Go Back to the Future at Somerville Local First’s 1950s Prom

Photograph by Jeremy Heflin Provided

Do you ever wish you could relive your high school prom night, or get stuck in the past with the dreamy Marty McFly?

It’s hard to believe 30 years have passed since “Back to the Future” first hit theaters, but you can relive that famous 1950s rock ’n’ roll prom scene on Friday at Cuisine en Locale.

The annual prom, held by Somerville Local First (a non-profit organization that promotes a sustainable and local economy), is an exciting and fun way to raise awareness and funds for the organization. Plus, attendees take a trip to the past to redo their prom night.

“We just want to have something fun that highlights local businesses,” says Jennifer Lawrence, president of the Somerville Local First Board of Directors. “We’re really highlighting the fact that it’s a prom that you might not have been able to go to.”

While the themes for Somerville Local First’s last two proms have been set in the ’80s and ’90s, choosing the ’50s this year was easy, says Lawrence, once they realized it would coincide with the 30th anniversary of the classic “Back to the Future” films.

From 8 p.m. to midnight, guests will groove to music from the ’50s and ’80s, as well as modern hits with a skeebop feel all night long. And don’t forget to come dressed to the nines, either. “People take their themes very seriously,” says Lawrence.

This year’s event is a Safe Zone—forget the gender-based titles of prom king and queen, and instead, make way for the Most Spirited Somervillian, an honor bestowed to those with the most creative costumes. Break out those poodle skirts and leather jackets, and take advantage of the photo booth, complete with “Back to the Future”-themed props.

Cuisine en Locale will serve up local foods and beverages a la carte, and guests over 21 can enjoy local wine and beers, as well as Somerville Local First’s own unique cocktail. Keeping in line with the idea of buying local, prizes from local businesses and restaurants from all over Somerville will be raffled off throughout the night.

“If we know the people that we’re buying from and we know where the products are coming from, we know what we’re putting in our bodies and our home,” says Lawrence. “The economic impact of buying local far outweigh the impact that buying from a chain store.”

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.