Best events in
Cambridge

For events and things to do in Cambridge, MA, the city's distinct squares offer a diverse and dynamic scene. Each neighborhood, from the bohemian energy of Harvard Square to the lively nightlife of Central Square, has its own unique character. The presence of major academic and tech institutions fuels a rich calendar of cultural festivals, live performances, and community gatherings.

Head to Central Square for its gritty, high-energy nightlife, where venues like The Middle East and The Cantab Lounge offer live music and poetry slams.
Explore the historic and academic vibe of Harvard Square, home to the intimate folk stylings of Club Passim and stand-up at The Comedy Studio.
Find a mix of community programs and creative workshops in East Cambridge at The Foundry, a hub for local arts and innovation.

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Popular in Cambridge

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An Evening with Alice Hoffman: Practical Magic on Screen and in Print

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM

The Brattle Theatre

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Daniel E. Lieberman at the Harvard Science Center

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Science Center

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ArtsThursdays - Henry Threadgill / Vijay Iyer / Dafnis Prieto: FIFTEEN

Thursday • 7:00 PM

John Knowles Paine Concert Hall

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Cambridge Explores the Universe 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

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Labics, “The Architecture of Public Space”

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

Harvard University Graduate School Of Design

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2026 LRIG-New England Fall Seminar and Exhibition

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:00 PM

Boston Marriott Cambridge

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Converging on Cures: Nodal Biology meets Transformative Technology

Tue, Oct 27 • 8:30 AM

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

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The 22nd Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 AM

Harvard Graduate School Of Education

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An Evening with Alice Hoffman: Practical Magic on Screen and in Print

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM

The Brattle Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Daniel E. Lieberman at the Harvard Science Center

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Science Center

Check ticket price on event

ArtsThursdays - Henry Threadgill / Vijay Iyer / Dafnis Prieto: FIFTEEN

Thursday • 7:00 PM

John Knowles Paine Concert Hall

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Cambridge Explores the Universe 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

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Labics, “The Architecture of Public Space”

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

Harvard University Graduate School Of Design

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2026 LRIG-New England Fall Seminar and Exhibition

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:00 PM

Boston Marriott Cambridge

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Converging on Cures: Nodal Biology meets Transformative Technology

Tue, Oct 27 • 8:30 AM

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

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The 22nd Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 AM

Harvard Graduate School Of Education

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Soggy Po Boys and special guests The A-Beez

Friday • 8:00 PM

Lizard Lounge

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Stone and Earth: Edward Cohen Memorial Concert

Friday • 8:00 PM

Thomas Tull Concert Hall

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Magic Colors & Flowers: Silk painting Workshop

Saturday • 5:30 PM

Gallery 263

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Dolly Tribute Night!

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Dear Annie

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Classic Series: Spanish Tapas, Pintxos & Wine - $75

Sun, Oct 11 • 6:30 PM

Formaggio Kitchen - Cambridge

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The REO Brothers of Tacloban- BOSTON

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

41 Church St

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TC2 Art Salon: Le Temps by Angele Maraj

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

The Foundry, Shop 6

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John Lebanon Live at The Lilypad

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

The Lilypad

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Soggy Po Boys and special guests The A-Beez

Friday • 8:00 PM

Lizard Lounge

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Stone and Earth: Edward Cohen Memorial Concert

Friday • 8:00 PM

Thomas Tull Concert Hall

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Magic Colors & Flowers: Silk painting Workshop

Saturday • 5:30 PM

Gallery 263

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Dolly Tribute Night!

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Dear Annie

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Classic Series: Spanish Tapas, Pintxos & Wine - $75

Sun, Oct 11 • 6:30 PM

Formaggio Kitchen - Cambridge

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The REO Brothers of Tacloban- BOSTON

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

41 Church St

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TC2 Art Salon: Le Temps by Angele Maraj

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

The Foundry, Shop 6

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John Lebanon Live at The Lilypad

Sun, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM

The Lilypad

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Music events

Exposure: Morning Camera on Boston's Rock Legacy (discussion & performance)

Thursday • 6:30 PM

EF Education First

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BOSTON BACHATA PARTY Cocomango Speakeasy Cambridge | La Casa de la Bachata

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 PM

Cocomango Speakeasy

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Milton Academy Jazz Combos: 1 PM SHOW (Monkfish Concert Series)

Sun, Oct 25 • 1:00 PM

The Mad Monkfish

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6th Annual Salsa & Bachata Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

41 Hampshire St

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Rachmaninoff’s Second

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:30 PM

First Church in Cambridge

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Boulez at 100

Mon, Nov 23 • 7:30 PM

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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OG Dennis Brennan Band Thanksgiving Eve Early Set

Wed, Nov 25 • 7:00 PM

Lizard Lounge

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JRO and PW 69th Season Final Concert

Sun, Jun 6 • 1:00 PM

Kresge Auditorium at MIT

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Exposure: Morning Camera on Boston's Rock Legacy (discussion & performance)

Thursday • 6:30 PM

EF Education First

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BOSTON BACHATA PARTY Cocomango Speakeasy Cambridge | La Casa de la Bachata

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 PM

Cocomango Speakeasy

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Milton Academy Jazz Combos: 1 PM SHOW (Monkfish Concert Series)

Sun, Oct 25 • 1:00 PM

The Mad Monkfish

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6th Annual Salsa & Bachata Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

41 Hampshire St

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Rachmaninoff’s Second

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:30 PM

First Church in Cambridge

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Boulez at 100

Mon, Nov 23 • 7:30 PM

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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OG Dennis Brennan Band Thanksgiving Eve Early Set

Wed, Nov 25 • 7:00 PM

Lizard Lounge

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JRO and PW 69th Season Final Concert

Sun, Jun 6 • 1:00 PM

Kresge Auditorium at MIT

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Points of Interest near Cambridge

Harvard Square

Harvard Yard

Great Dome

Museum Of Science

Fresh Pond Reservation

North Point Park

Frequently asked questions about Cambridge

Where are the best spots for live music events in Cambridge?

Central Square and Harvard Square are the top neighborhoods for live music events. In Central Square, The Middle East hosts everything from indie rock to DJ nights, while Harvard Square's The Sinclair offers a modern concert experience and restaurant.

Which Cambridge neighborhood is known for comedy shows?

Harvard Square is the main destination for comedy in Cambridge. It is home to The Comedy Studio, a long-running club celebrated for showcasing a mix of both new and established comedians in an intimate setting.

Are there many free events happening in Cambridge?

Yes, Cambridge hosts numerous free community events throughout the year. The annual Cambridge Arts River Festival in June is a major celebration of local arts, and The Foundry Festival offers a week of free programming each February.

What are some good date night ideas in Cambridge?

A classic Cambridge date night could involve dinner and a show in Harvard Square. Catch a concert at The Sinclair or enjoy an intimate acoustic performance at the historic Club Passim for a memorable evening.

How can I find family-friendly things to do in Cambridge?

Look for large-scale cultural festivals for an all-ages experience. The Cambridge Carnival International is a lively annual event in September with a parade, music, and food that is perfect for the whole family.

What kind of food and drink events are common in Cambridge?

Farmers markets are a staple of the Cambridge food scene. You can find local produce and artisan goods at several recurring markets, including the Central Square Farmers Market, which runs on Mondays from spring through fall.

Which area has the most lively nightlife?

Central Square offers the most active and eclectic nightlife in Cambridge. The neighborhood is dense with live music venues, energetic bars, and late-night restaurants catering to a diverse crowd looking for a lively evening out.

Besides museums, where can I experience local art events?

The Foundry in East Cambridge is a fantastic community hub for diverse art events. Its facilities include a performance space, art studio, and demonstration kitchen, all of which host a variety of public programs and creative workshops.