Something’s brewing in Somerville. In the next couple of months, just outside of Union Square, the Somerville Arts Council will start up their ARTfarm project at 10 Poplar Street. In advance of that upcoming construction, a different type of project is in the works — and this one is both louder and tastier.
Wave hello to the return of Starlabfest. Now in its seventh year, the annual one-day festival brings together the music, food, and entertainment worlds of Somerville to form a cohesive community, introducing itself to surrounding neighborhoods. This year sees High Energy Vintage curating a flea market of local vendors selling vintage clothing, records, knick-knacks, and more. It’s as well-timed as it gets, ushering in a sea of apartment-filler objects and back-to-school clothing right when colleges kick open their doors and fall beckons for layering.
Pay $12 at the entrance and you get a crazy, stacked bill in return. Screaming Females headline this year’s festival with their brand of solo-heavy punk rock. Throughout the day, a smattering of national and local acts take the stage, too, including The So So Glos, Bloodshot BILL, Mini Dresses, The Furniture, Gymshorts, STL GLD, Ascend/Descend, Save Ends, Animal Flag, and Adam PC.
If you’re just there to make your mouth happy, don’t fret. Scott Brothers New American Meat Co. will cook free BBQ throughout the day (with veggie options upon request for our fellow vegetarian- and vegans-in-arms). With Narragansett, wine, and what will probably be your first cider of the pre-fall season, Starlabfest keeps your mouth grinning. Plus Nick Chambers, Emily Ruskowski Comedy, and Sam Ike will be performing comedy sets as well should you need to smile even more.
It’s a sunny gathering to welcome stars later in the evening — and all for a measly $12. If you need us, we’ll be dancing in front of the main stage (bring earplugs!) with a few pit stops at Bit Bar Salem’s pop-up video arcade (no quarters required!). It’s the easiest thing to dig all weekend long.
STARLABFEST VII. SAT 9.3. 10 POPLAR ST., SOMERVILLE. 12PM/ALL AGES/$12. STARLABFEST.COM.
