Somerville, NJ – The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is bringing back that pre-covid energy this season, recently announcing that their classic summer staple events will return, live and in person, this season starting Memorial Day weekend.
These fan favorites include their Friday night Cruise Nights, their Saturday night Summer Stage Concert Series, and the Starlit Cinema movie series which takes place on Thursdays in July and August.
“We’re excited to see our downtown full of life again,” said Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director of the DSA, “we have some great programming planned for this summer that really includes something for everyone.”
Their season kicks off on Friday, May 28th when Cruise Nights return to the streets of downtown Somerville. This free event – which brings hundreds of classic and show cars to Main Street – takes place every Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through September 3rd. The event went on hiatus last year due to COVID-19 after more than 30 years.
The weekend entertainment continues with the Summer Stage concert series on Saturday nights where, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy an eclectic variety of live music on Division Street.
This year’s lineup includes fan favorites like Tyrone Stackhouse and the Broadcasters, as well as new acts like Mike Holland, an Elvis impersonator. The series runs through Saturday, October 2nd.
The full schedule includes:
5/29 – The Outcrops
6/5 – Tyrone Stackhouse
6/12 – Sweet Fanny Adams – New
6/19 – The Frost Kings
6/26 – Mail Order Bride
7/3 – Bob Lanza
7/10 – Nick Ryan and The Mess – New
7/17 – John Busse
7/24 – The Bryan Hansen Band
7/31 – The Broadcasters
8/7 – Zaire – New
8/14 – The School of Rock
8/21 – Venture to Zen
8/28 – Rainbow Fresh – New
9/4 – Sun Dog – New
9/11 – Was supposed to be Art All Day – The Outcrops 12-3 and Bob Lanza 4-7
9/18 – Terrance Haupt
9/25 – Ready Set Go – New
10/2 – Mike Holland as “Elvis”- New
“These events are more than just entertainment,” Pineiro said, “they’re joyful experiences that bring our community together to create lasting memories.”
The DSA also plans on bringing back their Starlit Cinema Movie Series Thursdays in July and August. This year’s movie lineup hasn’t been released yet, but in years past they have shown fan favorites like the Goonies, Aquaman, and E.T.: the Extra-terrestrial. The organization is expected to announce the full schedule next month.
Pineiro notes that new events are on the horizon as well.
“We’re looking at adding events like artisan markets, restaurant weekends, and picnic events; as well as open mic nights and performance art on Division Street.”
More information on these events can be found online at DowntownSomerville.com or on social media: @DowntownSomerville on Instagram and @DowntownSomervilleAlliance on Facebook.
The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are the District Management Corporation for Downtown Somerville, NJ – one of New Jersey’s premiere downtowns. The district has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene. They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville. The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and work with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.
