Friday, Sept. 17
Viva la Vinal Festival at The Growing Center
6-10 p.m.
Now in its fifth year, this two-day local culture festival started by musician Audrey Ryan will begin Friday evening with feature four films, including one documenting the loft shows Ryan has hosted and the romantic comedy “How I Killed Mumblecore.” Schedule here.
“The Town” opens at the Somerville Theatre
Ben Affleck made another Boston crime flick. This time around, the Cambridge-raised Union Square lover shot scenes at Somerville Hospital and Twin City Plaza. Given the presence of Jon Hamm, and the fact that Affleck’s last film was pretty good, watching this for the Somerville connection should be more worthwhile than the last Tom Cruise dud that featured a Somerville garage.
Saturday, Sept. 18
Urban Country Fair in Union Square
3-7 p.m.
Featuring arts and crafts vendors, music and dancing — all “countrified” and sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council. The organizers at Truth Serum have music by The Pretty Pennies, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Comanchero and workshops by Boston Skillshare.
Viva la Vinal continued
12-9 p.m.
Twelve acts, a good number of which append “updated” or “old” next to genres such as folk and Americana, will take the stage. Argentinian bassist/children’s performer Mariana Iranzi will kick things off at noon, with This Blue Heaven closing the show at 8:45 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 19
Somerville Dog Festival at Conway Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The first of its kind in Somerville. If a “Doggie Fasion Show,” appearance by Somerville PD’s Max the Police Dog and an urban mushing demonstration isn’t enough to get non-owners interested, a dog owner look-a-like contest should be enough.
