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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 Méndez, 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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Lunar New Year Rolling Parade
Sun. Feb. 23, 2025    
11:30 am
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with live performances, Korean food, games, drummers, lion dance, and more! RSVP required. Click here to RSVP!
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i Sebastiani Presents "The Sure Bet"
Sun. Feb. 23, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come celebrate International Commedia dell'Arte Day in the ROOTED Armory Café! Pantalone and Dottore are betting on which of them can attract a wife first.  [...]
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GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Feb. 23, 2025    
5:00 pm
Monthly DJ’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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An Evening with Randy Blythe Just Beyond The Light Spoken Word Book Tour + Q&A
Sun. Feb. 23, 2025    
7:00 pm
Join us for An Evening with Randy Blythe Just Beyond The Light Spoken Word Book Tour + Q&A. Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 [...]
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The Moth: StorySLAM — OBLIVIOUS
Tue. Feb. 25, 2025    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Five-minute stories about naïveté. Missing the social cues and movie references. The joke going over your head at the brunch table. The flirting attempt that [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Feb. 26, 2025    
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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The Bowery presents Mustafa
Wed. Feb. 26, 2025    
7:00 pm
Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 PM Show begins at 8:00 PM Mustafa is a Canadian poet, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker from Toronto. He released his [...]
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Polyamory Discussion: The Basics Q&A
Thu. Feb. 27, 2025    
7:00 pm
A Polyamory Discussion in the ROOTED Armory Café. Presented by Polyam Collaborative Community. Facilitated by Carol Ann. Doors open at 6:30 PM Discussion from 7:00 [...]
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Cantata Singers: Community Sing
Fri. Feb. 28, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Community Sing with Sophia Miller, Guest Artist This event is a wonderful opportunity for musicians and non-musicians of all ages to come together and make [...]
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The Duo Show
Fri. Feb. 28, 2025    
8:00 pm
Lizardsandgizmos Comedy presents The Duo Show Get tickets now! Come see some of the best improv comedy duos in the area! Featuring: 6'3" on Hinge [...]
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Somerville Songwriter Sessions
Sat. Mar. 01, 2025    
7:00 pm
A live, in-person concert with featured singer/songwriters. The concert will include a solo set by each artist, followed by a round robin song swap.
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The Vegan Market
Sun. Mar. 02, 2025    
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Vegan Market SPRING EDITION in SOMERVILLE! www.theveganmarketma.com We'll have around 30+ vegan food, treat, apothecary, and art products to shop from. Let us help [...]
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SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Mar. 04, 2025    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Free groceries for older people and younger people with disabilities living in senior housing, provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder services and the Greater Boston Food Bank
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Get to the Gig Presents Post Sex Nachos
Tue. Mar. 04, 2025    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Get To The Gig Boston and MassConcerts Present POST SEX NACHOS The Minor League Tour Doors 6:00 PM Show 7:00 PM Get tickets now! postsexnachos.com [...]
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Smut Slam
Tue. Mar. 04, 2025    
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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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Mar. 05, 2025    
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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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Mar. 05, 2025    
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
CHA Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Navigating Complexity in Community
Thu. Mar. 06, 2025    
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
In-person and Livestream Conference, Somerville, MA If you have been puzzled or overwhelmed by all the developments related to PAP and want to advance your [...]
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The Big 3rd
Thu. Mar. 06, 2025    
8:00 pm - 9:15 pm
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CHA Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Navigating Complexity in Community
Fri. Mar. 07, 2025    
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
In-person and Livestream Conference, Somerville, MA If you have been puzzled or overwhelmed by all the developments related to PAP and want to advance your [...]
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WYRD Presents... Silly Love Songs
Fri. Mar. 07, 2025    
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
An independently produced comedy show featuring veteran talent from the Boston area.
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WYRD Presents... The New Faces in Hell
Fri. Mar. 07, 2025    
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A character show featuring comedians facing judgement at the gates of hell.
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For Her: International Women's Day Recital
Sat. Mar. 08, 2025    
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
"For Her" is a program born from the intense moments of connection I’ve shared with the women in my life—what I call “you too?” moments. [...]
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Balkan Music Night
Sat. Mar. 08, 2025    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join us for the 36th Balkan Music Night! Get tickets now! Balkan Music Night is a vibrant event that highlights the rich musical and dance [...]
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SOLD OUT: Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Rufus Wainwright
Sun. Mar. 09, 2025    
7:00 pm
Arts at the Armory is one of the stops on Rufus Wainwright's Going to a Town Solo Tour 2025. Reserve your tickets for the intimate concert [...]
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The Bowery Presents Emile Mosseri
Tue. Mar. 11, 2025    
7:00 pm
Get tickets now!
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Tunefoolery Coffee House
Wed. Mar. 12, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tunefoolery Music is a non-profit organization for musicians in mental health recovery.
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Pub Sing
Thu. Mar. 13, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join in with chorus songs that are easy to learn and fun to sing
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Boston Islamic Seminary Fundraiser Gala
Fri. Mar. 14, 2025    
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Boston Islamic Seminary (BIS) invites you to join the Annual Ramadan Fundraising Iftar, an evening of community, reflection, and giving. This event offers an opportunity for Muslims to gather, break [...]
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The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
Fri. Mar. 14, 2025    
8:00 pm
Nova Comedy Collective presents Nebula Night, featuring local talent from Boston’s comedy, music, arts scene, and beyond.
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P.S. Home Listening Party
Sat. Mar. 15, 2025    
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
CTZNS Music presents P.S. Home – join Jalen on a journey through the life of the prodigal son in this powerful album experience. Get tickets [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents Sarah Keyworth
Sat. Mar. 15, 2025    
7:00 pm
Sarah Keyworth: My Eyes are Up Here Get tickets now! Sarah Keyworth is an award-winning stand up comedian who performs live regularly across the UK. [...]
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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents From Baghdad to Brooklyn by Michelle Azar
Sun. Mar. 16, 2025    
5:00 pm
From Baghdad to Brooklyn is Azar’s story of her ancestors’ immigrant journey charted in a map of music traditions and cultural celebrations. Get tickets now! [...]
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Get to the Gig presents Patterson Hood
Tue. Mar. 18, 2025    
7:00 pm
Get to the Gig and MassConcerts present Patterson Hood of Drive By Truckers with Lydia Loveless! Get tickets now! Join us for an evening with [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Mar. 19, 2025    
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
Get to the Gig Presents Weatherday
Wed. Mar. 19, 2025    
7:00 pm
All ages. 7pm Doors / 8pm Show $20 advance / $25 day-of-show Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 31. Get tickets now! Weatherday on Instagram
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Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
Thu. Mar. 20, 2025    
7:30 pm
An independently-produced, monthly improv show featuring new and veteran local talent. Come see what’s blowing up!
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Get To the Gig Presents Mark Guiliana plays MARK
Sat. Mar. 22, 2025    
6:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable live performance by Mark Guiliana. Get tickets now! Grammy-nominated drummer and composer Mark Guiliana has been a defining force in [...]
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Open Mic of Music
Sat. Mar. 22, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join us for Open Mic of Music in the ROOTED Café at Arts at the Armory. Hosted by Shawn Deirdre and Kevin ONeil.
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Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers Presents: Knights of The Squared Circle
Sun. Mar. 23, 2025    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
BLOWW Presents: Knights of The Squared Circle - BLOWW Goes Medieval on Your A$$! Get tickets now! In these dark times, the Boston League of Wicked [...]
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The Moth: StorySLAM — BEEF
Tue. Mar. 25, 2025    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Five-minute stories about bad blood. The petty grievances that drive you mad, the cold wars waged, long-standing grudges to petty spats, tell us about the [...]
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But: Life Isn't Like That, Is It? with Boff Whalley
Tue. Mar. 25, 2025    
7:00 pm
Boff Whalley performs But: Life Isn't Like That, Is It? at the ROOTED Armory Café. But: Life Isn't Like That, Is It? is a new [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Mar. 26, 2025    
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.
More Info
Get To the Gig Presents Habibi
Wed. Mar. 26, 2025    
7:00 pm
Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00PM Show begins at 8:00PM Co-founded by Detroit natives Rahill Jamalifard and Lenny Lynch, Habibi got its start in [...]
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Queer Global Music Night
Wed. Mar. 26, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
An evening of musical performances by at least 3 different LGBTQ performing ensembles including fullbright scholar and trilingual singer Anaís Azul with special guests from [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Thu. Mar. 27, 2025    
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.
More Info
Get to the Gig presents Horsegirl
Thu. Mar. 27, 2025    
7:00 pm
Get to the Gig Boston and MassConcerts present Horsegirl with Free Range Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 PM Show begins at 8:00 PM
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Yes And Standup
Fri. Mar. 28, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
One show: Two forms of comedy. 3 stand ups performing 10 mins each, and an indie improv team using those sets to inspire a 25 [...]
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Orchestra I.S. Presents Recall
Sat. Mar. 29, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Longy’s Instrumental Studies department presents Orchestra I.S. Get tickets now! Looking to the past to create a present, a future. Orchestra I.S. presents Recall, a program investigating [...]
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G Rockwell Band
Sat. Mar. 29, 2025    
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
G Rockwell Band is coming to the ROOTED Café at Arts at the Armory. An award winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and bandleader, G Rockwell has [...]
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GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Mar. 30, 2025    
4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Monthly DJ’d dance event! We are a diverse and inclusive community of dancers united by our love of Swing dance. Balboa originated in Southern California [...]
More Info
SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Apr. 01, 2025    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Free groceries for older people and younger people with disabilities living in senior housing, provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder services and the Greater Boston Food Bank
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Apr. 01, 2025    
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
World Class Music Live Presents Moonlight Benjamin
Tue. Apr. 01, 2025    
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
A Boston debut for a true original!  Welcome to the incantatory, voodoo-infused garage blues - by a real Haitian priestess.  Somewhere between Oumou Sangaré & Alabama Shakes.   Get [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Apr. 02, 2025    
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
Troy Hawke: The Greeters Guild
Fri. Apr. 04, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Live Nation presents Troy Hawke: The Greeters Guild Doors open at 6:00 PM Show begins at 7:00 PM Get tickets now! Tickets $35 Advance, $40 [...]
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WYRD Presents... Silly Love Songs
Fri. Apr. 04, 2025    
7:30 pm
An independently produced comedy show featuring veteran talent from the Boston area.
More Info
WYRD Presents... Classy Characters
Fri. Apr. 04, 2025    
9:00 pm
An independently produced comedy show featuring veteran talent from the Boston area.
More Info
Events on Sun. Feb. 23, 2025
Lunar New Year Rolling Parade
23 Feb 25
i Sebastiani Presents "The Sure Bet"
23 Feb 25
GottaBal! Dance
23 Feb 25
An Evening with Randy Blythe Just Beyond The Light Spoken Word Book Tour + Q&A
23 Feb 25
Events on Tue. Feb. 25, 2025
The Moth: StorySLAM — OBLIVIOUS
25 Feb 25
Events on Wed. Feb. 26, 2025
Strummerville Ukulele Club
26 Feb 25
The Bowery presents Mustafa
26 Feb 25
Events on Thu. Feb. 27, 2025
Polyamory Discussion: The Basics Q&A
27 Feb 25
Events on Fri. Feb. 28, 2025
Cantata Singers: Community Sing
28 Feb 25
The Duo Show
28 Feb 25
Events on Sat. Mar. 01, 2025
Somerville Songwriter Sessions
1 Mar 25
Events on Sun. Mar. 02, 2025
The Vegan Market
2 Mar 25
Events on Tue. Mar. 04, 2025
SCES Brown Bag Program
4 Mar 25
Get to the Gig Presents Post Sex Nachos
4 Mar 25
Smut Slam
4 Mar 25
Events on Wed. Mar. 05, 2025
Songwriters in the Round
5 Mar 25
Songwriters in the Round
5 Mar 25
Events on Thu. Mar. 06, 2025
CHA Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Navigating Complexity in Community
6 Mar 25
The Big 3rd
6 Mar 25
Events on Fri. Mar. 07, 2025
CHA Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Navigating Complexity in Community
7 Mar 25
WYRD Presents... Silly Love Songs
7 Mar 25
WYRD Presents... The New Faces in Hell
7 Mar 25
Events on Sat. Mar. 08, 2025
For Her: International Women's Day Recital
8 Mar 25
Balkan Music Night
8 Mar 25
Events on Sun. Mar. 09, 2025
SOLD OUT: Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Rufus Wainwright
9 Mar 25
Events on Tue. Mar. 11, 2025
The Bowery Presents Emile Mosseri
11 Mar 25
Events on Wed. Mar. 12, 2025
Tunefoolery Coffee House
12 Mar 25
Events on Thu. Mar. 13, 2025
Pub Sing
13 Mar 25
Events on Fri. Mar. 14, 2025
Boston Islamic Seminary Fundraiser Gala
14 Mar 25
The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
14 Mar 25
Events on Sat. Mar. 15, 2025
P.S. Home Listening Party
15 Mar 25
Bill Blumenreich Presents Sarah Keyworth
15 Mar 25
Events on Sun. Mar. 16, 2025
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents From Baghdad to Brooklyn by Michelle Azar
16 Mar 25
Events on Tue. Mar. 18, 2025
Get to the Gig presents Patterson Hood
18 Mar 25
Events on Wed. Mar. 19, 2025
Songwriters in the Round
19 Mar 25
Get to the Gig Presents Weatherday
19 Mar 25
Events on Thu. Mar. 20, 2025
Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
20 Mar 25
Events on Sat. Mar. 22, 2025
Get To the Gig Presents Mark Guiliana plays MARK
22 Mar 25
Open Mic of Music
22 Mar 25
Events on Sun. Mar. 23, 2025
Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers Presents: Knights of The Squared Circle
23 Mar 25
Events on Tue. Mar. 25, 2025
The Moth: StorySLAM — BEEF
25 Mar 25
But: Life Isn't Like That, Is It? with Boff Whalley
25 Mar 25
Events on Wed. Mar. 26, 2025
Strummerville Ukulele Club
26 Mar 25
Get To the Gig Presents Habibi
26 Mar 25
Queer Global Music Night
26 Mar 25
Events on Thu. Mar. 27, 2025
Strummerville Ukulele Club
27 Mar 25
Get to the Gig presents Horsegirl
27 Mar 25
Events on Fri. Mar. 28, 2025
Yes And Standup
28 Mar 25
Events on Sat. Mar. 29, 2025
Orchestra I.S. Presents Recall
29 Mar 25
G Rockwell Band
29 Mar 25
Events on Sun. Mar. 30, 2025
GottaBal! Dance
30 Mar 25
Events on Tue. Apr. 01, 2025
SCES Brown Bag Program
1 Apr 25
Smut Slam
1 Apr 25
World Class Music Live Presents Moonlight Benjamin
1 Apr 25
Events on Wed. Apr. 02, 2025
Songwriters in the Round
2 Apr 25
Events on Fri. Apr. 04, 2025
Troy Hawke: The Greeters Guild
4 Apr 25
WYRD Presents... Silly Love Songs
4 Apr 25
WYRD Presents... Classy Characters
4 Apr 25

Upcoming Events

Somerville Winter Farmers Market

Somerville Winter Farmers Market

Sat. Apr. 11, 2026, 9:30 AM
Jamie Dunphy and True North

Jamie Dunphy and True North

Sat. Apr. 11, 2026, 3:00 PM
Esh Circus Arts Spring Student Show

Esh Circus Arts Spring Student Show

Sat. Apr. 11, 2026, 7:30 PM

The Center for the Arts at the Armory