By Spencer Buell Globe Staff,Updated October 23, 2024, 6:10 a.m.
The long-fenced-off location of the Harvard Square kiosk. For decades it was home to landmark newsstand Out of Town News, which left in 2019.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
CAMBRIDGE — It may not look like much, this 500-square-foot kiosk in the heart of Harvard Square.
Visible through chain-link fencing, which has hemmed it in for years now, the small structure has the shape and feel of an oversized bus shelter, albeit one with handsomely restored brickwork and an ornate copper roof.
It had been the longtime home of Out of Town News, which closed in 2019, but then languished in construction purgatory. That journey is set — allegedly, at least — to wrap up early next year and cost $3.3 million, which would put it in the ballpark of an eye-popping $6,600 per square foot.
There has been jubilation at this news among those who live and work in the square. But also, exasperation at what has transpired as the city has tried to reopen this beleaguered little landmark.
“This project has been dragging on for way too long. It is painfully slow, frustrating, and expensive,” said Denise Jillson, head of the neighborhood’s business association. “With all this money that we have and the resources, and the brain trust that we have, these things should be — it shouldn’t be this difficult.”
Kathy Watkins, the city’s public works commissioner, has heard that very criticism many times over the (many) years the project has crawled along.
“I know people are frustrated about how long these things take,” Watkins said. But “we are super excited to see this coming to a conclusion, have it be open and usable, celebrate the community, and have people embrace and enjoy this building.”
She said refurbishing even a modest rectangular building — the kind of thing that would be a breeze just about anywhere else in the country — is not so simple. Not in Harvard Square, at least.
The kiosk’s story begins in 1928, when it was the headhouse for the transit stop beneath it. The original Out of Town News opened next door in 1954 as a separate newsstand, then moved into the structure in 1984.
The Harvard Square kiosk in 1928 or so. (Cambridge Historical Commission)Cambridge Historical CommissionOut of Town News stand in Harvard Square on Oct. 14, 1966.Bill Brett/Globe Staff
In either location, Out of Town News, which specialized in selling periodicals from around the world to the neighborhood’s globally minded residents, was treated as a landmark. It was for more than half a century an intellectual hub and informal meeting place, and a touchstone for anyone who lived, visited, or studied in Cambridge during its heyday.
Julia Child browsed for recipes there, student protesters routinely rallied near its steps (and sometimes on its roof), and a young Bill Gates is said to have been inspired to explore the potential of computers after reading about them in a magazine bought on its shelves.
In its latter years, even as it increasingly served as a convenience store, the Out of Town brand was a reminder of a simpler time, when people needed to seek out news from far away rather than having it arrive at all hours via smartphone.
But by 2012, its best days clearly behind it, Jillson’s Harvard Square Business Association was calling for the kiosk to be patched up, restored, and put to some other use than what it had become: a place, Jillson said, to buy scratch tickets and a pack of smokes.
Still, ideas are one thing. Plans are another. When it came time to do something about it, the city moved cautiously, and slowly. Many community meetings were held. Working groups formed. Consultants were consulted. Neighborhood groups coalesced.
Out of Town News in 1982.John Blanding, Globe StaffLate-night reading at Out of Town News in 1987.David Binder/Globe Staff
Meanwhile, the kiosk restoration was lumped into the broader project of renovating the plaza surrounding it, which was due for a refresh, bringing it up to modern accessibility standards. (Included in the $3.3 million price tag for the kiosk, officials said, are some modifications to the nearby T stop headhouse that were needed so it could support new accessible grading on the plaza. Renovations for the kiosk and plaza combined are budgeted at about $11.5 million, the city said last week).
By the time Cambridge was ready to break ground, COVID had struck. Supply chain issues slowed progress from there.
Even as construction began in May 2021, the nature of the work itself was an obstacle: a historic structure, in a historic locale, at one of the densest corners of one of the state’s densest cities, at one of its busiest crossings for cars, bikes, and pedestrian traffic.
A contractor to fix up the kiosk would need to specialize in historic preservation, and on obscure design elements like the structure’s artisan-crafted roof. Workers updating the plaza, meanwhile, would need to be willing to use smaller and lighter equipment than is typical, and to operate in phases so the area can remain open to the millions of people who pass through each year.
“The heart of the square is an extremely challenging place to do construction,” said Watkins.
To make matters more complicated, the plaza sits directly atop the age-worn Harvard MBTA station, in some places just a foot-and-a-half above its ceiling. So every step of the project has needed to be reviewed and approved by the T, a laborious and time consuming affair.
“That has been one of the big delays, to be honest,” Watkins said.
The T has certainly had good reason to be extra cautious. Just last year, a Harvard student was injured when a decrepit piece of equipment clattered on top of her inside the stop — an incident that came just two months after a chunk crashed down, nearly hitting a passenger.
A T spokesperson said the agency has “worked diligently” to “review and refine designs” for the project “to ensure that the renovations do not compromise the safety or convenience of riders.”
Despite the challenges, work on the kiosk is itself almost done.
Out Of Town News in 1985.Ted Dully/Globe StaffTom Fosnot of Cambridge read an out of town newspaper at Out of Town News in Harvard Square in 1999.GREENE, Bill GLOBE STAFF
When it opens, it will be a very different space than the landmark people remember.
Where there were once racks of newspapers and magazines along its walls, there are now wide windows, some of which swing open, so passersby can see straight through it. The interior is sparse, and will stay that way, so furniture can be arranged and re-arranged to fit various purposes.
It will, as needed, be used by the city’s Office for Tourism whose staff guide visitors around the square. The city also envisions other uses for its 500square feet, and hopes to use it for temporary attractions like art galleries and historical exhibits, musical performances, lectures, and other events.
Melissa Peters, chief of planning strategy for the city’s Community Development Department, said officials hope the tight space will feel like the beating heart of Harvard Square: “Active and alive and open.”
In this next iteration, the city said it hopes in the near future to publicize a form that various groups — artists, nonprofits, cultural institutions, businesses — can use to pitch ideas for the space. It has tapped the Somerville firm Culture House to direct programming there when it opens.
For most Harvard College students, it will be the first time they encounter the structure from the other side of the fence.
Frankie Freeman, a junior and president of a group of student-run businesses in the square called Harvard Student Agencies, said the new structure will be a step — finally — in the right direction.
“It’s kind of just an eyesore currently,” said Freeman, of Rhode Island, who oversees the student-led tours that kick off right next to the long-dormant kiosk, and the Harvard Shop, which is located next door. “It’s a little saddening to have to talk to tourists who are coming in and want to see this beautiful landscape, but all they get to see as they leave the T is the construction right outside the station.”
Freeman, 20, said he is too young to have ever been to Out of Town News, so has no personal connection to it. “I just hope that they can work efficiently and quickly, and have the construction done so that we can present Harvard as it should be presented.”
Denise Jillson, head of the Harvard Square Business Association, is frustrated by the glacial pace of the project to re-imagine the kiosk that once housed Out of Town News.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
Museums, great eateries, unique stores, and of course, Harvard Yard make this a must-visit destination
Harvard Square (the area around the convergence of Massachusetts Avenue and Brattle, Mount Auburn, and John F. Kennedy Streets) is a commercial center for Harvard students, Cambridge residents, and tourists. Photo by Chynna Benson (CGS’18, COM’20)
According to historian Charles Sullivan, an area that includes the present-day Harvard Square was founded in 1630 as the Puritan village of Newtowne, which would become Cambridge in 1638. Many of the original streets still exist, including parts of Church, Story, Eliot, Arrow, and Mount Auburn Streets. And a few early 18th-century wood-frame houses on Winthrop, Dunster, and South Streets remain, as well.
The name Harvard Square did not become popular until the middle of the 19th century. Today the square (the area around the convergence of Massachusetts Avenue and Brattle, Mount Auburn, and John F. Kennedy Streets) is a commercial center for Harvard students, Cambridge residents, and tourists. It’s no surprise, given the disposable income passing through, that regional and national chains have moved in—yet the square retains many long-standing locally owned and operated businesses.
No amount of economic evolution can remove the area’s fascinating blend of characters. A sunken region next to the MBTA subway entrance (“the pit”) is a prime venue for political activists, panhandlers, skateboarders, and street performers, who also provide a festive atmosphere one block away, on Brattle Street. (Tracy Chapman and Martin Sexton both performed as Harvard Square buskers.) Nearby, on Mass Ave, chess aficionados challenge one and all for kicks and cash.
Below are some jumping-off points for exploring the square—destinations that lead to other destinations.
One of Harvard Square’s go-to spots for delicious Italian cuisine, Bar Enza, which opened inside the Charles Hotel in 2021, is a carb-lover’s dream. Be sure to try the restaurant’s delicious potato gnocchi with braised rabbit, favas, and pecorino. The restaurant’s spinach tagliatelle and baked rotolo with braised short rib ragu are among the other standouts. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert. The tiramisu and the affogato are worth every calorie. The restaurant is open for dinner only.
This Japanese ramen chain first opened in New England in 2015 in Harvard Square and has earned a devoted following. The signature dish is shio ramen, a mild and creamy soup flavored with salt and topped with pickled plum. Another favorite is the robustly flavored tokusen toroniku ramen, with pork. In all, there are six ramens to choose from, each of them delicious.
The Attic feels like a well-kept secret in Harvard Square. The light pink and powder blue walls are adorned with vintage artwork and hanging bags. Hats and accessories rest neatly on wall-mounted shelves, while a pink couch and wooden furnishings make the space feel like stepping into your grandmother’s living room. Racks are filled with a carefully curated mix of clothing: cozy sweaters, unique pants, and an array of jackets. Open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, and until 7 pm on Saturdays, the store’s ever-changing selection ensures that no two visits are ever quite the same. The store offers a 15 percent off discount for students every Monday. Be sure to check out their $10 and under vintage room, as well. Follow the Attic on Instagram for updates on new arrivals and store highlights.
From its modest beginnings in 1954, this Chinese restaurant has become a Harvard Square fixture and has expanded to three floors, with a restaurant, a lounge, and the area’s largest dance floor. The menu is nothing remarkable, but you’ll find the biggest scorpion bowl in town: nine alcohols (mostly rums) and pineapple and orange juices. With exotic drinks like that, who needs food? That said, you’ll find plenty of entrees to choose from, including BBQ spare ribs, Peking ravioli, crispy salted pepper calamari, and kung pao shredded beef.
Americans love two things: burgers and snark. At Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, a Harvard Square institution since 1960, diners can have both: every seven-ounce burger comes with a free side of sarcasm. The restaurant has been featured in the New York Times and on the Food Network, among other media. Some menu items are a nod to our current political zeitgeist: there’s the Kamala Harris (a burger with habanero ghost pepper cheese, bacon, jalapeños, crispy fried onions, and ranch), and the Trump (a double burger with American cheese, BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions). And, yes, the restaurant also features a Coach Walz and J.D. Vance burgers. If you don’t have an appetite for politics, try the Boston University sandwich (featuring breaded chicken, mozzarella cheese, homemade marinara sauce, and shaved Parmesan). For an authentic Mr. Bartley’s experience, add an extra-thick frappe or malt—but only if you wear your stretch pants
In 1932, Mark S. Kramer borrowed $300 from his parents to open a small store for used and remaindered books (books a publisher is trying to quickly get rid of). Today, the store is still independent: Mark’s son, Frank, sold it in 2008 to longtime customers Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson, who have expanded it to 100,000 new and used titles. The award-winning author event series presents readings, signings, and lectures by established and emerging authors. True bibliophiles will want to check out the store’s updated Frequent-Buyer Program: the more you buy, the more you save.
Clover, 1326 Massachusetts Ave. Photo by Cydney Scott
Local vegetarian chain Clover Food Lab aims to convert carnivores. And with a rotating menu of unique pita sandwiches and other items, the fast food chain may indeed claim some converts. Staple sandwiches include the chickpea fritter (a take on falafel)—with homemade hummus, cucumber tomato salad, pickled veggies, and tahini—and the Impossible Meatball (wheat and potato protein, coconut oil, and heme), featuring garlic, parsley, a red sauce, provolone, and pecorino. Another favorite? The Mediterranean bowl, with homemade hummus, farro lemon dill, chickpea eggplant pepper salad, cucumber tomato salad, pickled cabbage, and falafel balls, drizzled with green tahini. Clover is constantly experimenting with new food technologies and introducing new flavor-packed vegetarian dishes.
Founded in 1882 by a group of Harvard students, the Harvard Coop (pronounced like coupe, not co-op) is one of the country’s largest bookstores. Now run in partnership with Barnes & Noble College, the multilevel, multibuilding retailer sells textbooks, school supplies, and dorm necessities, as well as Harvard merchandise. The membership fee is only $1 per year, just as it was back in 1882. But membership is selective: only students, faculty, alumni, and employees of Harvard, MIT, and affiliated hospitals of Harvard Medical School can join. Members receive an instant 10 percent discount on all purchases.
Bringing a little taste of Hawaii to Harvard Square, Pokéworks launched in 2015 by founders who were inspired by frequent trips to the island. The menu features signature bowls, with options like spicy ahi (ahi tuna, cucumber, sweet onion, edamame, sriracha aioli, masago, green onion, sesame seeds, onion crisps, and shredded nori) and sweet sesame chicken (all-natural chicken breast, cucumber, sweet onion, edamame, mandarin orange, cilantro, Pokéworks classic sauce, seaweed salad, green onion, sesame, wonton crisps). You can also build your own bowl. Pair your meal with some hot miso soup, spicy edamame, or seaweed salad. The eatery offers a rewards program: spend $99 and you earn a $9 credit.
Tucked into a sliver of Plympton Street and resembling a small hallway closet is Grolier, the oldest continuously operated poetry bookshop in America. Established in 1927, this nook of a bookstore now stocks over 15,000 volumes of trade, small press, and university publications devoted to poetry, prosody, and poetry markets. It also offers regular author readings and book signings. T. S. Eliot, Allen Ginsberg, Marianne Moore, and e.e. cummings are among the many legendary writers who visited Grolier, and their black-and-white portraits gaze down from above the shop’s many shelves. The store is open 11 am to 7pm three days a week, Wednesday to Friday, and on the first Saturday of each month. You can also place delivery orders online.
Before she became a poster child for the antiwar movement in the 1960s, Joan Baez gave her first concert at a small Cambridge music venue called Club 47. Now, more than half a century later, Club 47—now Club Passim—remains a cornerstone of local and legendary folk music. Noted performers—among them Nobel laureate Bob Dylan, Tom Rush, Judy Collins, Shawn Colvin, and Joni Mitchell—made some of their first public appearances here. Among recent performers are progressive folk duo Honeysuckle, Richard Shindell, Janet Feld, and Bernice Lewis. The club’s intimate setting invites audience and artist interaction. The venue also offers membership tiers, including a free student membership that grants access to ticket presales, free concert live streams, and many other benefits. It’s a great way to support the local folk scene, so be sure to check out all the perks here.
This trendy, upscale gastro pub is known for its high-end take on a classic dish: pizza. Here, you’re encouraged to eat it with…gasp…a fork and knife! SOURCE serves up delicious pies, such as the SOURCE Margherita—with Maplebrook Farm mozzarella, roasted tomato, and basil—and a seasonal pizza—featuring truffle smoked ricotta, roasted mushrooms, red onions, and arugula. You’ll also find an excellent selection of cocktails, including seasonal drinks like their Autumn spritz, and an assortment of entrees, pasta dishes, small plates, and delicious desserts. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves a weekend brunch featuring French toast, and a variety of egg dishes, in addition to pasta and pizza.
This live music venue, which opened in 2012, has helped revive Harvard Square’s nightlife scene. Rebecca Black, Field Medic, and Rico Nasty are among the numerous acts that have appeared. The space can hold 500, but it has an intimate feel. Best of all, there isn’t a bad view of the stage from anywhere (the balconies have the best vantage point).
Established in 1988, the Cambridge Artists Cooperative is the area’s only year-round, artist-owned and artist-managed crafts cooperative. With work from more than 100 artists from across the country, this 2,000-square-foot gallery has contemporary crafts, paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, clothing, and sculptures. New work is displayed every month. Online shopping is also available.
Wholesome Fresh is like a mini upscale grocery store in the middle of all the Harvard Square action. In addition to groceries, it sells deli sandwiches and fresh self-serve options that steer clear of artificial ingredients. Stop in to grab a bite to eat, or place a pickup order online.
This Swedish-based retailer specializes in outdoor gear and is particularly popular for its backpacks, which can be seen all over Boston. The backpacks, along with the company’s jackets, pants, and other outdoor equipment, are made with its signature “G-1000” hard-wearing and versatile fabric—engineered to be durable and breathable, good for both mountain climbing and a stroll down Comm Ave. Though Fjällräven’s products are on the more expensive side, they’re popular for their high quality.
Ramen places are popping up all over the Boston area, but few can top this one. Bosso Ramen Tavern opened its doors in March 2022 and drew an immediate crowd of devoted patrons. The rotating, ocean-inspired menu offers several delicious rice bowl and sushi options—and they are best known for their ramen dishes. The umami ramen is particularly flavorful and comes with flavored egg and kikurage, a type of mushroom. Umami means “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese, and this dish fully lives up to that description. Whether you choose to go for lunch or dinner, this place never disappoints. Delivery is also available here.
This mom-and-pop cafe, open for takeout, has a fun and fresh spin on traditional bagels—or, as they call them, “baaagels.” The bagels are made in-house with creative pairings. Try the caprese toast (served with tomato, mozzarella, and pesto), the breakfast BLT sandwich (served with maple bacon cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bacon bits), and the classic avocado toast. The cafe also serves coffee and offers catering for bulk orders with advanced notice.
This award-winning ramen chain takes pride in its origin story, with its first few locations taking Japan by storm in 2010. The first American flagship restaurant opened in New York City in 2017. In July 2021, they opened their first local eatery in Harvard Square (they also now have locations in the Seaport and at Legacy Place in Dedham). Check out the famous Ibusuki ramen (mixed broth made from pork and chicken, and paired with garlic and soy sauce, pork chashu, scallions, bean sprouts, and fried garlic), named after the Japanese city where the chain launched. Menu offerings include vegetarian options, such as the veggie miso bowl (miso flavored vegetable stock soup, jiro vegetable mix, tomato, sweet corn, and tofu). Not in the mood for ramen? Check out the udon, takoyaki, or gyoza.
Walking into Cardullo’s feels like stepping back 70 years, to a time when specialty shops like this were at the heart of every neighborhood. The walls are jam-packed with shelves of imported pastas, olive oils, and other pantry staples, while the deli counter hums with activity, offering freshly made sandwiches and an array of fine cheeses and charcuterie. In between, you’ll find artisanal chocolates, gift baskets, craft beers, and a thoughtfully curated selection of wines and spirits. The shop has been a Harvard Square staple since 1950, balancing old-world charm with an ever-changing selection that reflects tastes from around the world.
Hands down, Felipe’s is the best destination for Mexican food in Harvard Square. Their tacos are a must-try, made with fresh corn tortillas, chopped onions, and a generous topping of guacamolillo. You pick the meat and toppings. If you’re not a taco fan, try the quesadilla or the chimichanga. The festive environment is one of a kind and only improves as the late-night crowd rolls in. There’s a rooftop bar that is open during warm-weather months. Felipe’s is famous for its fresh key lime margaritas. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. On their website, Felipe’s sums up their dining experience in three words: fresh, fast, and friendly. Trust us—you can take them at their word.
This store is a must for anyone who appreciates quality stationery, fine pens, office products, diaries and calendars, and a wonderful selection of gift and holiday cards and wrapping paper. The knowledgeable staff has been serving Boston-area residents since 1930 and can provide help with everything from selecting the perfect fountain pen to finding the right kind of personalized stationery.
Brattle Theatre, and Alden and Harlow, 40 Brattle St. Photo by Cydney Scott
Fans of the silver screen have been catching flicks at the Brattle since 1953, when Bryant Haliday and Cyrus Harvey, Jr., premiered the German film Der Hauptmann von Köpenick. Showing classic, independent, foreign, and art-house films, this nonprofit theater—one of a vanishing breed—is best known for its eclectic and repertory format. Housed in a barnlike meeting hall, it is one of the few remaining movie theaters to use rear projection—the projector is behind the screen rather than behind the audience—which reduces shadows on the screen and can give better contrast and saturation.
When chef Michael Scelfo opened Alden & Harlow in 2014, he wanted to serve “honest American food, bold and flavor forward in taste.” And he does, with dishes like chicken-fried local rabbit topped with chili oil, radish, and blue cheese, and grilled bluefish with celery root, remoulade, and house pickles. There’s also a weekend brunch featuring such yummy items as pickled corn pancakes with tarragon aioli, fermented ramp greens, and burnt cherry hot sauce; avocado toast with green garlic oil, whipped feta, marinated cucumbers, and sesame chili crisp; and French toast with roasted strawberry and rhubarb, whipped cream cheese, and vanilla honey. Scelfo also has another eatery, Waypoint, across the square at 1030 Massachusetts Ave., offering coastally inspired fare.
L. A. Burdick, 52D Brattle St. Photo by Chynna Benson (CGS’18, COM’20)
When the Aztecs drank chocolate thousands of years ago, this “drink of the gods” was so rare and sacred that only the richest could afford it. At L.A. Burdick, “richest” is a culinary reference: a mug of hot chocolate here beats that watery instant stuff any day. The secret? It’s made from chocolate—and only chocolate—hand-shaved and warmed in milk. If that’s not rich enough for you, try the “Harvard Square,” a dense chocolate and walnut cake topped with velvety ganache. L.A. Burdick also sells a wide selection of chocolate confectionery. Of special note are its whimsical chocolate mice and penguins, beloved by L.A. Burdick patrons for more than 25 years, individually handcrafted in 12 steps over three days.
This eye-catching local flower shop, opened in 1973, recently moved around the corner next to L.A. Burdick. It’s famous for providing the freshest flowers and stellar customer service. The knowledgeable staff will help you put together the perfect arrangement or select the perfect houseplant. The shop offers delivery to Cambridge, Boston, and nearby areas. It’s open daily (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
Founded in 1980, the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) has garnered many of the nation’s most distinguished awards: a Tony Award for best regional theater, a Jujamcyn Theaters Award, and the National Theatre Conference’s Outstanding Achievement Award. Housed in the Loeb Drama Center, the A.R.T. has seen a number of its productions transfer to Broadway, among them All the Way, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Pippin, The Glass Menagerie, Waitress,and Life of Pi. The company has staged dozens of American and world premieres. In late 2026, A.R.T. is slated to relocate to the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance at 175 N. Harvard St. in Allston, near Harvard’s athletics facilities, business school, and science complex. Accessible by foot, bike, public transit, and car, the new venue will feature two performance spaces, studios, a public lobby, and an outdoor event yard, with performances beginning there in early 2027. A.R.T. will continue producing at the Loeb Drama Center until the move.
Longfellow House, 105 Brattle St. Photo by Cydney Scott
Rich in history, this landmark building was the home of one of America’s most renowned 19th-century poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Prior to that, the house was George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War siege of Boston (July 1775 to April 1776). Today, the museum is administered by the National Park Service and houses a collection of 19th-century documentary material and papers belonging to the Longfellow family, as well as clothing, fine arts, tools, and toys. The house, which sits on just under two acres, has a carriage barn and a pergola and is surrounded by lush lawns and formal gardens. Join the likes of Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson as one of many visitors to the house. The site is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but virtual visits are available.
Follow the smell of pizza, incense, and Vietnamese food, and you’ll end up at the Garage, definitely one of Harvard Square’s oddities. This multistory mini shopping mall—a neighborhood landmark for more than 50 years—is in fact a converted parking garage, with even its original car ramp preserved. It houses an eclectic variety of eateries and shops, notably Newbury Comics, with one of the region’s largest collections of new-wave and alternative music. There are plans to redevelop the mall to offer expanded retail, restaurant, and office space, as well as six outdoor terraces. The current building, which dates back to 1860, was originally a horse stable.
This Parisian-based gelato maker opened in Harvard Square in summer 2018, its second Boston-area location. It specializes in shaping different flavors of gelato into a multicolored rose, usually complemented by a macaron placed in the center. We dare you to find a more presentable dessert anywhere in the Boston area. Flavors range from hazelnut to passion fruit. They also serve milkshakes, granita, and sorbet drinks.
This cozy cafe, part of the Peet’s Coffee chain, is a popular spot for students and locals alike to unwind with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, crafted espresso drinks, or herbal teas. With ample seating and a laid-back atmosphere, Peet’s is perfect for catching up on reading, studying, or meeting with friends. The outdoor seating overlooks Winthrop Square, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy menu highlights like the chicken and waffles sandwich, made with warm maple waffles and melted Gouda, or the spiced maple cold brew oat latte, a fall favorite.
Grendel’s Den, 89 Winthrop St. Photo by Chynna Benson (CGS’18, COM’20)
The sign outside this enduring dyed-in-the-wool Harvard Square watering hole announces that it was established in 1271. It’s a typo, and should have read 1971. But the owners kept the sign because Grendel’s Den is named after the antagonist from Beowulf, and the medieval date evokes the epic poem’s period. The bar circumvents the state’s no-happy-hour mandate by offering half-price food between 5 and 7:30 pm daily. The justice system okayed such defiance: Grendel’s famously fought a 1982 legal battle over its liquor license all the way to the US Supreme Court and won—separation of church and state was at the heart of it, believe it or not. That’s worth celebrating with a sandwich and microbrew—or two.
This family-friendly, multilevel bar-restaurant and self-proclaimed “double cheeseburger king” has been a mainstay of Harvard Square for more than 65 years, and is a popular spot for college students. The wide-ranging menu includes cheeseburgers, fried chicken, grilled lobster melt sandwiches, and veggie items, like the homemade black bean and veggie cheeseburger with salsa, guacamole, and chips. They’re also known for their incredible grilled cheese sandwiches. The ground floor is reminiscent of a 1950s-style diner, with several HD TVs turned to local news and sports channels. There’s also a sidewalk patio, an upstairs lounge boasting “the best jukebox in Cambridge,” and a hopping beer garden featuring 22 draught beers. The beer garden stays open year-round thanks to the fire pits Charlie’s turns on during the cold months. Charlie’s traditionally hosts trivia quizzes on Wednesday nights, and they are also dog-friendly!
Harvard Yard. Photo by Chynna Benson (CGS’18, COM’20)
The “Yahd” defines one side of the square. Lined by Harvard’s freshman dorms, it’s the epitome of a New England college campus: red brick buildings under a canopy of hardwood trees, ablaze in color each fall. Presiding over the Yard is a statue of 17th-century English clergyman John Harvard, the college’s first benefactor. The sculpture is often called the “statue of three lies”: the inscription reads “John Harvard, Founder, 1638,” but the university was founded in 1636, Harvard was not the founder (although his library and fortune helped sustain the school through its early years), and no one knows what the actual John Harvard looked like. Sculptor Daniel Chester French (best known for the Lincoln Memorial) had a student model for the statue in 1884. When you look at the statue, note how brightly polished one shoe is. Tour guides say that it’s good luck to rub Harvard’s left foot. Nearby is Harvard’s main library, the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, with 57 miles of bookshelves and more than three million volumes, including one of the world’s few existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible.
A trip to the Harvard Museum of Natural History is an evolutionary experience. Visit prehistoric creatures, such as fossil invertebrates, reptiles, and the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus. Wander through a garden of more than 3,000 handcrafted glass flowers or admire a 1,600-pound amethyst geode. The museum is open daily and offers student discounts to non-Harvard students.
Among the things Harvard University is renowned for are its three art museums—the Fogg (Western art from the Middle Ages to the present), the Busch-Reisinger (works from northern and central Europe, with an emphasis on German-speaking countries), and the Sackler (Asian, ancient Mediterranean and Byzantine, Islamic, and Indian art). In a project that took six years to complete at a reported cost of $250 million, all three were united under one roof for the first time in 2014 as the Harvard Art Museums. The facility, designed by noted architect Renzo Piano, is an expansion of the original 1927 Fogg Museum building. The museums house more than 250,000 works of art and are home to four separate research centers. The renovation incorporated galleries to feature special exhibitions. The best part? Thanks to a contribution from the estate of David Rockefeller and support from the Office of the President of Harvard University, the Harvard Art Museums are free for all visitors.
In Harvard Square, you will find a neighborhood bustling with students, neighbors, and first-time visitors. But the area is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, whether you’re looking for a burger with fries or a cocktail to sip on with brunch.
To help you navigate a host of enjoyable options, we’ve updated our guide to some of the most popular eateries and bars in the Cambridge neighborhood. Between browsing for books at the local shops or attending the Head of the Charles Regatta, you’re sure to find a new favorite spot.
Beneath the Brattle Theater, you’ll find this hip, subterranean New American restaurant that’s perfect for a night out. While you’re browsing the menu, think of ordering the basil pasta served with carrot bolognese, the Secret Burger on a housemade roll, or the Ora King salmon served with ratatouille. Don’t miss out on dessert—the smoked chocolate bread pudding is a winner in our book.
This izakaya opened last year, and since then, it’s become a neighborhood fixture. Bosso Ramen Tavern serves sushi, sake, and ramen, made with a homemade broth. For those who don’t eat meat, the vegan ramen includes soy meat, cashews, walnuts, and red chili oil. After a flavorful entree, cleanse your palate with the black sesame ice cream. The restaurant expanded to Newbury Street in Back Bay with Sushi by Bosso Ramen Tavern earlier this summer.
A casual spot on Brattle Street, Felipe’s is the place to go when you need a Mexican food fix. Order the Baja-style tacos, made with a choice of lightly breaded shrimp or fish, or enjoy nachos made with extra melted cheese, refried beans, and more. Reader Elaine S. from Belmont said, “A lot has changed in Harvard Square. Felipe’s is still a great and affordable social space with a limited but authentic selection of Mexican food… Best margaritas in Camberville.”
Inside the Charles Hotel, you may stumble upon Henrietta’s Table, a homey farm-to-table spot that sources produce from local purveyors and serves up classic New England cuisine. If you’re sitting down to brunch, you may want to order the salmon burger, served with spicy tartar sauce and mixed greens. For supper, you can dig into a Yankee pot roast, served with crispy shallots and gravy.
Warm up at this popular ramen restaurant, serving traditional Japanese staples since 2015. For starters, try the karaage, a Japanese-style deep fried chicken or the octopus takoyaki, a deep fried octopus ball topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and bonito flakes. Following your appetizer, enjoy a bowl of their signature tonkotsu shio ramen made with tonkotsu broth that is simmered to perfection for 20 hours. For those who don’t eat meat, a vegetarian ramen option is available.
Students love this joint, where you can build your own burger or choose from one of their creatively named options, like the Kamala Harris or The Ozempic. Reader Gene D. from Waltham called the spot “a local landmark,” adding that “the service is always friendly and fast, the campus ambiance is strong, and most importantly, the food is tasty! I’ve been dining there for years, and Mr. Bartley’s burgers are the best in the Boston area!”
For quality Venezuelan dining, visit Orinoco Kitchen. Try one of their many arepa options or the empanadas, which can be ordered with fillings like shredded beef or forest mushrooms, piquillo peppers, and cheese. The restaurant also serves a marinated chicken adobo that you can choose to eat with malanga gnocchi. The molten chocolate cake, made with pure dark chocolate, is a decadent finish. Orinoco also has a location in Brookline Village.
Looking to grab a quick bite before the races start? If so, Pronto has a hearty list of soups, sweets, and handheld options for breakfast and lunch. Try a sandwich named after famous landmarks and beloved cities, like the Big Ben on sourdough or the Cairo on French bread.
Craving a slice of pizza? Head over to Source, which features “rustic yet refined food.” Neapolitan pies are cooked in a wood-fired oven, and you can choose from a variety of flavors: the classic margherita, the Tuscan kale, pepperoni, New York style, and more. You’ll also find pasta dishes on their menu, from the bucatini in a carbonara sauce to tagliatelli with bolognese sauce. Cocktails, wine, and beer round out their offerings.
Enjoy a slow paced morning before the competitive races on the river at this funky retro brunch spot with an extensive list of options and an even cooler bar. Signature brunch choices include soulful favorites like chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, and hash quiche. For a fun cocktail, try the Harvard Square made up of elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and bubbles.
If you’re looking to dine on seafood from New England and beyond, visit The Hourly Oyster House on Dunster Street. Order a seafood tower for your party, or fill up on blackened swordfish tacos, lobster rolls, or crusted halibut. A reader from Watertown said they have a great vibe and offer the best oysters in Boston. “It was better before COVID, but when we want oysters and can’t drive to the South Shore, we always come here,” she said.
Get a drink at Grafton Street, an Irish gastropub that is both contemporary and inviting. You’ll discover draft beers here, such as Mighty Squirrel Oktoberfest and Exhibit ‘A’ Goody Two Shoes, as well as ciders and spirits. To celebrate the fall, try a cocktail like the Fig Mule, composed of fig vodka, blueberry cordial, ginger beer, and lime.
Students frequent Grendel’s, a neighborhood tavern with beer on draft, sangria by the pitcher, and a range of cocktails like the Naked and Famous, a mix of mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, and lime. The spot also offers “horoscope drinks,” a rotating selection of beverages based on the astrological charts. Grendel’s hosts live events, from music, to storytelling and poetry. Having been in the Square for over 50 years, they’re a classic haunt.
Noir Bar is a chic late-night lounge inside the Charles Hotel. Look out for craft cocktails like the Fleur de Lys, made with vodka, lime, herbes de Provence, and pear. Try the Monte Carlo Flip, which incorporates Italian amaro Averna, Amaro Sibilla, super cacao, and a whole egg. If you’re still wishing you had a bite to accompany your drink, request a flatbread, painted burrata, or a croque-monsieur. Noir promises to be an enjoyable night out with friends.
A lively and comfortable spot, Russell House Tavern is a great place to sip drinks after work, boasting an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. You may be drawn in by the More Passion, which combines Leblon cachaça, passion fruit liqueur, agave, lime, grapefruit, and mint. To go with your beverages, order the local oysters, Harvard Square fries, or try a Tavern pizza.
Hidden away in “the outskirts of Harvard Square,” Wusong Road marries Asian American cuisine and tropical Tiki escapism. Drinks include the Scorpion Bowl, made with Appleton Estate rum, brandy, gin, lemon, organge, pineapple, and hibiscus grenadine, as well as the Singapore Sling, made with Roku gin, cherry brandy, curacao, Benedictine, pineapple, and lime. You’ll find some bites on the menu here too, such as the coconut spareribs and Aloha sliders.
STUDS, a national piercing and jewelry chain, recently opened its newest branch in Harvard Square, hoping to pierce the area’s student market.
According to the company’s social media, STUDS offers needle ear piercings and “high-quality” jewelry. The opening of the Harvard Square store marks the company’s fourth Massachusetts location, joining stores in Back Bay, Seaport, and Chestnut Hill.
The new studio, located at One Brattle Square, opened on Aug. 24. But according to Brianna C. Wright, the store’s assistant manager, the location has not gotten the traction they expected.
“Business has been pretty okay. Definitely not what we expected it to be,” Wright said. “We thought that we would be hitting it straight out the gate – super busy. It’s fairly quiet here.”
Wright said the store’s location may contribute to the slow business.
“Our neighboring stores, they told us that we’re kind of in a more hidden part of the Square,” she said.
One Brattle Square is the former home of Spyce, a robotic-powered restaurant that shuttered in 2022. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is set to open there in the near future.
STUDS Co-Founder Anna S. Harmon said the company was born as a solution to a problem she encountered in her 30s.
“Where do you go, if you’re me — and I was probably 34 at the time I was doing this — and you want to get another piercing, but you obviously have outgrown Claire’s and some of the other mall brands,” Harmon said. “The answer was nowhere, and so that is how STUDS was born.”
Harmon said while the company serves customers as young as 13, their “core audience” is ages 18 to 35.
“For me, Harvard Square epitomizes that demographic,” she said.
According to Harmon, STUDS hopes to attract more students to their location by offering a 10 percent student discount.
“Your parents can’t say anything to you about getting piercings. You should go live your life,” Harmon said.
STUDS emphasized that it uses needles for piercings rather than piercing guns, advertising on Instagram that they “only pierce with single-use piercing needles and implant-grade piercing jewelry (with titanium posts) for better precision, safety, and healing.”
Jess E. Perez, a senior piercer at the Harvard Square location, said Cambridge regulations have added hurdles to the process, including requiring exams for piercers.
“Boston is definitely the Wild West when it comes to piercings. Literally, you can really do anything in Boston, but here, you have to have certain criterias,” she said. “I had basically an expedited version of an eight-week course for skin and anatomy.”
Wright, who previously worked at the Back Bay location, said some students still go to other locations in Boston despite the new opening in Cambridge.
“But we’re here. We’re open,” she said. “Please come to us.”
Mary Crown – who moved from the Philippines to Boston two decades ago – stood amid the chatter of Tagalog and English, the smell of barbecuing pork, and the voice of America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Roland Abante singing “Dynamite.”
“I’ve never seen so many Filipinos,” she joked.
Crown was among the throngs gathered at the Church Street parking lot in Cambridge for the 3rd Annual Filipino American Festival on Oct. 6. The event was organized by the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance in partnership with Harvard Square Business Association.
The event included dozens of booths selling drinks, clothes, and crafts. Clouds of smoke from sizzling meat billowed over the crowd celebrating Filipino American History Month.
Crown, who lives in South Boston, said she enjoyed hearing Filipino languages and smelling the food, because it reminded her of home.
“I don’t really attend a lot of stuff (like this),” Crown said, “because I miss my home if I see a lot of (Filipino) people.”
Still, Crown said she’s attended the festival every year since. She was struck this year by how many people showed up.
For Crown, the event evoked memories of her past. She said she had sat for about 20 minutes in the jeepney on display near the entrance, reflecting on when she rode them in the Philippines as a child. Jeepneys originated in the Philippines after World War II, when American military vehicles were left on the islands. They were then bought and renovated into what is now one of the main forms of public transportation in the Philippines.
Next to the jeepney, Joey Golja stood in a booth with T-shirts decorated with the vehicles and with the mascot of Jollibee, a popular Filipino fast-food restaurant chain, mixed with sports teams like the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. Golja is one of the founders of Project Barkada, a nonprofit based in New York. The shirts are sold to raise money to keep the jeepney at the festival running, in storage, and to tow it when necessary.
“It can drive,” Golja said, “but not four hours to Boston.”
Golja said the jeepney, or JeepNY as they call it, was brought to the U.S. by Apl.de.ap, the Filipino-born rapper and founding member of the music group the Black Eyed Peas. Golja said he called him up and asked if they could use it for community events.
Golja said it’s still in poor condition, even after fixing it up, but it’s good enough to bring to events, so people can sit in it and learn or reminisce.
The jeepney was on the other side of the festival from the stage, in front of which the Iskwelahang Pilipino cultural center students danced. The cultural center is in Bedford, where children are taught traditional Filipino dances and can join a dance group.
The Pangalay dance, or “fingernail” dance, was one of the dances they performed. Originating during the tribal period of the Philippines, it consists of dancers wearing long nails and mimicking the movement of the ocean to rhythmic music, which was played over a loudspeaker.
Throughout the event, which included fashion shows, a long line of visitors waited to eat from a stand by the Jamaican and Filipino restaurant, Bright Light. Pork, chicken adobo, lumpiang Shanghai, and pork sisig were the star dishes, as was halo-halo, a dessert made with condensed milk or coconut milk, crushed ice, ube ice cream and various sweet beans and jellies.
In fact, food dominated much of the event. At point, Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer, the first female head chef of Philippine Airlines, even joined the festivities. And there was a balut-eating competition. Nine contestants were given two balut, salt, and a bottle of water. The players had to eat every edible part of the balut, a Filipino delicacy of an incubated duck egg that’s steamed and eaten from the shell.
After much slurping and chugging of water, University of Connecticut student Juanito Briones won. “The hard part was the egg whites,” Briones said. “It kinda tastes like a gumball, very hard, so I just kept chewing, chewing, and washing it down with water Joey Chestnut-style.”
Get out your lederhosen, because it’s Oktoberfest in Boston! You don’t need to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and you need not be German to enjoy a family-friendly Octoberfest in New England. The hills are alive with the sound of oompah bands. From celebrations around Boston to Octoberfest events at nearby ski resorts, these events will have the whole family yodeling with delight! So bring your appetite and your dancing shoes for the live music and family fun at these Oktoberfest events around Boston.
Commonwealth Wine School Team Leads Weekly Wine-Tasting Sessions, Enlightening Participants on the Latest Wine Trends and Perfect Pairings
Commonwealth Wine School (CWS), nestled in the heart of vibrant Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is dedicated to providing the best in wine, spirits, beer, and sake education. Commonwealth is ready for the cozy, welcoming fall ahead by revealing its 2024 Fall wine-tasting schedule on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Thursdays.
Throughout September to December, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Commonwealth will host an array of tastings, from the ‘Core Facts About Apple Cider’ to ‘Curds and Cords’ to ‘Taste like a Master of Wine’ and more! These unique wine-tasting classes provide a more detailed exploration of wine for individuals who are passionate or just curious about wine and want to enhance their tasting skills.
Commonwealth offers various workshops, classes, private events, and certification-level programs from the prestigious WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and the Wine Scholar Guild. This fall, certification courses include Grandes Pagos De España, Madeira Wine Specialist, Wines of Chile, Champagne Specialist, A Taste of France, and many more!
For more information on class details and pricing, please click the specific class below:
Wine Classes are available from September through December.
Located in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Commonwealth Wine School (CWS) is New England’s Premier School for Wine Education, dedicated to providing you the best in wine, spirits and sake education. Whether you are a beginner, connoisseur or industry professional, CWS’s dedicated and knowledgeable instructors share their expertise and passion to provide you with a fun and engaging experience. CWS offers a wide variety of workshops, classes and private events, as well as certification level programs from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Wine Scholar Guild, and the Society of Wine Educators.
‘Filipino American Festival’ returns to Harvard Square
CAMBRIDGE – The 3rd annual Filipino American Festival returns to Harvard Square in Cambridge for a day packed with live performances, cultural exhibits and authentic Filipino cuisine.
A key highlight of the festival on Sunday, Oct. 6 will be the first-ever Filipino Beer Garden in New England, offering iconic brews like San Miguel and Red Horse.
“We’re thrilled to bring this celebration of Filipino heritage to Harvard Square once again,” said Catherine Uy, president of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance. “It’s an opportunity to share the rich traditions, food, music and art of the Filipino community with the broader New England audience.”
This year’s event will feature:
Cultural performances, including traditional dances from tinikling to modern acts, showcasing the diversity of Filipino talent Continue reading
Filipino cuisine, with vendors offering popular dishes like lechon, adobo and halo-halo
Fashion show highlighting sustainable fabrics such as piña and abaca from Filipino designers
Adobo workshop led by special guest Chef Valerie Castillo-Archer, the first Filipino American head of Catering Operations at Philippine Airlines
Balut-eating and sipa contest, hosted by Harvard’s Filipino Preceptor Lady Aileen Orsal
Philippine Jeepney Exhibit, showcasing the iconic “Auto Calesa,” a symbol of Filipino culture
Harvard Peabody Museum Collaboration, featuring a special exhibit of Filipino artifacts dating back to the 1800s
Now known as the MassArt Museum, MassArt’s Bakalar and Paine Galleries were recently reimagined with thousands more feet of space for paintings, photography, sculptures, installations, and performance art. In addition to viewing exhibits, this Thursday at 7 p.m. guests enjoy a half-hour long ceremonial activation of Katie Paterson’s artwork, “To Burn, Forest, Fire,” which burns incense that evokes the scents of the Earth’s earliest forest and the imagined aroma of its last. (Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.; 621 Huntington Ave., Boston; free) — Cheryl Fenton
The Lemon Twigs’ latest LP – “A Dream Is All We Know” (produced by Sean Ono Lennon) – is, in the words of Paper’s Erica Campbell, “a sonic manifestation of a fictional place they call ‘Mersey Beach,’” a portmanteau of sorts that they coined to reflect the spirit of their two biggest influences: The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Over the course of five LPs, the D’Addario brothers have incorporated pretty much every genre of rock (glam, art, indie) and pop (baroque, jangle, power) that has emerged in popular music over the past 60 years. And while the retro influences and love of the past are clear as day in their sound and style, the approach is fresh and current, which will be evident during their Thursday show at Crystal Ballroom. (Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m; 55 Davis Square, Somerville, $25 and up) — Blake Maddux
The historic city of Salem welcomes 1 million tourists during October for its month-long Haunted Happenings festival, billed as the largest celebration of Halloween in the world. Don’t let that daunting number keep you away, as there are dozens of different events throughout the month, many of which aren’t overcrowded. The season kicks off this Thursday with the nighttime Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. If you miss the parade, bring the kids to the Salem ZombieWalk, taking place Saturday on Salem Common. Other daily options include Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry, a new attraction where kids can “journey to magic realms and discover an enchanted forest, a crystal cave, a room of fantastic beasts, and even an ice dragon,” and classes with The Good Witch of Salem, an educator who this year is hosting a magical children’s tea party, potion-making, broom and hat decorating, a character breakfast, and a costume ball. (Various times and locations throughout October) — Kristi Palma
Sebastian Maniscalco broke into the public consciousness in 2012 with his now-legendary “doorbell” bit, wherein he recalled the days when unexpected company was so welcome it had its own reserved store-bought cake, and expertly contrasted it with our current state of stranger-danger paranoia. (“Army crawl! Get in the closet!”) He’s since done too many painfully relatable routines to count, on everything from online reviews to being completely flummoxed by “Hamilton.” Who knows what topics will be on the table at the TD Garden this Friday and Saturday, but odds are he’ll be crawling and gesticulating his way into your heart. (Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.; 100 Legends Way, Boston, $59-$307) — Peter Chianca
The play “Nassim,” written and performed by Nassim Soleimanpour, sounds like it’d be a one-man show. But it’s not — each performance features a different local, unrehearsed actor reciting much of the show. The Iranian playwright demonstrates the difficulties of understanding a new language with a script in a sealed box waiting for a new reading each night. Most of what’s read is translated from Farsi to English, with all the loss inherent in translation, showing how language can both unite and divide us. The experimental and internationally touring show approaches performance number 500 during its three-week run at the Huntington Calderwood starting this Friday. Check their website as the show nears for each night’s guest performer. (Spoiler alert: On Oct. 16 it’s Keith Lockhart, of all people.) (Friday, Oct. 4 through Saturday Oct. 27 at various times; 527 Tremont St., Boston; $29-$135 — Natalie Gale
Despite what the name implies, almost all of the Boston-area Oktoberfest celebrations already took place in September. If you’re still in the festive mood, however, Harpoon Brewery hosts its 34th annual Octoberfest this Friday and Saturday. The largest celebration of the year at Harpoon’s Seaport taproom, the event goes beyond stein-hoisting competitions, holding pretzel eating contests and chicken dancing. The event takes place under open-air tents, with limited seating available. Then on Sunday, Dogtoberfest returns to Harpoon, welcoming dogs to the taproom and raising funds for the Kenary Brain Tumor Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MSPCA–Angell. (Friday-Sunday, Oct. 4-6 at various times; $35 and up; 21+) — Katelyn Umholtz
Less than a week after the Big E wrapped up for the season, New England’s other giant fair opens for the season. Starting this Friday, head to the Topsfield Fair, the oldest agricultural fair in Massachusetts, for agricultural exhibits, concessions and vendors, carnival rides, art shows, and live entertainment at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. There’s no shortage of ways to have fun at the fair, like riding the Ferris wheel and playing carnival games on the Midway, ordering deep-fried Oreos, and seeing the largest pumpkin grown north of Boston. Visitors will also want to check out the winners of the fair’s many competitions, earning best in class awards for livestock, fruits and vegetables, fine art, baked goods, wine, honey, and more. (Friday, Oct. 4 through Monday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield; $15; all ages) — Natalie Gale
Two popular festivals will join forces this Sunday when Honk Fest, Somerville’s annual brass band extravaganza, heads to Harvard Square for its Oktoberfest celebration. Honk is actually a 3-day event, bringing dozens of activist brass bands from around the world to the neighborhoods of Somerville on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The final event of Honk involves a raucous parade, in which hundreds of musicians march from Davis Square to Harvard Square to join its Oktoberfest activities. Between the four hours of live music and the multiple beer gardens scattered around the square, it’s an Oktoberfest you’ll definitely want to check out. (Friday-Sunday, Oct. 4-6 at various times; Davis Square, Somerville; free) — Kevin Slane
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