Juneteenth Gathering

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This free, all-ages event is marking its fourth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated the Juneteenth Gathering at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS each year. Join us for the Juneteenth Gathering, A Denise Plays Hard Event, featuring speeches, poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments. All are welcome! Event Details 12:30-1:00 PM DJ Steve Gousby 1:00-1:20 PM Welcome, speakers 1:20-2:30 PM Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event, including:<ul><li>Drum procession – Chibuzo Dunun </li><li>Remarks and Libation – Edmund Barry Gaither (Director and Curator of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists) </li><li>The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – led by Judge Milton Wright </li><li>Denise Washington &amp; The #Pop-Up Poetry Ensemble: Akili Jamal Haynes, Lenny Bradford, Stephen O’Neal </li></ul>2:30-3:30 PM DJ Steve Gousby Interactive history and family activities Catered refreshments Partner/resource tables StoryWalk: Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS

Choosing a Commander: Myths & Realities Behind the Continental Congress’s Decision to Make George Washington the General

Speaker: J.L. Bell Hybrid event; register to attend in person or online at https://forms.office.com/g/fN7ChyygEE. This July brings the 250th anniversary of General George Washington’s arrival in Cambridge, the result of momentous decisions by the Continental Congress. More than a quarter-century later, John Adams wrote a dramatic account of that choice, which became the standard source on the event. But Adams’s version is not supported by contemporaneous documents, and people pushed back against it at the time. In this talk, Bell sifts the evidence to explore the real politicking behind the Congress’s choice. J. L. Bell maintains&nbsp;<a href="https://boston1775.blogspot.com/">Boston1775.net</a>. He is the author of The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War and a book-length study for the National Park Service of Gen. Washington’s work in Cambridge. This annual event is made possible by the Friends of the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters.

Panel Discussion: The Powder Alarm and Political Change

In the library auditorium, four historians discuss the history and significance of the 1774 Powder Alarm, including its political context, how it affected Cambridge’s Loyalist families, and the most basic fight for liberty along Tory Row. The panelists include Dan Breen, Caitlin G. DeAngelis, MaryKate Smolenski, and J. L. Bell.&nbsp;

Cambridge Public Library

Rebellion along Tory Row: The 1774 Powder Alarm

In response to the British soldiers emptying the Somerville Powder House, thousands of militiamen marched into Cambridge the next day. That response revealed a new political order in Massachusetts and upended the lives of families along Tory Row. The commemorations include family games and activities at Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, historians’ presentations at History Cambridge, and a walking tour along Brattle Street. These free outdoor and indoor events are presented by History Cambridge, Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, the Friends of Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters, Revolution 250, Boston 1775, and volunteers.&nbsp;Schedule:<ul><li>1:00-4:00 pm&nbsp;Family games and activities at Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site.</li><li>1:45 pm&nbsp;J. L. Bell leads a walking tour of the colonial estates along Brattle Street, starting at Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site.</li><li>2:30 pm&nbsp;Prof. Robert J. Allison lays out the political situation in Massachusetts in 1774 at History Cambridge.</li><li>3:30 pm&nbsp;Michele Gabrielson speaks on Revolutionary printers and 18th-century media literacy at History Cambridge.</li></ul>

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Longfellow Pride Picnic

Celebrate Pride by bringing your favorite picnic blanket to lay out on the Longfellow House lawn between 12:00-3:00 PM! This collaborative event will highlight LGBTQ+ history with Queer History tours, lawn games, food, and music. All ages and abilities welcome. Some food and refreshments provided but we encourage you to bring your own picnic foods as well. Rain date July 7. Presented in partnership with the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission.

Juventas New Music Ensemble

Juventas New Music Ensemble is a contemporary chamber group with a special focus on emerging voices. Juventas shares classical music as a vibrant, living art form. We bring audiences music from a diverse array of composers that live in today’s world and respond to our time. The Longfellow Summer Arts Festival brings music, poetry, and community to the East Lawn of the Longfellow House on Sunday afternoons through the summer. All events are free and open to the public. November in Coimbra (2024) Oliver Caplan (b. 1982) "Lilac" (2018) from Flower Catalog Stephanie Ann Boyd (b. 1990) No Horns Barred (2017) Quinn Mason (b. 1996) I. Restrained II. Relaxed: Canzonetta III. Unleashed Sonatine (2005) Valerie Coleman (b. 1970) Slipstream (2020) Stacy Garrop (b. 1969) I. The Horizon Beckons II. Riding Solo III. Adrenaline Rush Performers Celine Ferro, clarinet Anne Howarth, horn Julia Scott Carey, piano

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street before the American Revolution, their living descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This free, all-ages event will feature a community gathering with speeches by living descendants, Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event; music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments Event Details 12:30-12:50 PM Welcome, descendant speakers 12:50-2:00 PM Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event, including:<ul><li>Drum procession with Chibuzo Dunun</li><li>Libation + Lift Every Voice and Sing</li><li>Music + poetry, Denise Washington &amp; Akili Jamal Haynes</li></ul>2:00-3:00 PM Interactive history and family activities Catered refreshments Partner/resource tables Juneteenth StoryWalk <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/though-dwelling-in-a-land-of-freedom.htm">Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are currently unknown. </a>These seven people were enslaved by John Vassall at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge prior to the American Revolution, seized their freedom, and built a legacy of activism. Presented in partnership with the Descendants of Tony and Cuba Vassall, <a href="https://historycambridge.org/">History Cambridge</a>, the <a href="https://www.maah.org/">Museum of African American History</a>, <a href="https://royallhouse.org/">Royall House and Slave Quarters</a>, <a href="https://www.slavelegacyhistorycoalition.org/">Slave Legacy History Coalition</a>, <a href="https://www.firstchurchcambridge.org/">First Church Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.cccambridge.org/">Christ Church Cambridge</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic">Cambridge Historical Commission</a>.

Outdoor Movie Night: Giving Voice (2020)

Kick off a weekend of youth creativity with an outdoor screening of the 2020 documentary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81290388" target="_blank">Giving Voice</a>!&nbsp;This film follows the annual August Wilson Monologue competition and the thousands of high schoolers who enter the competition for the opportunity to perform on Broadway. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this inspiring film under the stars on the giant screen.

Poets in the Garden

Join your host, Cambridge Poetry Ambassador Toni Bee, and poets Justice Brooks, Linda Carney-Goodrich, Charles Coe, and Boston Youth Poet Laureate Parker-Vincent Alva, for an afternoon of outdoor poetry alongside the Longfellow House garden. Enjoy poetry performances, step up to the open mic, get growing with a seed giveaway, and stroll along on the garden walk!

BeeFound: Mrs. Phillis and Her Friends

The poet and the professor will discuss the history of Mrs. Phillis Wheatley and the friends and associates she&nbsp;communicated&nbsp;with. This event includes a lecture, poetry workshop, seed give away and garden walk.&nbsp; This National Poetry Month event will take place both in-person and online (lecture and workshop only).&nbsp; Toni Bee is a poet, workshop facilitator, and a Poet Populist emeritus of Cambridge, MA as well as its Inaugural&nbsp;Poetry&nbsp;Ambassador. Nicole Aljoe is a Professor of English and Africana Studies at Northeastern University. They are co-authors of the article "Reading and Teaching Phillis Wheatley Peters in Boston," published in the journal Early American Literature

2023 Longfellow Holiday Open House

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate children’s joy around the holidays, and to embrace the playful spirit of the season amid the decked historic halls of the Longfellow House. Enjoy a luminaria display on the grounds and stroll the halls of the Longfellow House, decorated in period style and featuring live harp music and special seasonal objects from the site's museum collection that celebrate childhood and play. Then, follow the festive front path to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy President’s House at 115 Brattle Street – the other big yellow house – to enjoy Big Smile Entertainment’s Holiday Victorian Carolers and Rosalita’s puppet shows, in addition to parlor games, a festive tree, “take-and-make” crafts, and treats for the whole family. Refreshments, including cookies and hot beverages, will be served. Free; no reservations required. Event concludes at 8:00 PM; last entrance to the Longfellow house at 7:30 PM. A fun and festive evening for all ages! Thank you to the <a href="https://www.friendsoflongfellowhouse.org/">Friends of the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters</a> and the <a href="https://www.lincolninst.edu/">Lincoln Institute of Land Policy</a> for supporting this annual event!

Family Fun Saturdays

The Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom, their living descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This event will feature a community gathering with music, poetry, speeches, and family activities, followed by a screening of the award-winning 2022 documentary <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.descendantfilm.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cemily_levine%40nps.gov%7C58cf41c3e3124b5d007408db5a708042%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638203211505349216%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=EgD%2Fi2jFtxLZYhfU5YXGEYtFxqSs2IZkaVYrvRU5YQ0%3D&amp;reserved=0">Descendant</a>. 4:00-6:30 PM Outdoor Community Gathering This all-ages gathering is free and open to all. Gather with your loved ones, neighbors, and community members on the Longfellow House lawn for featured presentations by the Descendants of Tony and Cuba Vassall; family-friendly activities; a drum procession; music and #Pop-Up Poetry with Denise Washington and Akili Jamal Haynes, and insight from local historians. Light refreshments provided. The <a href="https://historycambridge.org/online-exhibits/forgotten-souls-of-tory-row/">Forgotten Souls of Tory Row</a> art installation by Black Coral, Inc. will also be on view. Light refreshments provided. 6:30-8:45 PM Indoor Film Screening: Descendant (2022) At 6:30 PM, the award-winning documentary Descendant will be screened next door at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. The film follows descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, the last-known slave ship to arrive in the United States, as they celebrate their heritage and take command of their legacy. Free; seating is first-come, first-served (maximum 100 attendees). Running time 1 hour 49 mins. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/though-dwelling-in-a-land-of-freedom.htm">Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are no longer known. </a>These seven people were enslaved by John Vassall at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge prior to the American Revolution, seized their freedom, and built a legacy of activism. Presented in partnership with the Descendants of Tony and Cuba Vassall, <a href="https://historycambridge.org/">History Cambridge</a>, the <a href="https://www.maah.org/">Museum of African American History</a>, <a href="https://royallhouse.org/">Royall House and Slave Quarters</a>, <a href="https://www.slavelegacyhistorycoalition.org/">Slave Legacy History Coalition</a>, <a href="http://cambridgeblackhistoryproject.org/">Cambridge Black History Project</a>, <a href="https://www.firstchurchcambridge.org/">First Church Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.cccambridge.org/">Christ Church Cambridge</a>, and <a href="https://www.blackcoralinc.org/">Black Coral, Inc.</a>

Celebrate Pride on Saturday, June 17 by bringing your favorite picnic blanket to lay out on the Longfellow House lawn between 11am-2pm! This collaborative event will highlight the LGBTQ+ history of the site with Queer History tours at 11:30, 12:30, and 2:30; lawn games; food; and music. All ages and abilities welcome, located .5 miles from the Harvard Square Red Line stop. Some food and refreshments provided but we encourage you to bring your own picnic foods as well. This is a sunshine only event! (Rain date: July 8) Presented by the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS and Cambridge LGBTQ Commission.

Longfellow Holiday Open House

Stroll the halls of the Longfellow House, decorated in period style and featuring special seasonal objects from the site's museum collection. Plus, enjoy music by the Victorian Carolers, pick up "take-and-make" crafts and treats for the whole family, and stop by the holiday photo station. Free; no reservations required. Event concludes at 8:00 PM; last entrance to the house at 7:30 PM. Join us in reflecting on the power of special places and traditions to bring us together. The past several years have seen shifts in the way we gather, communicate, and spend time with one another. This holiday season, we’ll look to the house’s history to reflect on ways of celebrating being together, past and present. A fun and festive evening for all ages!

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

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

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

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.