Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Big Gay Dance Party 6-27 — File 26-0593
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL26-000024
File #: 26-008447
Big Gay Dance Party
Event Name:
Somerville Arts Council (Big Gay
Business Name:
Dance Party)
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: An outdoors event taking place in Union Square Plaza and partial use of Union Sq
Municipal Lot. Closest address is 90 Union Square.
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: 06/27/2026
Event Setup Begins: 02:30 PM
Start Time: 04:30 PM
End Time: 08:30 PM
Event Cleanup Ends: 09:30 PM
Do You Have a Proposed Rain Date for Your Public Event?: Yes
Date: 06/28/2026
Start Time: 02:30 PM
End Time: 09:30 PM
Organization name; if none, your name: Somerville Arts Council and Health and Human Services
Describe any social or cultural benefits of this event for Somerville residents : The Big Gay Dance Party is an inclusive
celebration that brings together Somerville residents to honor Pride Month through music, dance, and community connection.
As part of the ArtsUnion event series, which enhances the cultural and economic vitality of Union Square, this free outdoor
event creates a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to express themselves freely, fostering a sense of
belonging and visibility. Beyond being a joyful gathering, the event strengthens community bonds, promotes acceptance, and
highlights Somerville’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Describe any financial benefits of this event for Somerville businesses or organizations: By drawing attendees to
Union Square, the Big Gay Dance Party supports local businesses and enriches the city’s cultural landscape, reinforcing
Somerville’s reputation as an arts-friendly and socially progressive community.
What is the budget for this event?: 3,000
1.
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 : Big Gay Dance Party
Describe the Event: This event is a small outdoor dance party to celebrate Pride month. We also feature performers and
some interactive activities for all. We invite community groups to table.
Describe any Entertainment at the Event (if none, type None): There will be a DJ to spin tunes for the dance party. There
will be pride flags decorating the plaza. We will also have a local artist showcasing their work and host LGBTQ+ focused
organizations and community groups to table. There is also a drag queen and king performance.
Describe any tents, inflatables, or other temporary structures to be used (if none, type None): tables, 10x10 tents,
chairs
Describe any accessibility features available to attendees/participants: Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain clear to
ensure easy navigation. Designated accessible parking will be available. We will also have a reserved seating area with
chairs, along with earplugs and water for those who may need them.
Estimated maximum attendance at one time : 300
Estimated total number of people attending: 500
Estimated total number of Somerville residents attending : 400
Maximum number of attendees you will accommodate: 500
Attendee fees or suggested donations : free
Will this event be open to the public?: Yes
Describe your outreach/publicity: Posters, Newsletter, online calendars, social media, Press Release.
Will food be served?: No
Will a grill/open-flame device be used? : No
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 : June 22, 2024, June 21, 2025
Police Detail : No
Parking for Attendees : Yes
If yes, describe:: The Union Sq Lot will be reserved for parking.
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:: We will work with DPW to get one portable restroom. Typically they get dropped off on Friday and
picked up on Monday.
Liability Insurance : No
Approval Conditions:
Kevin Roche, Engineering, Approved with Conditions
Reviewer:
Parking will be further reduced by additional outdoor seating that is not shown on plan. Event layout is otherwise approved.
Charles Breen, Fire Prevention, Approved with Conditions
Reviewer:
1. Please make sure that emergency access remains open for Sanborn Court.
CS Mayor, Mayor's Office, Approved
Reviewer:
Eric Weisman, Public Works, Approved
Reviewer:
Suzanne Rinfret, Traffic and Parking, Approved
Reviewer:
Mackenzie Richardson, Police, Approved
Reviewer:
Kimberly M. Wells, City Clerk, Approved
Reviewer:
Jesse Moos, Engineering, Complete
Reviewer: