Challapalooza is Greater Boston’s Jew-ish Music
Festival. It's going to be a giant celebration — a full day of
live music by fantastic local Jewish musicians, with delicious food from Jewish & kosher food trucks
and fun in the park for all ages.
Enough nosh for all your Jewish-mother needs!
Ahava Catering: Come hungry for kosher shawarma,
falafel in pitas, and Israeli salads made by Providence based Ahava Catering.
Get in some ice cream before your shwarma with the
Boston Ice Cream Truck. Cool off with a cone of your favorite flavor! Serving smiles & frozen treats
across Greater Boston since 2009.
Wild Child Chocolate: Enjoy chocolate treats that
take you on a sweet adventure, made in Somerville, MA. Our flavors are bold, rich, and deliciously
dairy-free (and kosher!)
All food will be kosher, and we will have vegetarian and vegan options available.
Our beloved Prospect Hill Park is the home to many a cherished local event, from Joyfest to
hanging
out on shabbat. Come lounge in the grass, play frisbee and listen to the music!
In case of serious rain, Challapalooza will happen at an indoor location.
Challapalooza is an all volunteer run effort, spearheaded by Akiva Jackson of Moishe House
Somerville, with amazing amounts of help from a dedicated group of volunteers, including Heila
Precel,
Allison Moore, Alison Arnold, Jacob Smith, Jackson Mercer, and many more. Please
join us, we always need more people, both for planning and day-of volunteering.
We understand that many people are concerned about security, and we take this very seriously. Our
team is implementing a comprehensive security plan in close consultation with local police and
security experts. There will be a police presence at the event, and we are coordinating with the CJP
security team to ensure best practices are followed.
Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment
for everyone.
General Info
- Do I need a ticket?
Yes please!
- What's the rain plan?
We are implementing our rain plan! Challahpalooza will take place at
40 Dickinson St #1, Somerville MA 02143.
While this shift isn’t what we originally envisioned, we’re still so excited to come together to celebrate Jewish music and community. We’ll have tents set up outside for the art and food, and the day will carry the same energy and joy we’ve all been looking forward to.
- What other activities will there be?
Music, art, food, community — plus probably at least one child attempting interpretive dance.
Safety & Security
- How are you handling security?
We understand that many people are concerned about security, and we take this very seriously. Our team is implementing a comprehensive security plan in close consultation with local police and security experts. There will be a police presence at the event, and we are coordinating with the CJP security team to ensure best practices are followed. Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Tickets are typically non-refundable because we need to pay our amazing musicians. If you really need your money back, let us know and we can make it happen.
- Will there be medical support?
We will have a first aid table, and emergency medical services are nearby and ready to come at a moment’s notice.
Accessibility & Families
- Will there be seating?
We’ll have some chairs, but it’s mostly sit-on-the-floor, bring-your-own-pillows.
- Are there bathrooms available?
Yep — port-a-potties. We apologize in advance, but it’s a festival tradition.
- Is it family-friendly?
Totally. Bring the kids! We just ask that parents don’t let their toddlers crowd-surf.
Getting There
- Where is the festival located?
Moishe House Somerville: 40 Dickinson St #1, Somerville MA 02143. You can’t miss it — just follow the sound of fiddles and drums.
- Is there parking or bike parking available?
There’s some parking nearby, but biking or T-ing is easier.
Get Involved
- How can I volunteer?
Yes please! We’d love help. Fill out the form on our site, you might get a glamorous job like “hydration hero.”
- How can I support or donate?
You can donate via the donation tab on this website. Every dollar helps make the magic happen (and pays the sound tech who prevents feedback squeals).
- How can I perform or vend at future events?
We love new talent. Reach out through our contact page, just be prepared to wow us.
- Who are the organizers, and how can I contact them?
We’re a scrappy group of local Jewish volunteers who love music and community. This event is put on by the amazing teams of all the Moishe Houses in Boston and many dedicated volunteers, led by Akiva Jackson of Moishe House Somerville with endless help from:
- Jacob Smith – for making the music sing
- Oron Propp – for color advice
-
MoHo Somerville:
- Alison Arnold – for finding us our amazing food
- Shira Michaeli – for doing everything at the drop of a hat
- Gonen Rimer – for endlessly refining what was possible
- Alex Bailey Dillon – for snarky comments and giving more of their time than they meant to
- Adina Ichilov of Moishe House RSJ
- Sophie of Moishe House Back Bay
- Andrew Barnwell of Moishe House Brookline
- Daria of Moishe House Cambridge – Central Square
- DJ of Moishe House Kendall Square
- Liat of Moishe House Young Families
- Gitty Jakubo
- Heila Precel – for kicking off our permitting
- Sam Fiene – for stepping in at the last minute to help make our tech professional
-
Base Boston:
- Rachel Jackson
- Jackson Mercer
- Rabba Claudia Marbach – for our incredible t-shirt design
- Emily Marbach – for her beautiful collage
- Ariel Wyner – for incredible advice on sound systems and running festivals
- jetlag lady – for taking time out of her busy festival
- Nina Anikeeva
- Doug Hauer – for his generous advice and lightning-speed coordination
- Christopher of Rocket Science Printing – for such beautiful shirts
- Dr Katie Light Soloway, Noam Buckman, and Inna Pasternak of the Tremont Street Shul – for their logistical and financial help
- Michael Potere, Michael Weisman, and so many others from the city of Somerville
- Adira
- And most of all to Adena Walker – our glorious Moishe House Community Manager
You can contact us anytime — but please don’t call at 3 a.m. with banjo requests.
