Graphic by illustrator, Dan Blakeslee.

This year’s theme: Hatch!

ArtBeat is one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food and hatch-themed activities.

What to expect Friday night:
The music lineup is killer, from Latin Bugalu to Edan who will be doing live audio and video mixing. The M.U.S.C.R.A.T. art bus will be making a debut; there will be a light sculpture by Julia Jerome; Jef Czekaj  will be spinning tunes between sets; and Keytar Bear is rumored to be playing on the main traffic island.

What to expect Saturday: 
For starters, there will be a baby alligator, as part of the Curious Creatures presentation. That’s right people: an alligator! You can also help paint a mural for the M.U.S.C.R.A.T. art bus; or perhaps you’d rather decorate an egg and pop it into the Hatch-O-Matic? There’s a fab lineup for wee ones at the Elm Street plaza, plus fabulous dance, Nibble food demos (learn to preserve lemons and make cactus salad!), community orgs, 75 craft vendors, yummy fare and one of the strongest music lineups in years!  Guillermo Sexo, playing on the 7 Hills stage at 4:30.
Davis Square, Friday, July 18 6 p.m. – Saturday, July 19 10 p.m.

For a complete schedule: http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2014/schedule