party applying for the Public Event License?: Yes
Describe the location in detail: Union Square plaza, Union Sq municipal parking lot
In the last 5 years, have you been found guilty, liable, or responsible, in any judicial or administrative proceeding,
for any violation of the City Wage Theft Ordinance or any State or Federal laws or regulations regulating the
payment of wages? City Wage Theft Ordinance: No
Date: 09/27/2025
Event Setup Begins: 02:00 PM
Start Time: 03:30 PM
End Time: 08:00 PM
Event Cleanup Ends: 10:00 PM
Do You Have a Proposed Rain Date for Your Public Event?: Yes
Date: 09/28/2025
Start Time: 02:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM
Organization name; if none, your name: Somerville Arts Council
Describe any social or cultural benefits of this event for Somerville residents : The Ignite Festival celebrates the
international, vibrant culture and cuisine of Union Square while providing an opportunity for residents to connect with the arts
in their own community. It fosters cultural exchange, supports local artists and businesses, and creates a shared space for
neighbors to come together in celebration.
Describe any financial benefits of this event for Somerville businesses or organizations: This event highlights and
promotes Union Square’s restaurants and businesses, driving foot traffic to the area and encouraging attendees to dine,
shop, and engage with local establishments.
What is the budget for this event?: 10,000
Complete Mailing Address : 50 Evergreen Ave Somerville, MA 02145
Contact name for follow-up questions (Will be available to the public): Iaritza Menjivar
Email: imenjivar@somervillema.gov
Phone (Will be available to the public): [phone removed]
Event Name : Ignite Festival
Describe the Event: Ignite Festival is a vibrant celebration of the diverse culture and cuisine of Union Square. The event will
feature fiery food, dynamic performances, and illuminated art installations, transforming the plaza into a lively hub of global
flavors and creativity. In addition to on-site activities, we will partner with Union Square businesses to offer featured dishes or
drinks at their own locations, encouraging festival-goers to explore and support the neighborhood.
Describe any Entertainment at the Event (if none, type None): We plan to feature fire throwers, illuminated roaming
performances, light-based art installations, and a diverse array of international food and craft vendors.
Describe any tents, inflatables, or other temporary structures to be used (if none, type None): We will have 10x10
tents for craft vendors and tables for food vendors stationed throughout the plaza. Fire artists will perform within a metal-
barricaded area to maintain a safe distance from the crowd. A number of art installations will be placed across the square.
Describe any accessibility features available to attendees/participants: Seating will be available for attendees who need
it. Designated accessible parking spots will be provided, and sidewalks and crosswalks will remain clear to ensure safe and
easy navigation throughout the event.
Estimated maximum attendance at one time : 600
Estimated total number of people attending: 900
Estimated total number of Somerville residents attending : 700
Maximum number of attendees you will accommodate: 900
Attendee fees or suggested donations : free
Will this event be open to the public?: Yes
Describe your outreach/publicity: Outreach and publicity will include a press release, social media promotion, printed
posters, open call outreach to artists and businesses, and inclusion in the Somerville Arts Council newsletter.
Will food be served?: Yes
If yes, describe:: Nibble Kitchen, Machu Pichu, Masala Square have historically participated. We will submit a coordinator
checklist to confirm all vendors.
Will the event be catered?: No
Will a grill/open-flame device be used? : Yes
If yes, describe:: Yes. Food vendors will be using grills or other open-flame devices and will apply for their own permits. In
addition, the event will feature fire thrower performances, and we will be applying for a fire detail to oversee these activities.
Will any streets be blocked? : No
Will any sidewalks be blocked? : No
Will any public parks be used? : No
Has this event occurred in the last two years? : Yes
If yes, prior dates : September 30, 2023, September 28, 2024
Police Detail : No
Parking for Attendees : Yes
If yes, describe:: Yes. We will request reserved ADA-accessible parking spots on Bonner Avenue through the Traffic and
Parking Department.
Restrooms : Yes
If yes, please describe the restrooms being provided, and if you are providing portable toilets, state how they will be
delivered and removed:: Yes. The Department of Public Works will provide portable restrooms for the event, which will be
delivered prior The Friday before the festival (9/26) and removed the Monday after the event concludes (9/29).
Liability Insurance : No
1.
1.
Approval Conditions:
Maureen Lee, ISD Health, Approved with Conditions
Reviewer:
ISD Health Has approved with the following conditions: (1) a completed coordinators checklist is submitted 4 weeks prior to the event, and (2) a
completed temporary food License application is submitted by each vendor 3 weeks prior to the event.
Charles Breen, Fire Prevention, Approved with Conditions
Reviewer:
Will require fire details as per past events.
CS Mayor, Mayor's Office, Approved
Reviewer:
Albert Bargoot, ISD Building, Approved
Reviewer:
Kevin Roche, Engineering, Approved
Reviewer:
CS Traffic and Parking, Traffic and Parking, Approved
Reviewer:
Eric Weisman, Public Works, Approved
Reviewer:
Jesse Moos, Engineering, Complete
Reviewer:
Mackenzie Richardson, Police, Approved
Reviewer:
Kimberly M. Wells, City Clerk, Approved
Reviewer: