This Weekend in Somerville: Spring Cleanup, Independent Film Festival Boston

Somerville Spring Cleanup
Saturday is Somerville Spring Cleanup day. There are cleanup events taking place throughout the city, including at the Healey School, Blessing of the Bay Boathouse and South Street Farm. You can see some information at the link above, and there are also cleanup events taking place in most neighborhoods.

Independent Film Festival BostonTons of films are playing this weekend at the Independent Film Festival Boston. Most of the films are at Somerville Theatre. You can see the schedule and get tickets at the Film Festival website.

Comedian Jen Kirkman
Jen Kirkman, a Boston native, comedian and regular on "Chelsea Lately," performs Friday at Johnny D's. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Gigantic Flea Market at Nave
The listing says, "This is a fundraiser for the gallery’s space and programming, and we are gladly accepting donations. Do some spring cleaning, discover some wonderful finds, and help support the Nave!" There will also be a mitten-making workshop for the gallery's annual Wrap Around Project. It starts Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Nave Gallery.

Redbones Food at 'Under the Roof'
This benefit for the Somerville Homeless Coalition includes food from Redbones, dancing and music. It's Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Somerville Open Studios Kids Show
A week before Somerville Open Studios, Somerville's youngest artists show off their work. The opening reception is Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The Center for Arts at the Armory.

Enjoy the Delights of Spring
Weather permitting, head out into some nearby nature with Bryan Hamlin. From the listing: "Meet at small parking lot opposite gate 8, midway along South Border Rd., Medford. Steady rain postpones till same time Sunday. Bryan’s cell: 781-854-2058."

"Fast Times in Palestine" Book Reading
Author Pamela Olson will read from her book, Fast Times in Palestine. "Little by little, the book reveals the details of life under occupation—social, political, geographical, and psychological—in a gripping narrative full of beauty, suspense, cruelty, star-crossed love, and dark humor," according to the listing. The book reading is Saturday at 4 .m. at the Center for Arabic Culture.

Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race
From the listing: "Over 1,200 canoe and kayak enthusiasts, professional, amateur and recreational, from throughout the United States and Canada, ages 12 and up, compete in a variety of races, including the $5,000 Professional Flatwater Canoe Marathon, the 24-Mile Relay Race, and 19-, 9-, and 6-mile amateur races." You can participate and watch. Check it out Sunday starting at 8 a.m. at 1255 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton.

Start Your Own Art Collection: Salon 21 Opening Reception
A great way to start your own art collection. You'll find everything from sculpture to photography from more than 50 local and regional artists. It's Sunday at 3 p.m. at Nave Gallery.

Strings of Hope: A Haitian Musical Feast
The Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts presents a night of Haitian music featuring Gifrants, Charlot Lucien, Chantrel and Natif. It's Sunday at The Center for Arts at the Armory from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

More events
Check out more events happening in Somerville this weekend in our events calendar.