Pan in the Park at Magazine Beach

Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Friday, August 21, 2026, for the Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase. Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Friday, August 21, 2026, for the Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase—a steel pan festival celebrating Caribbean culture and community. Experience the powerful rhythms of steel pan music and enjoy an afternoon of live performances at the Magazine Beach. 📅 Friday, August 21, 2026 ⏰4:00PM - 8:00PM 🌍 Free &amp; open to all 📍 Magazine Beach, Cambridge

Magazine Beach, Cambridge

Cambridge Carnival Jamboree at Lafayette Square

Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for the Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase. Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for the Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase—a steel pan festival celebrating Caribbean culture and community. Experience the powerful rhythms of steel pan music and enjoy an afternoon of live performance. CYSO, Tempo International Steel Orchestra, Dj and dancing. 📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 🌍 Free &amp; open to all 📍 Lafayette Square, Cambridge

Lafayette square

Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase at Pacific Park 

Experience the rhythm and flavor of the Caribbean at Pan in the Park Panorama Showcase — four exciting days of music, food, and celebration! Experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Caribbean culture at Pan in the Park: Steel Pan Showcase. Enjoy a lively afternoon filled with steel pan music, Caribbean cuisine, local craft vendors, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Central Square. The showcase will feature exciting performances by steel bands from across Greater Boston and New England, including the Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra, Tempo International Steel Orchestra, and other talented groups. Bring your friends, bring your family, and come celebrate community, culture, and the joyful rhythm of the Caribbean. Presented by Cambridge Carnival International in collaboration with Tempo International Rhythm and Steel, and sponsored by Mass Audubon, Cambridge Arts, Cambridge Community Foundation, Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra, and The Williams Agency. 📍 Pacific Street Park, Central Square 🗓️ Saturday, September 12 | 12–4 PM 🌍 Free &amp; open to all!

Pacific Street Park

32nd Cambridge Carnival International

Join us in celebrating the 2026 Cambridge Carnival Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a vibrant and immersive celebration of African and Caribbean culture! Experience the excitement of live music, dazzling costumes, dynamic dance performances, and an incredible selection of food and craft vendors. Whether you're a vendor, reveler, or spectator, get ready to be captivated by the soulful beats of our steel drum band and the spirit of community. 📅 Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 📍 Location: Central Square – University Park Commons: 65 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA 02139 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM 🌍 Free &amp; open to all! Don't miss this unforgettable cultural experience! For more details and participation opportunities, visit<a href="https://www.cambridgecarnival.org/"> https://www.cambridgecarnival.org/</a>.

University Park Commons

Boston JerkFest

Eat, drink, and be “Irie” at Boston’s hottest summer festival! The 12th Annual Boston JerkFest returns July 10–12, 2026, at the Harvard Athletic Complex at the Ohiri Soccer Field, 95 North Harvard Street, Allston, MA for a three-day celebration of Caribbean food, music, and culture. This multiple-award winning event was recently named top Caribbean event in Boston by <a href="http://jamaicans.com/">Jamaicans.com</a>, It was also named Boston’s Best Food Festival by Boston Magazine, and recognized by Zagat as a Top 10 Summer Food Festival, this family-friendly outdoor event showcases authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine, Caribbean flavors, craft beverages, local vendors, and live performances. The weekend kicks off Friday night (21+) with the Rum &amp; Brew Tasting and Concert, featuring top breweries, distilleries, Caribbean-inspired cocktails, and live soca music. On Saturday, the Caribbean Foodie Festival takes center stage with signature events like the Jerk Cook-Off, Seafood Throwdown, sustainable chef demos, live music, and a Kids &amp; Culture Zone. Sunday closes out the weekend with a FREE Community Day – Community Soccer Fever, bringing together food, culture, and outdoor activities in a relaxed, family-friendly setting on Harvard’s professional soccer field.. Come for the bold flavors of jerk cuisine—featuring Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and allspice—and stay for a full weekend of culture, community, and celebration.

Harvard Athletic Complex

5th Annual Cambridge Juneteenth Celebration and Parade

5th Annual Cambridge Juneteenth Celebration and Parade Join the Cambridge Juneteenth Committee for our free annual Juneteenth community celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme of this year’s 5th annual event is “Roots, Culture, and Community.” This family-friendly celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. sharp at Cambridge City Hall Plaza and features performances by the Tempo International Steel Orchestra, Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra, and School of Honk. The parade proceeds down River Street to Blackstone Street and concludes with a community celebration at Riverside Press Park. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade and festivities. Also check out other <a href="https://allevents.in/cambridge-ma/music">Music events in Cambridge</a>.

Riverside Press Park

Boston Hot Sauce Festival

Get ready to spice things up at the Boston Hot Sauce Festival with fiery challenges, mouth-watering Chef demos and Pepper Talks! Join us for the 3rd Annual <a href="https://bostonhotsaucefestival.eventbrite.com">Boston Hot Sauce Festival</a> - Rhythm N' Spice! Get ready for an experience that will set your taste buds on fire on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at The Cambridge Foundry in Kendall Square, Cambridge. With two sessions (12:00–4:00 PM and 4:30–8:30 PM), this sizzling celebration offers an exciting lineup of global hot sauces crafted by small and local businesses, spicy food challenges, pepper farmers, cooking demos at the Spicy Food Lab, Pepper Chats with industry experts. Enjoy the Spice Lounge’s selection of fiery cocktails and cultural beverages. Families can explore the Kids &amp; Culture zone, featuring hands-on activities like face painting, henna art, and surprises. Advance General Admission is $12, VIP access is $50 (for 21+ year old attendees), and children10 and under enter for free. Proceeds support Sustainable Food and Culture. Whether you're a spice aficionado or just looking for a fun-filled cultural experience, Rhythm N’ Spice is the place to be! Benefits for VIP Ticket Holders (21+ year old only):<ul><li>General Admission tickets benefits</li><li>1 meal ticket (advance ticket holders only) from our vendors</li><li>1 VIP Swag bag</li><li>Exclusive access to VIP Lounge</li><li>Beverage tickets for Alcoholic Tasting Room</li></ul>Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and join us for a day of spice-filled fun!

The Foundry

Boston Hot Sauce Festival - Rhythm & Spice

🔥 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-hot-sauce-festival-featuring-spicy-challenges-and-chef-demos-tickets-1979766935197?aff=oddtdtcreator">3rd Annual Boston Hot Sauce Festival - Rhythm N’ Spice</a> 🔥 🌶️ Saturday, May 9, 2026 📍 <a href="https://www.cambridgefoundry.org/visit-us">The Cambridge Foundry</a> - Kendall Square, Cambridge Get ready to spice things up at the Boston Hot Sauce Festival! The festival returns for its third year with fiery challenges, mouth-watering chef demos, and Pepper Talks that bring the heat. What to Expect 🔥 Global Hot Sauces: Explore an exciting lineup of handcrafted hot sauces from small and local businesses around the world. 🍽️ Spicy Food Lab: Live cooking demos featuring chefs showcasing bold, spicy flavors. 🌶️ Spicy Food Challenges: Test your limits or watch brave competitors take on the heat. 🌾 Pepper Farmers &amp; Pepper Chats: Learn directly from pepper growers and industry experts. 🍹 Spice Lounge: Enjoy fiery cocktails and cultural beverages. 🎨 Kids &amp; Culture Zone: Family-friendly activities including face painting, henna art, and hands-on cultural experiences. ✨ Proceeds benefit Sustainable Food &amp; Culture - Spice up your day for a great cause! ✨  🎟️<a href="http://rhythmnspicefest.eventbrite.com"> </a><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-hot-sauce-festival-featuring-spicy-challenges-and-chef-demos-tickets-1979766935197?aff=oddtdtcreator">Get Tickets Here</a> Event Details 🕒 Two Sessions Available • 12:00-4:00 PM • 4:30-8:30 PM 🎟️ Tickets • Advance General Admission: $12 • VIP Admission (21+): $50 • Children 10 and under: Free VIP Ticket Benefits (21+ only) • All General Admission benefits • 1 meal ticket from festival vendors (advance ticket holders only) • VIP swag bag • Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge • Beverage tickets for the Alcoholic Tasting Room

The Foundry - Kendall Square

CSBBN Black Business Spring Marketplace

The<a href="https://www.sbnmass.org/cs-black-business-net"> Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network</a> (CSBBN) is partnering with the<a href="https://www.sbnmass.org"> Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts</a> and<a href="https://www.cambridgelocalfirst.org"> Cambridge Local First</a>, for our Spring Marketplace Pop-Up to be held May 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2026. The Marketplace event will highlight, celebrate and promote local Black-owned businesses in advance of Spring. Sixteen vendors will offer unique gift items for purchases, soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, vintage clothing, body care, fragrances, and more. The majority of products are hand made and locally produced by these local businesses. This event is more than just shopping. It's an opportunity to connect with passionate business owners, hear their inspiring stories, and support their dreams. By attending, you become part of a movement that uplifts and elevates black-owned businesses in our community. The event is free to attend. We can't wait to see you there! The shopping event is organized in collaboration with support from <a href="https://beaconcapital.com/">Beacon Capital Partners</a>, <a href="https://www.cambridgema.gov/">City of Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.easternbank.com/">Eastern Bank,</a> and <a href="https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/harvard-square-business-association/">Harvard Square Business Association</a>.&nbsp; 📍 Location:&nbsp;<ul><li>One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138</li></ul>📅 Event Dates &amp; Times:<ul><li>Friday, May 1, 2026, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM</li><li>Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM</li><li>Sunday, May 3, 2026, 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li></ul>💸 Admission: Free! RSVP <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-black-business-spring-marketplace-tickets-1985517168299?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a> (<a href="https://csbbnspring2026.eventbrite.com">https://csbbnspring2026.eventbrite.com</a>)

One Brattle Square, Old Eastern Bank

Black-Owned Business Marketplace Pop-up in Harvard Square

The<a href="https://www.sbnmass.org/cs-black-business-net"> Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network</a> (CSBBN) is partnering with the<a href="https://www.sbnmass.org"> Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts</a> and<a href="https://www.cambridgelocalfirst.org"> Cambridge Local First</a>, for our “Show Your Love for Black-Owned Business,“ a Black History Month Marketplace Pop-Up to be held February 6 and 7, 2026. The Marketplace event will highlight, celebrate and promote local Black-owned businesses in advance of Valentine’s Day. Sixteen vendors will offer unique gift items for purchases, soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, vintage clothing, body care, fragrances, and more. The majority of products are hand made and locally produced by these local businesses. This event is more than just shopping. It's an opportunity to connect with passionate business owners, hear their inspiring stories, and support their dreams. By attending, you become part of a movement that uplifts and elevates black-owned businesses in our community. The event is free to attend. We can't wait to see you there! The shopping event is organized in collaboration with support from <a href="https://beaconcapital.com/">Beacon Capital Partners</a>, <a href="https://www.cambridgema.gov/">City of Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.easternbank.com/">Eastern Bank,</a> and <a href="https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/harvard-square-business-association/">Harvard Square Business Association</a>.  📍 Location: <ul><li>One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138</li></ul>📅 Event Dates &amp; Times:<ul><li>Friday, Feb 6, 2026, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM</li><li>Reception - with light refreshments: 5-7PM</li><li>Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM</li></ul>💸 Admission: Free! RSVP <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-owned-business-marketplace-pop-up-in-harvard-square-free-event-tickets-1980021409336?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a> (<a href="https://2026februarymarketplace.eventbrite.com">https://2026februarymarketplace.eventbrite.com</a>)

Black Business Holiday Marketplace

Black Business Holiday Marketplace: Celebrate. Shop. Support. Celebrate the season while supporting local Black-owned businesses! Hosted by the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN), in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and Cambridge Local First, the 4th Annual Black Business Holiday Marketplace invites the community to discover unique, hand-crafted gifts and holiday treasures. CSBBN is part of Cambridge’s “Shop Local - I’m Local” small business campaign during the winter holidays. 📅 Event Dates &amp; Times:<ul><li>Friday, Dec. 12, 2025: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Reception with light refreshments: 5-7 PM)</li><li>Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM</li><li>Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM</li></ul>📍 Location: One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138 💸 Admission: Free! RSVP<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-marketplace-tickets-1964532844622?aff=oddtdtcreator"> here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holiday-marketplace-tickets-1964532844622?aff=oddtdtcreator</a> Festival Highlights:<ul><li>Explore unique, hand-crafted gifts, soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, and more from dozens of amazing vendors</li><li>Enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend</li><li>Support local Black-owned businesses while finding one-of-a-kind holiday treasures</li><li>Reception with light refreshments on Friday evening</li></ul>Partnerships &amp; Sponsors: Beacon Capital Partners, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Savings Bank, Harvard Square Business Association Links &amp; Resources:<ul><li>Web Page:<a href="https://www.sbnmass.org/cs-black-business-net"> SBN Mass CS Black Business Network</a>: <a href="https://www.sbnmass.org/cs-black-business-net">https://www.sbnmass.org/cs-black-business-net</a> </li><li>Volunteer Application:<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1orDduKxB7bo0U4xld6-V_TZbvo-eP0EMmgw2ntaPOzE/edit?usp=drive_web&amp;ouid=113475729220732435911"> Google Form</a>: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1orDduKxB7bo0U4xld6-V_TZbvo-eP0EMmgw2ntaPOzE/edit?usp=drive_web&amp;ouid=113475729220732435911">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1orDduKxB7bo0U4xld6-V_TZbvo-eP0EMmgw2ntaPOzE/edit?usp=drive_web&amp;ouid=113475729220732435911</a> </li><li>Social Media: @sbnmass</li></ul>

One Brattle Square

SpicetoberFest: Spice. Culture. Food.

SpicetoberFest is Boston’s hottest fall celebration of bold local flavors and vibrant culture. Launching on October 18, 2025, with support from the City of Boston, SpicetoberFest will celebrate the city's diverse culinary and cultural fabric by providing a platform for spicy food vendors, urban farmers, chefs, local hot sauce makers, artisan and craft beverage producers, and entertainers to showcase their talents. In collaboration with the City of Boston, local small businesses, and nonprofit partners, the festival focuses on harvest-season spices and bold, spicy flavors while promoting the culinary diversity of Boston’s food makers and creators. SpicetoberFest offers a multisensory experience like no other—highlighting the intersection of spice, culture, and food—and creates an inclusive space for all Bostonians and visitors to come together and enjoy unique, high-quality programming. This event is supported in part by the Mayor’s Office of Arts &amp; Culture. 📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Location: Boston City Hall Plaza 🎉 Who’s it for? Food lovers, music fans, spice seekers, families, and festival-goers of all kinds 🎟 Admission: Free Festival Highlights: 40 vendors, farmers, and exhibitors Spice Lane featuring local hot peppers and hot sauce makers Urban farm demonstrations “Are You Brave Enough?” Comedy Challenge Finals Partnerships with the City of Boston, Boston Public Market, Haley House, and community partners Chef Demo Stage Bar with cocktail competitions Mocktails &amp; mocktail demos

Boston City Hall Plaza

Youth Open Studios & Design Reveal of Neighborhood Storefronts Project at 1175: A Celebration of Creative Cambridge

Part of the city-wide Cambridge Arts Open Studios, 1175 Cambridge Street highlights the work of talented youth artists, designers, and makers. Explore and shop a dynamic selection of paintings, prints, ceramics, apparel, jewelry, and more—all created by local youth. Express yourself and add to Cambridge Art Center’s mural! This event is also the grand finale of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority’s series to engage the community to shape the vision for the future of 1175 Cambridge Street that will become affordable retail space. Now, we celebrate what’s to come—with art, small businesses, and community joy. 🖼️ Youth-made art &amp; goods 🛍️ Pop-up thrift shops from local small business vendors 🎉 Design Reveal of the new building 🎶 Family-friendly, free, and open to all Youth Open Studios at 1175 Cambridge Street is a collaboration with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, Community Arts Center (CAC), and Cambridge Arts.

Cambridge Arts Open Studios

31st Cambridge Carnival International - FREE

Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, for a vibrant and immersive celebration of African and Caribbean culture! Experience the excitement of live music, dazzling costumes, dynamic dance performances, and an incredible selection of food and craft vendors. Whether you're a vendor, reveler, or spectator, get ready to be captivated by the soulful beats of our steel drum band and the spirit of community. 📅 Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 📍 Location: Central Square – University Park Commons: 65 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA 02139 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 🌍 Free &amp; open to all! Don't miss this unforgettable cultural experience! For more details and participation opportunities, visit<a href="https://www.cambridgecarnival.org/"> https://www.cambridgecarnival.org/</a>.

Central Square – University Park Commons

Pan in the Park Steel Pan Showcase at Pacific Park

Celebrate Pan in the Park, a Steel Pan Showcase! Sept 6 @ Pacific Park— steel pan vibes &amp; Caribbean culture! Join us for a festive evening of steel pan music, food, and DJ music and community celebration! Featuring the&nbsp;Tempo International Steel Orchestra&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra (CYSO)&nbsp;and more than 8 Pan Groups and Soloists. this free outdoor event honors the vibrant Caribbean tradition of pan music. Presented by Cambridge Carnival International.

Pacific Park

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 📈

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.

Where

joyraft.host642

Experiences