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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series

Spotlight Series

Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series

The Center for Arts at the Armory curates and produces the Spotlight Series to celebrate the diversity and culture of our community by bringing world-renowned performers, always paired with a local opening act, into our historic and intimate setting. We put the spotlight on local, national and international artists from diverse communities, and provide platforms that amplify these voices.

The series focuses on music but also includes theater and dance, as well as keynote speakers, to create immersive experiences sparking joy, inspiration, reflection, and intercultural learning. Past Spotlight Series artists have included Sweet Honey in the Rock, Rufus Wainwright, Meshell Ndegeocello, 10,000 Maniacs, Shawn Colvin, Blind Boys of Alabama, Ravi Coltrane, The Soul Rebels, John Scofield, iLe, Bill Frisell, Leyla McCalla, Lady Lamb, Lakou Mizik, Tracy Kidder & Jim O’Connell, Rodney Crowell, Bitch, Ryan Montbleau Band, BALA BILA w/Balla Kouyate and Matchume Zango, From Baghdad to Brooklyn by Michelle Azar, Wesli, Chris Pureka, David Wax Museum, Riders in the Sky, Fabiola Mรฉndez, and Acoustic Nomads.

If you are interested in sponsoring a performance or the entire series, please click here for more information.

Upcoming Spotlight Series Events

Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents We Black Folk Showcase
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We Black Folk Showcase

March 20, 2026

Celebrate the Boston-based movement to highlight and expand the Black folk genre!

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Rufus Wainwright returns to Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA for his 2026 East Coast Solo Shows!
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Rufus Wainwright

April 27, 2026

An intimate concert with one of the most distinctive voices of his generation.

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Grace Kelly
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Grace Kelly

May 9, 2026

Saxophonist-singer-songwriter Grace Kelly takes the stage in May 2026 at Arts at the Armory!

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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Tourmaline
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Tourmaline

May 28, 2026

Artist, filmmaker, and national bestselling author Tourmaline will discuss her new book!

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Tito Puente, Jr. and dancers musicians from MetaMovements
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Tito Puente Jr. with MetMovements

December 11, 2026

Tito Puente, Jr. and his ensemble brings exhilarating Latin rhythms that will get your feet moving.

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Search Events

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Maya Ludtke & Yisi Liu Exhibition Reception
Sun. Feb. 01, 2026ย ย ย ย 
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Please join us for the Opening Reception for the Art Exhibition of Maya Ludtke and Yisi Liu. Maya Ludtke Artist StatementAs a transnational and transracial [...]
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World Class Music Live Presents: Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
Sun. Feb. 01, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
worldclassmusic.liveย proudlyย presents the Senegalese griot master Ablaye Cissoko! Get tickets now! Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko shares the stage in a mesmerizing collaboration with French accordionist [...]
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West Coast Swing Training
Mon. Feb. 02, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A weekly Training course to help improve dancers in the skills in west coast swing.
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World Class Music Live Presents: Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
Tue. Feb. 03, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
worldclassmusic.liveย proudlyย presents the Senegalese griot master Ablaye Cissoko! Get tickets now! Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko shares the stage in a mesmerizing collaboration with French accordionist [...]
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Feb. 03, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What's a SMUT SLAM? I'm so glad you asked! It's a fast-paced storytelling open mic based on REAL life, REAL lust, REAL sex. Consenting Slammers [...]
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Somerville Poetry Workshop
Wed. Feb. 04, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly Feedback โ™ฆ Visiting Poets โ™ฆ Inspiring Readings Somerville is a great town for poets and writers, of all levels. This discussion-based workshop aims to [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Feb. 04, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents: Vivian Tu: Well Endowed
Thu. Feb. 05, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Calling all soon-to-be rich people!! Your Rich BFF is going on tour! Get tickets now! Youโ€™ve mastered the basics of becoming Rich AF. Your bills [...]
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Somerville Winter Farmers Market
Sat. Feb. 07, 2026ย ย ย ย 
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods.
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Rick & Friends
Sat. Feb. 07, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dave, Ben & Rick play music at the Somerville Armory Cafe Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm!
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Latin Dance Class
Sat. Feb. 07, 2026ย ย ย ย 
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
From the creators of beloved all-ages events like Salsa In The Park and Dancing On The Row, MetaMovements is bringing a new dance series to [...]
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Brunch Collective: The Late Checkout Show
Sat. Feb. 07, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join the Brunch Collective on The Late Checkout Tour! Brunch Collective is a 10-piece jazz-influenced funk/pop band based in Boston. Their music blends elements of [...]
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Winter Asian Market
Sun. Feb. 08, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Experience the magic of Winter through the colors, flavors and creativity of Asia! Come to the Armory for a gathering of the finest authentic Asian [...]
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West Coast Swing Training
Mon. Feb. 09, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A weekly Training course to help improve dancers in the skills in west coast swing.
More Info
Somerville Poetry Workshop
Wed. Feb. 11, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly Feedback โ™ฆ Visiting Poets โ™ฆ Inspiring Readings Somerville is a great town for poets and writers, of all levels. This discussion-based workshop aims to [...]
More Info
Tunefoolery Coffee House
Wed. Feb. 11, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tunefoolery Music is a non-profit organization for musicians in mental health recovery.
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Students Not Statistics: Student Health Survey Presentation
Thu. Feb. 12, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
You're invited! Join us for Students Not Statistics, a youth-led presentation and discussion of Student Health Survey results, with a special focus on youth mental [...]
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Pub Sing
Thu. Feb. 12, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join in with chorus songs that are easy to learn and fun to sing
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The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
Fri. Feb. 13, 2026ย ย ย ย 
8:00 pm
Nova Comedy Collective presents Nebula Night, featuring local talent from Bostonโ€™s comedy, music, arts scene, and beyond.
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Somerville Winter Farmers Market
Sat. Feb. 14, 2026ย ย ย ย 
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods.
More Info
Rick & Friends
Sat. Feb. 14, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dave, Ben & Rick play music at the Somerville Armory Cafe Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm!
More Info
Unladylike Comedy: Galentine's
Sat. Feb. 14, 2026ย ย ย ย 
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
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WholeTone Music Academy Valentine's Day Open Mic
Sat. Feb. 14, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The first half of the program will be family-friendly and G-rated, and will conclude with a Dabke Dance Break. This will be a Palestinian dance [...]
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Winter Asian Market
Sun. Feb. 15, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
A Vibrant, cozy, indoor market celebrating Asian culture, creativity, and community! Come to the Armory for a gathering of the finest food vendors, local artisans, [...]
More Info
West Coast Swing Training
Mon. Feb. 16, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A weekly Training course to help improve dancers in the skills in west coast swing.
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Feb. 18, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
You are not going to want to miss February 18th Songwriters in the Round at the Somerville Armory. We have some brand new voices to [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Feb. 18, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, [...]
More Info
Black History Month Film Festival
Thu. Feb. 19, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:30 am - 7:00 pm
Join the Department of Racial and Social Justiceย at Arts at the Armory to catch a film celebrating the black experience through cinema. To close out [...]
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Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
Thu. Feb. 19, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:30 pm
An independently-produced, monthly improv show featuring new and veteran local talent. Come see whatโ€™s blowing up!
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Get to the Gig Presents Marissa Nadler
Fri. Feb. 20, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Get to the Gig Boston and MassConcerts Present Marissa Nadler Get tickets now! Doors open at 6:30 PM Show begins at 7:30 PM Instagram Spotify
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IMPROV COMEDY an evening of
Fri. Feb. 20, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
One evening. Four acts of IMPROV COMEDY Hosted by Chris & Zack
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Somerville Winter Farmers Market
Sat. Feb. 21, 2026ย ย ย ย 
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods.
More Info
Rick & Friends
Sat. Feb. 21, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dave, Ben & Rick play music at the Somerville Armory Cafe Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm!
More Info
Cafรฉ Raqs
Sat. Feb. 21, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Cafรฉ Raqs is a place for New England's belly dancers of all styles and levels to perform in a fun, professional, and supportive environment! The [...]
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Get to the Gig Presents Drink the Sea
Sat. Feb. 21, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
MassConcerts & Get To The Gig Boston Present Drink The Sea (featuring mem. ofย R.E.M., Screaming Trees, Them Crooked Vultures) Get tickets now! Doors open at [...]
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Winter Asian Market
Sun. Feb. 22, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
A Vibrant, cozy, indoor market celebrating Asian culture, creativity, and community! Come to the Armory for a gathering of the finest food vendors, local artisans, [...]
More Info
GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Feb. 22, 2026ย ย ย ย 
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monthly DJโ€™d dance event! We are a diverse and inclusive community of dancers united by our love of Swing dance. Balboa originated in Southern California [...]
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West Coast Swing Training
Mon. Feb. 23, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A weekly Training course to help improve dancers in the skills in west coast swing.
More Info
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM - LOVE WINS [CANCELED]
Tue. Feb. 24, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
2/24/2026 Update: Moth StorySLAM is canceled tonight (2/24/2026). The Moth will refund ticket buyers for tonight's event, please email info@themoth.org for ticketing questions. Join us [...]
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Burhan Azeem Party
Wed. Feb. 25, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:00 pm
Massachusetts is a great place to live that no one can afford. Burhan Azeem has spent his time in office focused on practical solutions that [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Feb. 25, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Grab your uke and join us as we sing and strum the hits! All levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned hands.
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Somerville Poetry Workshop
Wed. Feb. 25, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly Feedback โ™ฆ Visiting Poets โ™ฆ Inspiring Readings Somerville is a great town for poets and writers, of all levels. This discussion-based workshop aims to [...]
More Info
Stand-Up on the Spot: an Improvised Stand-Up Show
Thu. Feb. 26, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
More Info
WYRD: Gladiators - Comedy
Fri. Feb. 27, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A night full of long form improv comedy performed by a slew of Boston's top talent.
More Info
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
Sat. Feb. 28, 2026ย ย ย ย 
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods.
More Info
Rick & Friends
Sat. Feb. 28, 2026ย ย ย ย 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dave, Ben & Rick play music at the Somerville Armory Cafe Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm!
More Info
Balkan Music Night
Sat. Feb. 28, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Join us for the 37th Balkan Music Night! Get tickets now! Tickets in advance are $ 42 ($45 at the door) with additional discounts for [...]
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i Sebastiani: The Greedy Stepmother
Sun. Mar. 01, 2026ย ย ย ย 
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
i Sebastiani, The Greatest Commedia dell'Arte Troupe in the Entire World! is proud to present a scenario never before performed in English, and not performed [...]
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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Djรฉkady with Balla Kouyatรฉ and Mike Block
Sun. Mar. 01, 2026ย ย ย ย 
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Led by Balla Kouyatรฉ and Mike Block, this band weaves Malian and American traditions into music that moves feet and lifts spirits. Get tickets now! [...]
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West Coast Swing Training
Mon. Mar. 02, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A weekly Training course to help improve dancers in the skills in west coast swing.
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Mar. 03, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What's a SMUT SLAM? I'm so glad you asked! It's a fast-paced storytelling open mic based on REAL life, REAL lust, REAL sex. Consenting Slammers [...]
More Info
Get To The Gig presents Landon Conrath with Abby Holiday
Wed. Mar. 04, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
MassConcerts & Get To The Gig Boston Present Landon Conrath Get tickets now! with Abby Holiday Doors open at 6:30PM Show begins at 7:30PM
More Info
Somerville Poetry Workshop
Wed. Mar. 04, 2026ย ย ย ย 
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly Feedback โ™ฆ Visiting Poets โ™ฆ Inspiring Readings Somerville is a great town for poets and writers, of all levels. This discussion-based workshop aims to [...]
More Info
From Afar Album Release Show
Wed. Mar. 04, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
From Afar (ืžืจื—ื•ืง) is Nadav Brennerโ€™s debut album. Setting poems by renowned Israeli poet Nathan Zach alongside original lyrics, the album reflects on the difficulty [...]
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Misfit Variety Show
Thu. Mar. 05, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
A joyride of heartwarmingly irreverent comedy for the weirdos, rebels, and the misunderstood. Host Lauren LoGiudice (โ€œfierceโ€ - NYT) assembles a rotating cast of eclectic [...]
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Theatre@First Presents: A Night of One Acts
Fri. Mar. 06, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Oil is out, low temperatures are in! Or so we're interpreting the whims of fortune, which shut down the boiler in our usual space and [...]
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SMOKUS POCUS: The World's Dopest Magic Show
Fri. Mar. 06, 2026ย ย ย ย 
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Elevate your weekend plans with a night of magic that hits different. Innovative feats of trickery are infused with the world of weed as jars [...]
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Events on Sun. Feb. 01, 2026
Maya Ludtke & Yisi Liu Exhibition Reception
1 Feb 26
World Class Music Live Presents: Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
1 Feb 26
Events on Mon. Feb. 02, 2026
West Coast Swing Training
2 Feb 26
Events on Tue. Feb. 03, 2026
World Class Music Live Presents: Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
3 Feb 26
Smut Slam
3 Feb 26
Events on Wed. Feb. 04, 2026
Somerville Poetry Workshop
4 Feb 26
Songwriters in the Round
4 Feb 26
Events on Thu. Feb. 05, 2026
Bill Blumenreich Presents: Vivian Tu: Well Endowed
5 Feb 26
Events on Sat. Feb. 07, 2026
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
7 Feb 26
Rick & Friends
7 Feb 26
Latin Dance Class
7 Feb 26
Brunch Collective: The Late Checkout Show
7 Feb 26
Events on Sun. Feb. 08, 2026
Winter Asian Market
8 Feb 26
Events on Mon. Feb. 09, 2026
West Coast Swing Training
9 Feb 26
Events on Wed. Feb. 11, 2026
Somerville Poetry Workshop
11 Feb 26
Tunefoolery Coffee House
11 Feb 26
Events on Thu. Feb. 12, 2026
Students Not Statistics: Student Health Survey Presentation
12 Feb 26
Pub Sing
12 Feb 26
Events on Fri. Feb. 13, 2026
The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
13 Feb 26
Events on Sat. Feb. 14, 2026
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
14 Feb 26
Rick & Friends
14 Feb 26
Unladylike Comedy: Galentine's
14 Feb 26
WholeTone Music Academy Valentine's Day Open Mic
14 Feb 26
Events on Sun. Feb. 15, 2026
Winter Asian Market
15 Feb 26
Events on Mon. Feb. 16, 2026
West Coast Swing Training
16 Feb 26
Events on Wed. Feb. 18, 2026
Songwriters in the Round
18 Feb 26
Songwriters in the Round
18 Feb 26
Events on Thu. Feb. 19, 2026
Black History Month Film Festival
19 Feb 26
Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
19 Feb 26
Events on Fri. Feb. 20, 2026
Get to the Gig Presents Marissa Nadler
20 Feb 26
IMPROV COMEDY an evening of
20 Feb 26
Events on Sat. Feb. 21, 2026
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
21 Feb 26
Rick & Friends
21 Feb 26
Cafรฉ Raqs
21 Feb 26
Get to the Gig Presents Drink the Sea
21 Feb 26
Events on Sun. Feb. 22, 2026
Winter Asian Market
22 Feb 26
GottaBal! Dance
22 Feb 26
Events on Mon. Feb. 23, 2026
West Coast Swing Training
23 Feb 26
Events on Tue. Feb. 24, 2026
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM - LOVE WINS [CANCELED]
24 Feb 26
Events on Wed. Feb. 25, 2026
Burhan Azeem Party
25 Feb 26
Strummerville Ukulele Club
25 Feb 26
Somerville Poetry Workshop
25 Feb 26
Events on Thu. Feb. 26, 2026
Stand-Up on the Spot: an Improvised Stand-Up Show
26 Feb 26
Events on Fri. Feb. 27, 2026
WYRD: Gladiators - Comedy
27 Feb 26
Events on Sat. Feb. 28, 2026
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
28 Feb 26
Rick & Friends
28 Feb 26
Balkan Music Night
28 Feb 26
Events on Sun. Mar. 01, 2026
i Sebastiani: The Greedy Stepmother
1 Mar 26
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Djรฉkady with Balla Kouyatรฉ and Mike Block
1 Mar 26
Events on Mon. Mar. 02, 2026
West Coast Swing Training
2 Mar 26
Events on Tue. Mar. 03, 2026
Smut Slam
3 Mar 26
Events on Wed. Mar. 04, 2026
Get To The Gig presents Landon Conrath with Abby Holiday
4 Mar 26
Somerville Poetry Workshop
4 Mar 26
From Afar Album Release Show
4 Mar 26
Events on Thu. Mar. 05, 2026
Misfit Variety Show
5 Mar 26
Events on Fri. Mar. 06, 2026
Theatre@First Presents: A Night of One Acts
6 Mar 26
SMOKUS POCUS: The World's Dopest Magic Show
6 Mar 26

Upcoming Events

Arts at the Armory GlowBall 2026

Arts at the Armory GlowBall 2026

Fri. Apr. 10, 2026, 7:00 PM
Somerville Winter Farmers Market

Somerville Winter Farmers Market

Sat. Apr. 11, 2026, 9:30 AM
Rick & Friends

Rick & Friends

Sat. Apr. 11, 2026, 10:00 AM

The Center for the Arts at the Armory