MetroFest Returns To Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA - After two years of virtual events, the annual MetroFest celebration is returning to Framingham's Bowditch Athletic and Cultural Complex on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organized by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, this free festival marks the return to an in-person format at 475 Union St. following two virtual events during the pandemic years as “MetroFest: At Home Edition!”

“MetroFest unites residents, visitors, and businesses together from the MetroWest area and is the largest arts and culture event of its kind in the region,” said Erin Lynch, executive director of the MetroWest Visitors Bureau. "This is the ninth year for MetroFest, and we are excited to continue to showcase the tremendous assets across this region."

MetroFest 2022 will have a wide variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy with more than 75 crafters, artisans and exhibitors. Family-friendly activities will include Touch-A-Truck, magic shows, community stage performers, classic cars and lawn games. Habitat for Humanity returns with their playhouse building area. New this year is a remote-controlled racing car track, and the Framingham Public Library’s Bookmobile.

William Sell, who has been involved in organizing the festival, said that about 4,000 people are expected to attend throughout the day. There is still a need for classic autos to showcase that are around 50 years old.

"People are definitely welcome to bring them to display," he said.

He added that he is trying to get a replica of a classic car restored on the North Shore that should evoke some happy memories for older adults - the Partridge Family bus.

The family-friendly event which will offer an array of food choices and craft beer tastings, with more than 15 food trucks participating. They include Sun Kim Bop Korean Fusion; Ed's Fries hand-cut French fries and poutines; Thee Taco Dude; Boston Coffee Rescue; The Smokin Food Truck 51; and many more.

Throughout the day, a variety of music will be performed on two stages, with a little something for everyone. Enjoy performances by returning groups The Reminisants oldies cover band, Eguie Castrillo and his Orchestra with Latin percussion. New to the festival is The Zajac Family Band featuring classic rock and more.

MetroFest is again excited to showcase a variety of offerings from MetroWest region: the Colonial Curling Association; bounce houses and an inflatable obstacle course in Kids Town; and a tasting tent featuring Framingham’s Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and Natick’s Lookout Farm Brewing & Cider Co.

"There is so much to do and see!" stressed Lynch. "The MetroWest region possesses such amazing cultural diversity and that is what we highlight at MetroFest - from the food and music to activities, community entertainment, tastings of the region’s locally produced beer and hard cider, businesses and activities. There is something for everyone and this is a family-friendly, free event. Come one, come all, and relish in the richness of the region.”