Artisans Asylum will be back at SomerStreets this year with power tool pumpkin-carving, and will add Zombie face-painting to the mix.

SomerStreets celebration to feature Monster Mash-Up

By Elizabeth Sheeran

It’s been a Halloween party staple for nearly six decades, but the Monster Mash is about to get a whole new twist.

At this Sunday’s SomerStreets event, dubbed “Monster Mashed-Up,” local deejays will compete to create the best mash-up with the classic novelty hit that made a star out of Somerville native Bobby “Boris” Pickett.

“A Somerville guy wrote a song that I think everybody on the planet has heard 100 times, and we’ll see if someone can do something freaky and kind of fun with it,” said Michael Meehan, Somerville communications director.

But the mash-up competition won’t be the only event bringing the fun and/or freaky to the two-mile stretch of Somerville Avenue that will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from noon to 4 p.m. on October 23, from Porter Square to Union Square.

The wild and crazy artists of Artist’s Asylum will be back again to wow the crowd with chainsaw pumpkin-carving, and will be transforming healthy humans into Zombies – with face paint, not power tools. The adventurous can brave the Haunted House. And all kinds of costumed creatures, including the canine variety, are invited to parade down Somerville Avenue, go trick-or-treating and compete for prizes.

Even more family-friendly events will include a crafts fair, bounce house and recreational games for kids. And for adults who prefer to sit back and take in the autumn air with drink in hand, Union Square eateries will host an Oktoberfest from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., complete with beer gardens and live music.

Meehan said the city is preparing for up to 10,000 people at the event, which is paid for in part by the community fund created from cable access fees, and the goal is to offer something for everyone, getting more people off their couches and out of their cars.

“There isn’t just one type of person that lives in Somerville, so we try to create a good mix,” said Meehan. “For anyone who just wants to get out and take a walk, you can do that too. You don’t get to walk down the middle of the street too often.”