Harvard Square's Outdoor Cocktail & Beer Garden: One Reason Garden Bar

Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, One Reason Garden Bar (named to honor the 90's artists that performed in the streets of Harvard Square) is an outdoor "come as you are" bar surrounded by greenery and a view of the square. Offering natural wines, New England beers, frozen drinks, and live music, starting on May 5th we will be adding one more reason to visit: we are partnering with Taqueria El Barrio to bring authentic Mexican street food to our corner of the square!    Taqueria El Barrio is a beloved family run, traditional-style Taqueria by restaurateurs Servio Garcia and Chef Alex Saenz. Their menu draws inspiration from Garcia’s home of Sonora, in Northern Mexico, an area known for its handmade flour tortillas which are now a staple at Taqueria El Barrio.  The special Garden Bar menu will feature favorites from Taqueria El Barrio’s full menu, including Pollo, Birria, Carnitas, and Veggie tacos, all served with their signature homemade ‘Mi Tierra' corn tortillas; the infamous ‘Torta Del Dia’, a loaded Mexican sandwich on toasted Telera Bread; and sliced watermelon with tajin and lime.

One Reason Garden Bar

FREE Sunday Night Trivia at Noir Bar!

Noir Bar Sunday Night FREE Trivia – Starting September 21st, 2025! Every Sunday at 7:00 PM, join us at Noir Bar in Harvard Square for an exciting, quirky night of trivia hosted by Phrenology Trivia! Dive into fascinating and unusual topics ranging from history and science to pop culture, and beyond. Whether you're a trivia aficionado or just looking for a fun way to cap off your weekend, expect a mix of questions that will challenge your knowledge on everything from obscure facts to strange moments in history. Bring your friends for a night of friendly competition, great drinks, and plenty of surprises. Plus, it’s free to play! Rally your team, ask us how to earn bonus points, and compete for fun prizes. Don’t miss out on the laughter, the learning, and the chance to make your Sunday night legendary. Wrap up your Sunday Funday at Noir Bar – we can’t wait to see you there!

Noir Bar

Charles Hotel Annual Tree Lighting Event!

The magic of the season returns!&nbsp;Join us for The Charles Hotel’s Annual Tree Lighting celebration.&nbsp;Explore our Holiday Market with local vendors, unique gifts, seasonal treats and a special visit from Santa, with a few delightful surprises along the way. -- See the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/8-holiday-tree-lighting-ceremonies-in-boston-boston-434969">full list of 10+ Holiday Lighting Celebrations Coming to Boston in 2025</a>.

The Charles Hotel

Regattabar New Year's Eve Celebration!

2025 Harvard Jazz Master in Residence, Catherine Russell, joins Regattabar for two performances on New Years Eve at 8:30pm and 10:30pm! 🍾 The Award winning American jazz and blues singer has been nominated for three Grammys for Best Vocal Album, including 2025 for My Ideal, received a Grammy® Award as a featured artist on the soundtrack album for the HBO-TV series, Boardwalk Empire, with her cover of Crazy Blues. She is known for touring with David Bowie and Steely Dan, and as a background recording singer for artists like Madonna, Suzanne Vega, Rosanne Cash, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Donald Fagen, Diana Ross, and Boston favorite, Peter Wolf. She is the daughter of Luis Russell, Louis Armstrong's music director, and Carline Ray, performer with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. The Charles Hotel will be offering <a href="https://www.charleshotel.com/offers">New Years Eve packages</a> including rooms, dinner, parking and Catherine Russell at Regattabar, a steal of a deal.

Regattabar at The Charles Hotel

Regattabar New Year's Eve Celebration (late-set!)

KURED arrives in Harvard Square!!

KURED has arrived to Harvard Square — and they’re bringing the flavor! 🎉 This season, you can find them popping up at One Reason Garden Bar, serving charcuterie chips, curated boxes, stacked sandwiches, and the GOUDA-DOG (only available in the Harvard Square location) 🐷🥖🍅 Monday-Tuesday: Closed Wednesday-Friday: 4pm-9pm Saturday: 12pm-9pm  Sunday: 12pm-6pm *Weather Permitting* Whether you're grabbing a bite with friends or enjoying a laid-back evening in the garden, KURED is your new go-to spot. Come for the cheese, stay for the vibes! 🌿✨ The Garden Bar + Kured = One Reason to hit The Square.

Garden Bar

Mexican Independence Day Celebration!

Join us at the Charles Hotel’s Lower Courtyard in Harvard Square to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, September 14th from 4-9pm! The event will include a selection of traditional food and games for all, as well as a live performance by Veronica Robles all-female Mariachi Quintet and live DJ! Proudly Sponsored by <a href="https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/harvard-square-business-association/">Harvard Square Business Association</a>, <a href="https://www.noir-bar.com/">Noir Bar</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.charleshotel.com/">The Charles Hotel</a>.<ul><li>Traditional food by: <a href="https://www.taqueriaelbarrio.com/">Taqueria El Barrio</a>, <a href="https://www.eljefestaqueria.com/">El Jefe's Taqueria</a>, <a href="https://www.felipesboston.com/">Felipe's Taqueria</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruta_del_sabor_hmo/?igsh=MTFrNTM5NnR5OXRhYg%3D%3D"> </a>Con Sabor a Mexico, <a href="https://www.onereasongardenbar.com/">One Reason Garden Bar</a> (don't miss Chef Danny' s delicious creations too!)</li><li>Games: Loteria, Piñatas, Dominoes, and Ponle la Cola al Burro</li><li>4:00 pm to 6:00 pm- <a href="https://veronicarobles.com/">Veronica Robles All-Female Mariachi Quinte</a>t</li><li>6:00 pm to 9:00 pm-<a href="https://djdmartinez.com/"> </a>Live DJ</li><li>8:00pm - Celebration of the Grito de Independencia ceremony by the Consul General</li></ul>Food &amp; Beverages will also be available from <a href="https://www.onereasongardenbar.com/">One Reason Garden Bar</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.noir-bar.com/">Noir Bar</a>

Charles Hotel Lower Courtyard

Free Outdoor Music: Berklee Courtyard Series Sponsored by Regattabar

Summer vibes are officially ON! The Berklee Courtyard Series is back, bringing live music to One Reason Garden Bar every Wednesday in July and August! &nbsp; Grab a drink, grab your crew, and catch these amazing artists all month long! &nbsp; July 9th: Jade Faria July 16th: Jiayi Guo July 23rd: Evan Fort July 30th: The LR Collective August 6th: The Sean Temme Group August 13th: Niqisax August 20th: Manuela Sanchez Goubert August 27th: Sofia Almeida Quartet Check out <a href="https://www.onereasongardenbar.com/menus/">One Reason Garden and food partner, Kured menus! </a> Presented by Regattabar in partnership with Berklee College of Music 🎷🌿 Free Admission and music starts at 6pm on Wednesdays!

One Reason Garden Bar at The Charles Hotel

Bastille Day Celebration @ Harvard Square!

Bonne fête nationale!&nbsp;Joyeux quatorze juillet! 🎉 Vive la Fête! Bastille Day Celebration Bring the whole family for an unforgettable afternoon bursting with French flair, fun, and joie de vivre! 🪗 Live Traditional French Music Tap your feet to charming tunes that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Paris, with a live DJ and traditional French accordion music 🏃‍♂️🥂 Waiters' Race Cheer on local “garçons” as they dash with trays in hand in the Course des Cafés 🍰 French Treats &amp; Sweets Sample mouthwatering pastries, breads, and desserts from some of the finest local bakeries and vendors. Oui, s'il vous plaît! Food from local vendors:<a href="https://www.noir-bar.com/">Noir</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pralinepatisseries.com/">Praliné French Patisserie</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://www.colettebakery.com/about">&nbsp;Colette Bakery</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kured.co/">Kured</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://makomacarons.com/pages/contact">MakoMacarons</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://www.nouvellemaison.com/">&nbsp;Nouvelle Maison</a> Timeline: 4:00-6:00p -&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/AGbGbzHLpz8?si=X9JOWQ1W0vE_yH3h">Traditionell Musette</a>, Traditional French Accordion Music 4:30p -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/waiters-and-waitresses-raced-through-the-streets-of-paris-180984025/">Course des Cafés</a>,&nbsp;a110-year-old tradition waiter race - Cambridge style 6:00-8:00p - Dj set

4TH OF JULY AT GARDEN BAR!

Celebrate the 4th of July at One Reason Garden Bar! Join us for a festive weekend in the garden with live music, lawn games, and plenty of summer vibes. Sip on rotating frozen drink classics and enjoy beer from top New England breweries like Trillium and Bissell Brothers. We’re also serving up special food offerings, including a limited-time Kured Burger you won’t want to miss! Perfect for all ages — bring your friends, bring the family, and celebrate Independence Day with us in style!

FREE Book Talk with Jane Merrill - Charles Hotel Harvard Author Series

Harvard Author Talks: An Evening with Jane Merrill 📅 Wednesday, June 25th | 6:30 PM📍 At One Reason Garden Bar&nbsp; Join The Charles Hotel for the next edition of our Harvard Author Talks series, featuring acclaimed writer and historian Jane Merrill. Set in the relaxed, open-air ambiance of One Reason Garden Bar, this special evening invites guests to explore the vibrant, pre-digital world of freelance writing through Jane’s fascinating body of work. From political intrigue to fashion history and cultural deep dives, her stories offer a captivating blend of intellect and curiosity. 📝 Jane will share readings and behind-the-scenes insights from a range of titles, including:&nbsp; Sex and the Scientist The Late Years of Benedict Arnold Aaron Burr in Exile The Showgirl Costume The Hidden History of Cambridge and Harvard ✨&nbsp;Free and open to the public - please reserve your spot so we know you're coming!&nbsp; 🍸 Enjoy drinks and food available for purchase from Kured, featuring charcuterie chips, sandwiches, and shareable boards <a href="https://www.onereasongardenbar.com/menus/">View menu HERE</a> Come early, grab a drink, and settle in for a literary evening that blends local flavor with global stories — all in the heart of Harvard Square.

SWEAT & SPARK! Free Yoga + Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at One Reason Garden Bar

Get ready to move, breathe, and shine at SWEAT &amp; SPARK — a feel-good event combining wellness, connection, and a little sparkle, all in the beautiful outdoor setting of The Charles Hotel’s One Reason Garden Bar. 🕓 Free Yoga begins promptly at 1:30pm — bring a mat, water, and positive energy! (SIGN UP REQUIRED) 🧘‍♀️ Start your afternoon with a FREE beginner-friendly Vinyasa yoga class led by BREATHE Studio. This grounding yet energizing flow is perfect for all levels, with a balance of movement and mindful stillness designed to warm the body and calm the mind. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, restored, and reconnected. 🕓 Optional permanent jewelry workshop. Bookings available between 2:30-4:30pm! Jewelry is optional and paid. Link to sign up is <a href="https://sparkbysimone.as.me/schedule/fd0e0c75/?appointmentTypeIds[]=78386109%20">HERE</a>, but drop-ins are welcome. 💎 After class, treat yourself to a little sparkle with a permanent jewelry pop-up from SPARK, Boston’s premier custom jewelry experience. Choose from over 100 high-quality 14K gold or gold-filled chains and 200+ charms to create a piece that’s welded to fit! 📍 Where: One Reason Garden Bar 📅 When: Sunday, June 22nd 💸 Yoga by BREATHE: Free | Jewelry by SPARK: Paid 🍹 Drinks + Food: Available for purchase from Garden Bar X Kured throughout the event. Come flow, sparkle, sip, and snack — all in one beautiful space. All are welcome. Grab your friends and join us for a Sunday well spent!

UEFA WATCH PARTY 

SATURDAY, MAY 31ST UEFA Champions League Final Watch Party! ⚽ Due to weather conditions, the event will now be held at <a href="https://www.noir-bar.com/">Noir Bar</a> located on the first floor of The Charles Hotel. With multiple large screens and top-tier sound, you won’t miss a single pass, goal, or celebration — it’ll feel like you’re right in the stadium. This year’s final kicks off at 3:00 PM ET, featuring a thrilling showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan live from the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bring your friends, rock your team’s colors, and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of world-class football, food, and drinks. Don’t miss the biggest match of the year! &nbsp; <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0296-1d2ab6f54da7-c43a66bc7b77-1000--2025-uefa-champions-league-final-all-you-need-to-know/">2025 UEFA Champions League final: All you need to know | UEFA Champions League | UEFA.com</a> &nbsp;

Boston Calling Post-Show Block Party at Garden Bar!

🎉 ONE REASON GARDEN BAR BLOCK PARTY Boston Calling Weekend | 5/23-5/25 | Open until 12AM Location: One Reason Garden Bar, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA, 02138 Not heading to the festival? No problem. Whether you're pre-gaming before the headliners hit the stage or winding down after a full day at Harvard Athletic Complex, the party continues in Harvard Square at the One Reason Garden Bar Block Party! 🍹DRINKS: Enjoy exclusive frozen cocktails all weekend long featuring Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Herradura Tequila. Jack &amp; Coca-cola RTD's available all weekend 🍴 BITES: A special late-night menu from Kured will be served until 12AM all three nights. 📸 FESTIVAL FEELS: Stop by our outdoor patio photo backdrop for that perfect Instagram moment—before, after, or instead of the show. 🔊 GIVEAWAY: Music, Instagram giveaway (👀 Bose speaker alert!), and unbeatable patio vibes that keep the Boston Calling energy going strong. Look for the Jack Daniel’s tent at Boston Calling and follow @gardenbar_1reason for updates, sneak peeks, and giveaway announcements. Let’s keep the Jack flowing all weekend long!!

Pottery on the Patio at One Reason Garden Bar!

Join us for this inclusive, beginner-friendly pottery class at <a href="https://www.onereasongardenbar.com/">One Reason Garden Bar</a>! First, you'll get an intro to pottery including the pinch pot and coil technique. Our expert host will cover all the basics, and with step-by-step instructions, you'll learn to hand build a pinch pot. Then, you'll learn how to make your pot into a variety of functional pottery pieces like a vase, hanging planters, pot for an air plant, candle holders, smiley planter pals, and more. TICKET INCLUDES:<ul><li>A frozen cocktail🍹from One Reason Garden Bar to enjoy during class</li><li>2 hour workshop on pottery basics, how to create pinch pots, coils, and how to transform them into a variety of unique handmade gifts, home décor and functional pottery</li><li>You'll make + take home 1-3 pieces of pottery</li><li>Our signature <a href="https://www.potterywithapurpose.com/products/air-dry-clay-kit">'Beginner Pottery Kit'</a> which includes everything you need to make your pottery during class (and yours to take home to create more after class!!)</li></ul>Note: You can let your piece of pottery air dry then paint it with the included paint. Or, to make your pottery waterproof + foodsafe, <a href="https://www.potterywithapurpose.com/products/upgrade-to-ceramic-clay-from-air-dry">click here</a> to upgrade to ceramic pieces, which includes glazing and firing of your creations. Your pieces ship back to you in 6-8 weeks.<ul><li>Pottery trivia with prizes</li></ul>Kick off the spring/summer season with us for some fun pottery and drinks! Details: Thursday 5/15 from 6-8PM at One Reason Garden Bar 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

charleshotel

Experiences