~Photos by Claudia Ferro

HONK! Festival 2023 took place last weekend, with this year’s participants hailing from all across the United States.

HONK! is a very unique musical movement that first began right here in Somerville back in 2006. Out of those humble beginnings, HONK! has become a recognizable worldwide phenomenon.

Held in Somerville, Cambridge, and Boston neighborhoods, these bands create an irresistible spectacle of creative movement and sonic self-expression directed at making the world a better place.

The annual 3-day free festival brought brass bands from all over the United States and the world to the local region for a celebration of music, community and activism.