ArtBeat – Freeze

See the full ArtBeat 2025 lineup & schedule!

Get ready for ArtBeat 2025, one of the largest festivals of the season! In addition to approximately 100 craft and food vendors, community organizations and general talent artists on the street we’ll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater. This year’s ArtBeat theme is “Freeze.” This year, we’ve shift up an hour, streets will be vibrant with vendors and music from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and then music continuing in Seven Hills Park until 9 p.m. Stay the day, enjoy the evening!

About 2025 Theme: FREEZE

At this year‘s festival, we will explore the word “freeze” in the many ways this word can be interpreted. Literally, “freeze” applies to the temperature — and we love the idea of convincing ourselves it is frigid on what is usually the hottest day of the year! Think igloos, snowflakes, sleet, and parkas. Yet beyond icy cold weather, freeze also connotes freezing time, freezing motion, and a freeze frame. Also, in this rushed world, what happens when we freeze, pause, and slow down? What happens when we get glacial? We look forward to your creative interpretations of this chilled out theme!

About the ArtBeat Festival

ArtBeat is Somerville’s annual multi-media street party! The festival showcases the City’s diverse and vibrant arts communities and attracts thousands of visitors to Davis Square. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, ArtBeat is now in its 39th year and features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and interactive activities. We choose a new theme each year to keep things fresh!

Important Note: Severe weather and other emergencies can happen. Sign up for emergency text alerts for this year’s ArtBeat event: text SOMARTBEAT25 to 888777.