How do I find events near me in Cambridge?

Use the neighborhood filter above to see events in your area. Cambridge is organized around distinct squares — Harvard, Central, Kendall, Porter, Inman — each with its own cultural calendar. Most events are within a 5-minute walk of a Red Line T stop, making the whole city accessible.

When do Harvard and MIT host public events?

Both universities maintain active public event calendars during the academic year (September through May). Harvard hosts public lectures at the Harvard Kennedy School, Sanders Theatre, and various museums. MIT hosts talks at the Media Lab, Stata Center, and through the MIT Museum. Many events move outdoors during summer.

What happens in Cambridge on weekends?

Cambridge weekends are packed with farmers markets (spring through fall), live music at Central Square venues, theater performances at the American Repertory Theater, museum visits, gallery walks in East Cambridge, and seasonal events like the Head of the Charles Regatta (October) and Cambridge Arts River Festival (June).

How do I submit an event to Guide to Cambridge?

Click the "Submit Event" button on this page to share your event with the Cambridge community. We accept submissions for lectures, performances, workshops, community gatherings, and cultural events. Events are reviewed by our editorial team and typically published within 48 hours.

~ Chapter IV ~

The Playbill

Lectures, performances, and gatherings across Cambridge

Upcoming Events

Free Admission

Districts

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Showing 12 events

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Free Admission

Inman Square

Cambridge Porchfest

Upcoming

Neighborhood porch concerts throughout Cambridge — bands, solo artists, and ensembles perform on front porches, stoops, and lawns across residential streets. Attendees wander between performances, creating a walking music festival atmosphere. All genres from jazz to punk to classical. Free, with suggested donations to musicians.

Neighborhood Porches

Various residential streets

MusicCommunityOutdoor

Source: OtherCambridge Porchfest Committee

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Free Admission

Harvard Square

Harvard Square Farmers Market

Upcoming

Seasonal outdoor market in the heart of Harvard Square (Tuesdays, June through November). Local farms bring the season's best — strawberries in June, corn and tomatoes in August, apples and cider in fall. Plus artisan bakers, flower vendors, and Cambridge honey producers.

Harvard Square

1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138

MarketFood & DrinkOutdoor

Source: OtherMassachusetts Farmers Markets

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Harvard Square

Harvard Commencement

Upcoming

Harvard University's 373rd commencement ceremony in Harvard Yard, one of Cambridge's grandest annual traditions. The procession of graduates in academic regalia, the alumni parade, and the address by a world-renowned speaker draw thousands. Harvard Square restaurants and shops hold special menus and sales all week.

Harvard Yard

Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138

AcademicCeremonyCommunity

Source: HarvardHarvard University

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Kendall Square

MIT Commencement

Upcoming

MIT's commencement ceremony at Killian Court, where graduates celebrate under the Great Dome. Known for creative cap decorations and occasional "hacks" (MIT pranks) that appear overnight. The ceremony is ticketed for guests, but the campus atmosphere and surrounding celebrations are open to visitors.

Killian Court, MIT

77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

AcademicCeremony

Source: MITMassachusetts Institute of Technology

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Critics' Choice

Free Admission

Central Square

Cambridge River Festival

Upcoming

A free multicultural celebration along the Charles River featuring performances by 50+ artists and musicians, international dance troupes, artisan marketplace, global food village, and community art projects. The festival stretches from Western Ave to River Street along Memorial Drive, which closes to traffic for the day.

Memorial Drive & Charles River

Memorial Drive between Western Ave and River St

FestivalMusicArt

Source: Cambridge ArtsCambridge Arts Council

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Harvard Square

Brattle Theatre Film Festival

Upcoming

The historic Brattle Theatre's annual repertory film festival showcasing rare 35mm prints, director retrospectives, and restored classics. This year features a Hitchcock marathon, rare silent films with live organ accompaniment, and midnight screenings of cult favorites. The Brattle has been Cambridge's arthouse cinema since 1953.

Brattle Theatre

40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

FilmArtFestival

Source: OtherBrattle Film Foundation

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Free Admission

Alewife

Danehy Park Family Day

Upcoming

Cambridge's largest free family event fills Danehy Park with activities for all ages. Features bounce houses, a climbing wall, pony rides, live performances, craft stations, face painting, and a community cookout. Local organizations and nonprofits host booths. A Cambridge tradition for over 25 years.

Danehy Park

99 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

FamilyCommunityOutdoor

Source: OtherCity of Cambridge

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Critics' Choice

Free Admission

Central Square

Cambridge Carnival International

Upcoming

A vibrant Caribbean-style carnival celebrating Cambridge's diverse cultures with costumed masqueraders, steel drum bands, soca and calypso music, and elaborate floats parading through the city. Starts in Kendall Square and winds through Central to Harvard Square. Food vendors serve jerk chicken, roti, and tropical drinks.

Kendall Square to Harvard Square

Massachusetts Avenue

FestivalMusicCultural

Source: Cambridge ArtsCambridge Carnival International

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Critics' Choice

Free Admission

Harvard Square

Harvard Square Oktoberfest

Upcoming

New England's largest Oktoberfest celebration transforms Harvard Square into a Bavarian beer garden for a day. Local breweries pour craft ales, live polka and oompah bands play, and food vendors serve bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel. Features beer steins, lederhosen contests, and a family zone with games.

Harvard Square

Massachusetts Ave & JFK Street

FestivalFood & DrinkMusic

Source: OtherHarvard Square Business Association

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Critics' Choice

Free Admission

Harvard Square

Head of the Charles Regatta

Upcoming

The world's largest two-day rowing event, drawing 11,000+ athletes and 300,000+ spectators to the Charles River. Watch crews from Harvard, MIT, and international teams race along the 3-mile course from Boston University to Eliot Bridge. Viewing spots along Memorial Drive and the Anderson Bridge are free.

Charles River

Memorial Drive along the Charles River

SportsFestivalOutdoor

Source: OtherCambridge Boat Club

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Free Admission

Harvard Square

Cambridge Common Ice Skating

Upcoming

The city's seasonal outdoor ice rink opens on Cambridge Common for free public skating from December through February. Bring your own skates or rent a pair ($5). Hot chocolate and snacks available from the warming hut. Friday night "Skate Under the Stars" sessions with music until 9 PM.

Cambridge Common

Garden St & Massachusetts Ave

RecreationFamilyOutdoor

Source: OtherCity of Cambridge

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Free Admission

Harvard Square

First Night Cambridge

Upcoming

Cambridge's New Year's Eve celebration features free performances, art installations, and family activities across Harvard Square. Ice sculpting demonstrations, live music at the Charles Hotel courtyard, poetry readings, comedy shows, and a midnight bell-ringing at First Parish Church. Most events are alcohol-free and family-friendly.

Harvard Square & Multiple Venues

Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138

FestivalMusicFamily

Source: Cambridge ArtsFirst Night Cambridge

— Submit Your Event —

Hosting an Event?

Share your lecture, performance, or gathering with Cambridge's distinguished community of curious minds.

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"There are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity."

— M. Gustave H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge has an extraordinary number of free events. MIT and Harvard both host free public lectures throughout the academic year. The Cambridge Public Library offers readings, film screenings, and workshops at no cost. Cambridge Arts produces free outdoor concerts in summer. Most museum days at the MIT Museum are also free for Cambridge residents.

The Playbill

Search Events

Hosting an Event?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free events in Cambridge?

How do I find events near me in Cambridge?

When do Harvard and MIT host public events?

What happens in Cambridge on weekends?

How do I submit an event to Guide to Cambridge?