Summer in the
Square
Free Community Events in Chelsea Square
July 21 – August 29 2026
Summer in
the Square
A month of food, films, markets, and fun—right in the heart of Chelsea.
Looking for free things to do in Chelsea, MA this summer?
Chelsea Square is turning into the place to be. From the Chelsea Farmers Market and outdoor movie nights to a car show and inflatable playzone, Summer in the Square brings free, family-friendly events to the community almost every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through August 2026.
Building on the energy of our FIFA World Cup Fiesta Fútbol series, these Chelsea Square events are all about connection, play, and supporting the local businesses that make Chelsea special.
2nd Street, from Park Street to Broadway, will be closed during programming for public safety.
"Summer in the Square will build off the success and momentum of our FIFA World Cup Fiesta Fútbol events series. By continuing to activate this space, we create a welcoming and exciting space where our families, residents, and visitors can connect and play safely. These events will also further support our businesses in the area, many of whom saw a boost during the World Cup."
— Fidel Maltez, Chelsea City Manager
Schedule
Explore the full Summer in the Square events calendar for July and August 2026 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. New events are added regularly, so check back often for updates.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 21 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
Movie night in the square—Jaws
Thursday, July 23 | 6 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an outdoor showing of a summer classic on Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs' giant 9' x 16' LED screen, generously provided by Eastern Salt Company.
Discover Chelsea Car Show & Market
Saturday, July 25 | 2 – 6 p.m.
Presented with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, this community favorite returns with show cars, live entertainment, food vendors, raffles, games, and activities for the whole family.
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 28 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
Zumba in the square
Tuesday, July 28 | 6 – 7 p.m.
A Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements for all fitness levels taught by instructor Jeanette Velez. The class will focus on all elements of fitness: cardio, muscle and balance. Sneakers and comfortable clothing are encouraged.
movie night in the square–Pixar’s Elio
Tuesday, July 28 | 8 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an outdoor showing of Disney and Pixar’s Elio on Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs' giant 9' x 16' LED screen. Elio follows the cosmic misadventure of a young space fanatic with an active imagination.
Movie night in the square—F1
Thursday, July 30 | 8 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an outdoor showing of Disney and F1 the movie on Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs' giant 9' x 16' LED screen. F1 is a 2025 American sports drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, and a story by Kosinski and Kruger. The film stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem. The plot follows a Formula One (F1) racing driver who returns after a 30-year absence to save his former teammate's underdog team from collapse.
chelsea Salsa in the park
Saturday, August 1 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Salsa in the Park kicks off at 3 p.m. with a full hour of free salsa lessons* with Susy & MetaMovements followed by social dancing at 4 p.m featuring DJ EddieTunez & music corner opens. At 5:30 p.m., enjoy salsa presentations & performances before a final full hour of dancing, animaciones, music corner and more from 6 to 7 p.m. Funded in part by the Chelsea Cultural Council.
*One of the dance lessons will be taught in American Sign Language (ASL).
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, August 4 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
Movie night in the suquare– Goat
Thursday, August 6 | 8 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an outdoor showing of Goat on Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs' giant 9' x 16' LED screen. Goat follows a small goat with big dreams of playing pro ball.
Trivia & Karaoke in the Square
Thursday, August 6 | 6–8 p.m.
Join Chelsea Recreation staff for Trivia & Karaoke in the Square to test your IQ, compete against your neighbors, and sing your favorite karaoke song in between questions. Winners get bragging rights. A little friendly competition is good for you.
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, August 11 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
movie night in the square—by The Reel Do Over
Thursday, August 13 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an outdoor showing of local documentaries by Devra Sari Zabot of the Reel Do Over, Chelsea’s first and only film festival. Local documentaries will features Chelsea, The Jewish Years, and Chelsea Black Community.
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, August 18 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
Inflatables at the Farmers Market
Tuesday, August 18 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Chelsea Square transforms into an inflatable playzone during the Farmers Market.
Fiesta Fútbol Community Appreciation Celebration
Tuesday, August 18 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Join the Fiesta Futbol team for one last hurrah to celebrate the success of Fiesta Futbol with the entire community. All are welcome for an afternoon of music, free food while supplies last, and more.
trivia in the square
Saturday, August 20 | 8 p.m.
Join Chelsea Recreation staff for Trivia in the Square! Test your IQ and compete against your neighbors. Winners get bragging rights. A little friendly competition is good for you.
Verb & Flow
Saturday, August 22 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a free spoken word open mic and art show hosted by Essmaa Litim, and produced by Devra Sari Zabot, On Clark Ave Productions.
Chelsea Farmers Market
Tuesday, August 25 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The Chelsea Farmers Market has found a new permanent home in Chelsea Square, after previously being held outside City Hall. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy every week, making fresh produce more accessible to the community. The markets will run through October 20, 2026.
Apollinaire in the Park
Saturday, August 29 | 3 – 7 p.m.
The entire Chelsea Theatre Works building, along with the surrounding street and park (Chelsea Square), will come alive with Free Performances, a Beer Garden with Local Food and Craft Vendors, Live Music, Art Exhibitions, Youth Activities, Bilingual Programming, Workshops, a Costume Conversion Fashion Show and Teatro Chelsea's fresh adaptation of Don Quijote and Apollinaire's Midsummer (ish): a 6 actor, 60 minute Dream. Learn more.
Comedy in the Square
Saturday, September 19 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Join us for a free comedy open mic show in Chelsea Square hosted by Dorothy Whitfield and produced by Devra Sari Zabot, On Clark Ave Productions.
FAQs
Have questions? We have answers!
Dates
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, July 20 – August 30.
Street Closure
2nd Street will be closed between Park Street and Broadway to support programming and public safety.
cost
Free! All events are free and open to the public.
seating
None. Attendees may bring their own chairs or blankets. Select events, including workshops, will include tables and chairs, depending on instruction.
food
Local restaurants & food trucks.
transit
MBTA accessible via the 104, 111, 112, 114, and 116 bus lines, the Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, and Silver Line (SL3), Bluebikes, and RC Link Rideshare program. Visit MBTA.com to map out your transit.
Restrooms
Public portable bathrooms.
water
Water bubbler and water bottle fill locations are available. Misting station will be available as needed.
Bike Parking
Bike racks available.
parking
Limited on-street metered parking. Alternate forms of transportation such as public transit are highly recommended.
Accessibility
Dedicated accessible area for wheelchairs near screen, all areas (except grassy areas) are wheelchair accessible.
Weather Policy
Events may be canceled only in the case of severe weather, such as high winds, heavy downpours, thunder, or lightning. Please check the schedule often if inclement weather is on the forecast.
Smoking Policy
No smoking or vaping on-site.
Alcohol Policy
No alcohol permitted on-site.
Prohibited Items
No weapons of any kind. No coolers.
Bag Policy
All bags are subject to search.
medical assistance
A medical tent is available for anyone needing medical attention or support.
public safety
City of Chelsea staff, event ambassadors, and public safety personnel are located throughout the site if you need assistance at any time. If you see something, say something. Please report any suspicious activity, unattended items, or safety concerns to event staff, Chelsea Police, or public safety personnel immediately.
Don't Miss What's Next
New events will be added to the Summer in the Square calendar. Enter your email to get schedule updates, movie announcements, and event reminders sent straight to your inbox.
media inquiries
All Summer in the Square media requests can be directed to:
Lily Martin
Communications Manager
City of Chelsea
lmartin@chelseama.gov
617-487-9763
Summer in the Square is presented by the City of Chelsea in partnership with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs, Eastern Salt Company, and community partners.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Charlie Giuffrida at cgiuffrida@chelseama.gov.