Get ready for ArtBeat 2026! In addition to approximately 100 craft, community, and food vendors on the street, we’ll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater.
This year’s ArtBeat theme is REVolution
Let’s get revved up! In honor of the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary, this year’s ArtBeat theme will be REVolution. Think of it as an artistic prompt. Let’s celebrate the powerful spirit of transformation and explore the spark that challenges the status quo. We encourage our creative community to interpret this theme in myriad ways – perhaps by exploring celestial revolutions of the planets or artistic revolutions that have changed the course of art history. Whether it’s the physical turning of a potter’s wheel, a punk rock revolt, or the rhythmic cycles of nature, REVolution is not just a commemoration of the past, but a spirit that propels us forward.
The ArtBeat festival is the Arts Council’s annual multicultural arts festival that showcases the City’s diverse and vibrant arts communities and attracts ten thousand visitors to Davis Square. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) and Mayor Jake Wilson, ArtBeat has reached its 40th year and features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and interactive activities.
ArtBeat this year will be Saturday, July 18.
Craft Vendors
The craft jury will evaluate applications in terms of quality, originality, and marketability.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 15th
Bands/Musicians
Bands and musicians are invited to apply to play on two different stages. We seek music that lends itself to a festival environment; typically not classical or purely instrumental jazz for this setting.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 15th
Dancemakers
Dancemakers, present your work “indoors” on the Somerville Theatre stage during ArtBeat. We are accepting work that can be performed on a proscenium stage with lights and sound tech provided.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 15th
General Talent & Art Installation
The Somerville Arts Council invites jugglers, roaming performers, circus artists, unicyclists, swing dancers, installation artists, buskers, and anyone else that has fun “REVolutionary” creative energy. If this is you, we invite you to apply to participate at one of the region’s largest and most vibrant community art festivals.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 15th
Community Organizations
Local arts organizations, social service groups, and City departments are invited to apply for a booth. ArtBeat is a popular venue to increase community awareness of your services!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, June 15th