Farmers Market Returns to Russell Common Today

Arlington, MA · August 19, 2026

Morning sunlight is cutting through the clouds over Mill Brook. Set aside time after 2 PM today — the Wednesday farmers market is taking over Russell Common with peak-season summer produce.


The Lead

A long-vacant storefront in Arlington Center is slated for a delicious revival. Colette Bakery, the acclaimed French artisan bakery with existing locations in Medford and Boston, is expanding to Massachusetts Avenue. The new shop will occupy the space previously held by Symmes Mini-Mart, bringing fresh baguettes, croissants, and traditional French pastries to the heart of the business district.

For nearby business owners and residents, the move fills a prominent retail gap that has sat quiet for over two years. Municipal planning officials note that interior buildouts and routine health inspections will take place over the coming weeks, with doors expected to open later this fall.


Local Pulse

  • Assessors Begin Door-to-Door Home Property Inspections Field staff are conducting brief exterior site visits for properties with recent building permits through the end of the month.

  • Police Log Shows Spike in Crypto ATM Scams Authorities and the Council on Aging urge residents never to deposit funds into automated kiosks under phone pressure.

  • Early Voting Opens Saturday for State Primary Residents can cast advance ballots in person at Town Hall starting this weekend through early September.


Today's Outlook

  • High 87°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
    • Heavy cloud cover and elevated humidity will keep the air feeling warm and muggy.

What's On Around Town

  • Arlington Farmers' Market Russell Common Lot, 2:00–6:30 PM Fresh seasonal produce, regional farm goods, and local food vendors.

  • Board of Health Hearing Town Hall Annex, 3:00 PM Monthly public agenda covering local health codes and food service permits.

  • Cambridge: Harvard Square Jazz Winthrop Park, 6:00–8:00 PM Free outdoor evening performance just a quick ride down Mass Ave.

  • Bicycle Advisory Committee Town Hall Annex, 7:00 PM Discussion on proposed bike lane improvements along major connector streets.


Spotlight & Story

  • The 1693 Schoolhouse Site
    • In 1688, twenty-four local taxpayers petitioned Cambridge for permission to construct a dedicated schoolhouse before Menotomy even possessed its own church. Completed in 1693 near today's Pleasant Street cemetery, the modest structure served local students for over a century.

Arlington Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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