Somerville PorchFest 2025 & More: Your Weekend Guide

Looking for fun things to do this weekend in the Boston area? Mother’s Day is right around the corner, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate beyond the traditional brunch. This weekend offers a diverse range of activities, from live music and artisan markets to contemporary art and thought-provoking theater. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings or unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to fill your weekend with laughter, music, art, and community spirit!

Laugh Your Way into the Weekend: Mother’s Day Comedy Show

Kick off the weekend with a hilarious pre-Mother’s Day celebration at The Norwood Theatre this Friday, May 9th. The show features a fantastic lineup of comedians, headlined by the mother-daughter duo Kathe and Jesse Farris. Also taking the stage are Kelly MacFarland, winner of Best of the Fest at the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival and veteran of “The Today Show” and “The View,” and Christine Hurley, known for her performances in Denis Leary’s “Comics Come Home” and on “America’s Got Talent.”

Get ready for an evening filled with observational humor, witty anecdotes, and relatable stories about motherhood, family, and everyday life. Tickets range from $30 to $43, offering an affordable and entertaining start to your weekend. This comedy show is a perfect way to unwind, share some laughs with loved ones, and celebrate the spirit of Mother’s Day.

Somerville PorchFest: A City-Wide Celebration of Music

Get ready to immerse yourself in a day of free, live music at Somerville’s beloved PorchFest! This Saturday, May 10th, the city transforms into a vibrant stage as local bands set up on front porches and play sets across various genres. From pop and rock to indie and metal, there’s something to suit every musical taste. With 489 scheduled performances, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Some of the featured artists include indie trio and rock-pop band . Check out the full lineup to plan your musical adventure! New this year, PorchFest is prioritizing safety with designated roads off-limits to performances, a volunteer-run safety program, safety text alerts, and increased presence of city safety teams. Portable restrooms will also be more readily available. So grab your friends, explore the streets of Somerville, and enjoy a day of incredible live music.

Support Local Women-Owned Businesses at the Boston Women’s Market

Head to Assembly Row in Somerville this Saturday, May 10th, to support over 30 local women-owned businesses at the Boston Women’s Market. This vibrant market offers a diverse array of goods, including jewelry, homegoods, art, and more. Discover unique treasures from talented entrepreneurs like Juju Bee, a company specializing in candles inspired by Asian scents, and CORE OF US, a Black-owned vintage and secondhand retailer.

For families with young children, The Crafty Girls will host a special art activity where kids can decorate photo frames as gifts for Mother’s Day. The market is free to attend, making it a perfect opportunity to shop local, support women in business, and find unique gifts for Mother’s Day or any occasion.

Celebrate Mother Figures at the Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) is celebrating mothers and mother figures with special events this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., visitors can take a tour of “” that explores how contemporary artists portray mother figures. On Sunday at 11 a.m., there will be an art trek version of the tour with games and drawing. Visitors can also participate in an artmaking activity to create postcards for their mothers.

These activities are included with general admission to the ICA, offering a meaningful and creative way to honor the important women in your life. Explore thought-provoking art, engage in hands-on activities, and celebrate the multifaceted roles of mothers in contemporary society.

“The Squirrels” at Chelsea Theatre Works

For a unique theatrical experience, check out Apollinaire Theatre Company’s production of “The Squirrels” by Robert Askins, running at Chelsea Theatre Works through May 18. This play, described as a blend of “Romeo and Juliet,” “King Lear,” and “Macbeth,” tackles themes of wealth inequality through the lens of warring squirrel factions. The show promises to be a “tragi-comical epic of prejudice and greed among squirrels living in a very divided tree.”

Askins is a Tony-nominated and Obie Award-winning playwright for “Hand to God,” so you can expect a thought-provoking and entertaining performance. Tickets for “The Squirrels” range from $15 to $65. This play offers a unique and engaging way to explore complex social issues through the art of theater.

This weekend in Boston offers a diverse range of activities to suit every interest. From the comedic stylings at The Norwood Theatre to the musical extravaganza of Somerville PorchFest, the artisan treasures at the Boston Women’s Market, the artistic explorations at the ICA, and the thought-provoking theater of “The Squirrels,” there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days with fun and enrichment.

Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or simply looking for exciting things to do, this weekend promises to be one filled with laughter, music, art, community, and unforgettable experiences. So get out there, explore the city, and make the most of all that Boston has to offer!

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