15th Annual “Some Like it Hot” Chili Cook-off


The Harvard Square Business Association is excited to announce the return of the 15th Annual “Some Like it Hot” Chili Cook-off. This free, family-friendly chili tasting party will take place Saturday, February 8th on Brattle Plaza (in front of  Bluestone Lane at 27 Brattle Street) and Brattle Street from 1pm – 2:30pm and will be hotter and spicier than ever before!

Some of Harvard Square’s most popular businesses have been busy this week making batches of chili for this fun and festive event, including:

Taste them all and vote for your favorite! The business with the most votes will be awarded the highly coveted Harvard Square Chili Pot!


Bringing the musical heat will be Harvard Square’s perennial favorite,  Grooversity.  They never fail to pump up the crowd with infectious and heart-stopping percussion combining Brazilian grooves like Samba and Axe with Funk, Rock, Jazz and Hip Hop.


Put your feet up in one of our enclosed “igloos” – an ideal place to unwind and warm up after all that chili and dancing – or warm your hands by our fire pits!


While you are here, stop by and meet the funny folks from The Comedy Studio, the Square’s newest entertainment venue featuring national and local comedy acts 7 days a week!

Danny Killea is a Boston based comedian for the past decade and host of the podcast “Dinner at Your Place?” where he invites a guest over for their favorite meal from childhood and gets to know them through the stories and people behind it. He’s had the pleasure of working across the country and with greats like Robert Kelly, Shane Torres, and Tig Notaro. Danny doesn’t shy away from bringing family experiences or embarrassing moments to the stage mixed with some of the other things he’s finding out about life.

Gail Roberts is a realtor extraordinaire and esteemed civic leader, whose numerous honors include being the No. 1-ranked Coldwell Banker sales associate in New England as well as one of Coldwell Banker’s Top 10 agents worldwide. She also has been named one of America’s Top 50 real estate agents multiple years by The Wall Street Journal and received Coldwell Banker’s Society of Excellence Award, which is earned by less than one percent of agents around the globe. She serves on the boards of the New England chapter of UNICEF USA, Mount Auburn Hospital, Huntington Theatre Company, The Cambridge Community Foundation, and Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts.

Martha Sullivan is the owner and founder of Sullivan Communications. Committed to representing the finest leaders in hospitality and lifestyle products and services, Sullivan Communications brings a unique perspective with its deep local roots and proven national outreach. Her esteemed clients in Harvard Square have includedThe Cambridge Office for TourismThe Charles HotelHarvestHenrietta’s TableSeason to TasteRegattabar and more. 

Larry Ward is the co-owner of Dx, the premiere event space in Harvard Square, co-founder of the Cambridge Jazz Festival, former Cambridge City Councillor and all-around man about town!




Happening right next door at One Brattle Square is the Black-Owned Business Marketplace Pop-up: Show Your Love for Black-Owned Businesses. This event will highlight, celebrate and promote local black-owned businesses in advance of Valentine’s Day. This shopping event is in collaboration with the City of Cambridge, Beacon Capital Partners, Harvard Square Business Association and Cambridge Savings Bank. Eighteen vendors will offer unique gift items for purchase including soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, vintage clothing, body care, fragrances, and more.

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!

Event Times: Friday, February 8, 12 – 7pm and Reception: 5-7pm; Saturday, February 8, 11am – 8pm