Information for Visitors

The 2-day Commonwealth Pen Show will be
held Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, 2026.

New this year! The show will open for Weekend Traders (no general admission) at 3:00 p.m. Friday, with a meet and greet Pizza Party from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Soft drinks will be provided. At 7:00, the doors will be locked. Weekend passes will be available for purchase on Friday.

Two fountain pens will be given away as door prizes during the show. You must be present at the drawing to win. Details and photos to follow!

Our location is the Center for the Arts in the historic Somerville Armory. It’s at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, a 10-minute walk from the MBTA Green Line stop (E Line) at Magoun Square or a 25-minute walk from the Red Line Davis Square stop. MBTA buses, Route 88 and Route 90, can stop nearby at the Highland Avenue/Lowell Street stop.

FREE PARKING Saturday and Sunday
in this lot at 75 Belmont Street

(Click map for magnified version.)

There are two marked handicapped parking spaces on the east side of the Armory (to your right as you face the building from the street). All vehicles parked in these spaces must display a state-issued disability plate or placard!

There is no visitor parking in the small lot behind the Armory! That space will be reserved for exhibitors and show staff only.

For show hours, see the Schedule page.

Admission is CASH ONLY! General admission Saturday and Sunday is $15.00 per person. A Weekend Trader pass, good for the full 2 days, including the Friday Pizza Party, is $25.00.

Hotel Accommodations

See the Hotels page for information on hotels in the area.

Food Service and Entertainment at the Center for the Arts at the Armory

ROOTED ARMORY CAFE & FARMSTAND, on the Armory premises, offers delicious menu items, including beer, wine, espresso drinks, smoothies, breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. ROOTED is open on Saturday 9 am–6 pm and on Sunday 9 am–5 pm.

ROOTED hosts numerous evening performance events in the café, including music, plays, comedy, and more, and also prepares bar menu items that are sold at the Performance Hall bar, alongside craft beers and a curated wine selection.