10/02/2026
Framingham FEST Returns October 3 for 2nd Annual Celebration of Community, Culture, and Diversity
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham will host the second annual Framingham FEST on Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Framingham Centre Common.
The rain date is Sunday, October 4, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will bring together residents, community organizations, businesses, nonprofits, artists, performers, and food vendors for an afternoon celebrating the diversity, culture, and community that make Framingham home.
Interest in this year’s FEST has more than doubled since the inaugural event. More than 210 vendors expressed interest in participating, compared with approximately 100 applicants for the first FEST.
Organizers invited 140 booths to participate this year, along with approximately a dozen food vendors and an afternoon of multicultural entertainment.
Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said the success of the inaugural event led him to make FEST an annual celebration.
“The first Framingham FEST was an incredible celebration of our community, and the response from residents was tremendous. It was clear that this was something Framingham wanted to see again. That’s why I made the decision to make FEST an annual event. I’m looking forward to another great day at the Centre Common and seeing our residents come together to celebrate all that makes Framingham such a special place.”
Framingham FEST was created as part of the City’s Framingham 325th anniversary celebration in 2025. The inaugural FEST, held October 4, 2025, attracted more than 5,000 people to the Centre Common.
“This event started as one of the signature events of Framingham’s 325th anniversary celebration, and it exceeded all of our expectations,” said Public Information Officer Susan Scully Petroni. “More than 5,000 people came out last year, and the response from residents, organizations and businesses made it clear that FEST should continue. We’re excited to bring it back as an annual celebration of Framingham.”
The popular Framingham FEST mascot competition will also return this year, with more schools participating than last year. Students and school communities will showcase their mascots during the event, with on-field announcements and theme-song snippets included as part of the competition.
Multicultural Entertainment
FEST will feature four hours of live entertainment representing a variety of musical, cultural, dance, and performing arts traditions.
Entertainment Schedule
11:10–11:40 a.m. — Framingham Blazers Jazz Band
11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Mostly Petty
12:15–12:45 p.m. — Mascot Competition
12:45–1 p.m. — Heavy Quinn Irish Dance
1–1:30 p.m. — FM Collective
1:30–2 p.m. — Mass Capoeira Culture Center
2–2:10 p.m. — City Kids Dance Group
2:10–2:30 p.m. — All In One
2:30–2:45 p.m. — Mass Ballet
2:45–2:52 p.m. — Walsh Middle School Theatre Arts
2:53-3 p.m. - Centre Music House students
Co-Chair Courtney Suncar said the event provides an opportunity for the entire community to come together.
“Framingham is a city filled with incredible people, organizations, businesses, cultures and traditions. FEST gives us a chance to bring all of that together in one place. We’re excited to welcome thousands of residents back to the Centre Common and celebrate everything that makes Framingham unique.”
Co-Chair Eileen Davis added: “I’m looking forward to a wonderful day of celebrating the diversity, culture, and community that make Framingham so special. It’s a great opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate what makes Framingham home.”
Food Vendors
Approximately a dozen food and beverage vendors are expected to participate, offering a variety of options, including:
Frios Gourmet Pops
Lana’s Italian-American Food Truck
Sabrosa Venezuela
Empanada Kingdom
House of Hercules
Grace and Co. Sourdough
Sweeties Candy Bus
Ikigai Matcha Cafe
Kona Ice of Framingham/Natick
Tasty Gelato Truck
Eastleigh Farm Ice Cream
Sponsors and Community Support
Framingham FEST is made possible in part through the generous support of the following sponsors and community partners:
Platinum Sponsor
Lamacchia Realty — $2,500
Gold Sponsors
Eastleigh Farm — $1,000
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority — $1,000
Silver Sponsors
Phil Ottaviani, District 6 City Councilor — $500
Law Office of Jacob Binnall — $500
Eagle Rock Properties — $500
Chiropractic Solutions LLC — $500
Community Sponsors
Senate President Karen E. Spilka — $250
Hunt Mortgage — $250
KP Reliable Home Care — $250
Needham Bank — $250
Framingham Legislative Delegation — $250
MetroWest YMCA — $250
The Framingham Cultural Council awarded the City of Framingham $1,000 to be used for entertainment at Framingham FEST.
The City thanks all of the sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, schools, community organizations, and residents helping make the second annual Framingham FEST possible.
Framingham FEST will take place at the Framingham Centre Common on Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, October 4, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to come out, explore the booths, enjoy the entertainment, sample food from local vendors, participate in the mascot competition, and celebrate the people, cultures, organizations, and businesses that make Framingham home.
Parking map will post on the City's Communication channels next week.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to follow official City communication channels for updates:
City website: www.framinghamma.gov
City social media channels, including Facebook, X, and Instagram
The City's Sunday newsletter: Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3
NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts: Sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx
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