Somerville Civic Day event to start later to better accommodate those attending protest in Boston

On April 3, 2025, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

In recognition that on this third annual Somerville Civic Day celebration that some residents, including Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, are also planning to attend the pro-rights protest in Boston on Saturday, the timing of Civic Day is shifting to a later start. The community is invited to attend the city’s spring Civic Day celebration on Saturday, April 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the City Hall concourse at 93 Highland Avenue (rain or cold weather location is inside Somerville High School near front entrance). Previously the event was planned to start at noon.

Now in its third year, Civic Day aims to provide community members of all ages with fun, interactive opportunities to celebrate democracy and learn about City government, programs, services, and ways to get involved.

“On this Civic Day many residents are planning to first take part in civic action downtown. We hope that no matter how you spend your morning, that afterward that residents will stop by Somerville Civic Day to learn about their local government, the services we offer, and ways to engage with our municipality,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “As the national environment becomes more challenging, it’s a good time to get involved and informed about local programs and opportunities to volunteer or be heard, and Civic Day is designed to make that fun. So, please join us.”

Here’s a sneak peek at activities City staff has planned for the day:

Cast your vote in Cycle 2 of Somerville’s Participatory Budgeting process.
Pose for a photo on a Somerville firetruck or a police motorcycle.
Ask & learn from our Mobility Division about how we are making our streets safer for everyone.
Share your thoughts on planning our city’s growth with our Planning Dept.
Take home a pollinator plant plug for your home garden.
Take a tour of City Hall. Tour begins at 2 p.m. Please meet at the front stairs of City Hall.
Navigate a hazard house and learn about fire safety with Somerville Fire Department.
Plus, enjoy local food and music performed by Somerville High School ensembles. .

The City Hall concourse will be closed to vehicular traffic. Temporary handicap parking will be available along Highland Avenue near the concourse. In the event of inclement weather, all outdoor activities will be moved inside to Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.)

Multilingual staff from the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs will be present to offer language support for residents who may need assistance connecting with city departments.

For more information, please contact 311 (617-666-3311) or visitsomervillema.gov/civicday