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 all-age activities.

On Friday night from 6 pm to 10 pm we have music and interactive performances, then on Saturday we shut down Davis Square for the craft vendors, two stages of music, dance in the Somerville Theater, and a host of great interactive peformances from 11 am to 6 pm.

This year's ArtBeat theme is "Voice," a celebration of all things that have to do with being vocal —both literally and figuratively. How does a community find a collective voice and be heard? How does an individual find a voice to speak up and share thoughts, desires and frustration?  From sotto voce to a loud roar, voices can take on all volumes, tones and timbres. What's your voice — and how does it harmonize or perhaps clash with other voices? Thinking in a more expansive way, voice doesn't have to be vocal or audible — it is more about advocacy. Someone doesn't always have to speak out loud to be heard; voice can embody all types of expression. We look forward to your creative interpretations of this theme — whether it's a proposed puppet show about a girl who loses her voice, dance choreography that addresses the voices we hear in our heads, or a sound installation about how giving voice can affect change.  Surprise us! Get Vocal!