Posted on July 28th
Let’s celebrate food from around the world!
Union Square is a Mecca for foodies, and to celebrate it’s sizzling food landscape we bring you our latest ArtsUnion event: Ignite, an evening of international eats, fire throwers, roving entertainment and a raucous celebration of global culture.
This unique night festival will feature double the food vendors this year, including:
- Pikliz (Haitian)
- Casa B (Latin American Tapas)
- India Palace
- Union Square Donuts
- Machu Picchu (Peruvian)
- The Arts Council’s Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurs (Venezuelan arepas, among other edible delights!).
- Desserts from Gracie’s ice cream and more!
You’ll also be able to graze on Brazilian BBQ while sipping freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, or perhaps a vegetarian Indian dosa is more up your alley? We’ve got you covered.
Nibble table
Stop by the Nibble table, the Somerville Arts Council food initiative that celebrates culture and diversity, to get know more about the free Market Tours in Union Square, our cooking classes, the pop up restaurants events and the culinary entrepreneurship program, which empowers members of our local immigrant communities to explore what it entails to launch a culinary career.
Food Activities & Entertainment

“Nose Olympics!”
We’ll start the evening off with food demos, then a Global Chip guessing game, food-related crafts for kids, the “Nose Olympics!” and mucho mas. Beyond the global grazing opportunities, the Boston Circus Guild will dance with fire, there will be craft vendors and numerous performers, including Xuchipilli Folkloric Ballet, belly dancers, Taiko drummers and ukelele minstrels in the food court. From the global menu and fire to an 8-foot tiger head created by Pecan Nut, this festival guarantees thrills, international flavor — and a full stomach!
Volunteering at the Festival!
We are looking for volunteers! Help us to organize food activities and assisting patrons at the event. Send an email to martinez.mmariafernanda@gmail.com and join us in this celebration of global culture.

Be a volunteer and have fun!
Festival’s details
When: Saturday, August 13th , 6 – 10pm in Union Square Plaza, Somerville
Rain Date: Sunday, August 14th
Suggested donation: $1 donation to support Ignite festival – proceeds go to Somerville Arts Council
Road Closures: Walk, bike or take public transport if at all possible. The stretch of Somerville Ave. that abuts the plaza will be partially closed; there will only be one lane of traffic going either way. Webster Ave. will be partially closed.