Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Porchfest 5-9 — File 26-0721
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL26-000014
File #: 26-005915
PorchFest 2026
Event Name:
Somerville Arts Council (Porchfest)
Business Name:
Public Event License
Application Type:
Citywide
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: The event takes place on private property, including residents’ porches, yards, and
driveways, throughout Somerville. Performances are not permitted in public parks or other public open spaces. We will
continue to follow the “Street Functional Classes” restrictions provided by the Engineering Department. Performances are
prohibited on the following restricted streets: Broadway, Cedar St, Central St, College Ave, Elm St, Highland Ave, Lowell St,
Powder House Blvd, School St, Somerville Ave, Summer St, Walnut St, and Willow Ave. New this year: 1. Corner properties
located on side streets adjacent to the restricted streets listed above will also be prohibited from hosting performances, in
order to prevent large crowds from spilling onto major roadways, as recommended by Police and Fire. 2. We will review the
overall density of participating addresses in coordination with Public Safety officials to ensure appropriate crowd distribution
and safety planning. The City maintains the right to deny addresses based on public safety concerns.
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: 05/09/2026
Event Setup Begins: 10:30 AM
Start Time: 12:00 PM
End Time: 06:00 PM
Event Cleanup Ends: 07:00 PM
Do You Have a Proposed Rain Date for Your Public Event?: No
Organization name; if none, your name: Somerville Arts Council
Describe any social or cultural benefits of this event for Somerville residents : PorchFest is a community event that
brings neighbors together through live music. It provides a platform for musicians of all levels to share their talents, especially
those who lack access to traditional performance spaces. The event celebrates Somerville’s diverse music scene,
encourages cultural exchange, and transforms porches into welcoming stages that enhance the city’s vibrant arts culture.
Describe any financial benefits of this event for Somerville businesses or organizations: PorchFest brings the
community out into Somerville’s neighborhoods, increasing foot traffic for local businesses. Many restaurants, cafes, and
shops see a significant boost in sales, with some reporting it as their busiest day of the year. The event encourages
attendees to explore different areas of the city, benefiting a wide range of businesses and economic activity.
What is the budget for this event?: 3,000
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 : PorchFest 2026
Describe the Event: PorchFest follows a unique, decentralized approach, with bands performing from local porches while
guests move through the city, which is divided into West, Central, and East zones. Unlike a traditional festival with a single
activated location, this event spans multiple neighborhoods, showcasing Somerville’s musical talent and community spirit. It’s
about young kids playing in their yards with family and friends and lifelong musicians getting the chance to perform once
again for an intimate crowd. 12:00–2:00 PM – West Zone (West of Willow Ave.) 2:00–4:00 PM – Central Zone (Central St to
Willow Ave.) 4:00–6:00 PM – East Zone (East of Central St.)
Describe any Entertainment at the Event (if none, type None): Live Music and an interactive digital map to find
participating addresses.
Describe any tents, inflatables, or other temporary structures to be used (if none, type None): We will work with the
Department of Public Works in placing a large number of portable restrooms and extra trash bins around the city. These will
be placed in parks, open public spaces that allows room for the units, city parking lots, etc.
Describe any accessibility features available to attendees/participants: We will provide information on how each porch /
band host can keep the sidewalks clear for participants. In our form we ask bands to describe if there location is accessible
or not.
Estimated maximum attendance at one time : estimate of 2,000 people spread throughout a zone
Estimated total number of people attending: 6,000
Estimated total number of Somerville residents attending : 4,000
Maximum number of attendees you will accommodate: 6,000
Attendee fees or suggested donations : suggested donations for the bands
Will this event be open to the public?: Yes
Describe your outreach/publicity: Newsletter, social media, Press Release, posters, flyers.
Will food be served?: No
Will a grill/open-flame device be used? : No
Will any streets be blocked? : Yes
If yes, describe:: We are allowing PorchFest block parties. Additionally on the day of, SPD and Fire hold the right to block a
road due to crowding and keeping pedestrians safe.
Road to be closed: TBD on block party app
Cross street where road closure will start: TBD on block party app
Cross street where road closure will end: TBD on block party app
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 : 5/10/2025, 05/11/2024
Police Detail : Yes
If yes, describe:: We are working with Police, Fire, and the Emergency Management Team to set up a unified command
center and the Incident Action Plans.
Parking for Attendees : Yes
If yes, describe:: We work with traffic and parking to relax parking throughout the city from 12pm to 6pm.
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 are working with DPW and Mayor's Office to help request and drop several porta-potties
across the city.
Liability Insurance : No
Approval Conditions:
CS Mayor, Mayor's Office, Approved
Reviewer:
Albert Bargoot, ISD Building, Approved
Reviewer:
Kevin Roche, Engineering, Approved
Reviewer:
Eric Weisman, Public Works, Approved
Reviewer:
Charles Breen, Fire Prevention, 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: