Harvard Square filled with live music, food trucks, and people on Sunday to celebrate the 44th annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest and 18th annual Honk! Parade.
The Honk! festival featured a parade of local activist groups and free live performances from street bands. The festival lasted from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, traveling to various neighborhoods in the Boston area.
Honk! is a street band movement that is “outrageous and inclusive, brass and brash, percussive and persuasive” and draws inspiration from a diverse range of music styles from around the world, according to its website.
David Brancazio, a pianist who has been participating in Honk! since 2015, said he originally saw the Honk! parade go down Massachusetts Avenue and knew he had to join, but he knew he couldn’t push a piano down the street and learned the melodica instead. He said that the festival has now “become a pretty big part” of his life.
Honk! is built as an activist festival, Brancazio said.
“People are used to going out and chanting the same things over and over, but when they have a street band with them, it becomes more fun for everybody and becomes more powerful,” Brancazio said.
Like Brancazio, who started the Boston Area Brigade of Activist Musicians, Chantal Sanchez also attended Honk! to support local activism.
Sanchez, a recent graduate of the Harvard Divinity School, is a member of the Massachusetts Poor People’s Campaign, which combats inequality at the intersection of systemic racism, poverty, environmental destruction, militarism, and religious nationalism.
Sanchez said the Poor People’s Campaign and Honk! use music and art as a way to “connect with people and get the word out.”
Declan J. Devine, who is from Roslindale, Massachusetts, joined the Jamaica Plains Honk! band about a year and a half ago. He said his favorite part of the band is “seeing so many people who are comfortable being themselves in the bands, who are just expressing themselves and not worrying about judgment.”
Abby A. Fechtman, a Cambridge resident, attended with her spouse and two daughters. She said she and her family are “Huge Honk! fans” and have been following Honk! for about 15 years.
“We love the atmosphere in Harvard Square and how lively it is, and we missed it during Covid,” Fechtman said.
Their daughters, Isabel H. Macedo and Luisa E. Macedo, grew up going to the festival. Isabel Macedo — who is now a sophomore at Cornell — said she remembers getting her palm read in middle school by a palm reader who predicted that she would have three kids one day.
Having lived in Cambridge for 21 years, Marcille C. Macedo — Fechtman’s spouse — considers Honk! his favorite event of the year.
“I love the spirit of Honk!” he said.
As Honk! concluded its three-day festival Sunday evening, Brancazio said he looks forward to seeing Honk! continue “to be a force for helping people fighting for social justice, economic justice, racial justice.”
Looking for something to do this weekend? Boston 25 has a few ideas for you.
Harvard Square Oktoberfest and Honk Parade
If you’re seeking something a bit more seasonal this October weekend, head to the 44th annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest and Honk Parade in Cambridge. On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy a variety of beer gardens, food, crafts, entertainment on two stages, and the lively honk parade! Also joining this event is the 2nd annual Filipino American festival
Cambridge’s Harvard Square beckons a new denizen – local favorite Union Square Donuts eyeing expansion to this historic location as per NBC Boston. An inviting sign at 15 John F. Kennedy Street amplifies anticipation for local residents and aficionados of this esteemed donut brand.
With its distinct and toothsome offerings, Union Square Donuts has carved a niche for itself across the region. Its footprint includes the Somerville’s Union Square and Assembly Row, Boston Public Market, Brookline, and the Time Out Market in the Fenway. This maiden venture into Cambridge is poised to draw Harvard Square’s bustling crowds. As reported by Boston Restaurants, the expansion, which began in May, was spearheaded by Union Square Donuts’ director of operations Lynn Sniffen, who hoped to open the new store to coincide with “apple cider doughnut season.”
Although the inauguration date remains unconfirmed, the to-be location is already creating a buzz among locals and food connoisseurs. With the success of their previous outlets, the new addition to Harvard Square is anticipated with bated breath by the nearby community. The Union Square Donuts’ lineup includes a range of mouthwatering treats, promising their customers an encounter with some extraordinary flavors sure to satisfy their sweet cravings.
The golden rooster that keeps watch over Cambridge Common atop the spire of the First Church in Cambridge will soon be leaving Harvard Square after 150 years.
The golden rooster that keeps watch over Cambridge Common atop the spire of the First Church in Cambridge will be leaving Harvard Square after 150 yearsthis fall, and the congregation will soonbegin discussions on whether it should be sold and if they will install a replacement, church officials said.
At age 302, the weathervane itself is quite weathered on one side: video shot by a drone shows considerable erosion of the gilding on the right-facing side of the cockerel, especially along the tailfeathers, according to the Congregational church on Garden Street.
This Monday marks Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to commemorate the Indigenous peoples of America. As you enjoy the last bits of warm weather, take some time to learn about Native American history and honor the tribes who have lived in Massachusetts for centuries. Elsewhere across the city, there are spooky Halloween happenings, local art shows, and lively festivals. Take advantage of the first three-day weekend of the semester and start exploring.
Celebrate the annual HONK! Festival’s kickoff in Davis Square, Somerville. A 17-year local tradition, HONK! brings together brass bands from across the country for three days of music and activism. The festival aims to unite the community through street band performances, workshops, political protests, and more. Drawing from diverse inspirations like Klezmer, Balkan, Romani, Afrobeat, and hip-hop, the festival’s music is lively and engaging. On Friday night, attend a lantern-making workshop and lantern parade. Then, watch various bands perform around Union Square for the rest of the evening. Festivities continue Saturday and Sunday, and include parades, performances, and workshops.
Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 8. Find the full schedule of events and locations here.
Harvard Square’s annual Oktoberfest returns this Sunday ready to light up the quaint, intellectual area with live music, performances, food, and beer. Oktoberfest is a German tradition that began as a Bavarian crown prince’s wedding celebration in 1810. Now over 200 years later, Germans and Americans alike celebrate Oktoberfest each autumn with much fanfare. Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest features performances on multiple stages, crafts, various international food vendors, vintage goods, and of course, beer gardens.
Sunday, October 7, 11 am to 6 pm, Harvard Square, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and Cambridge Street.
A local group of donut shops appears to be close to opening another new location, and this one will be its first in Cambridge.
According to a source (Adam Adkison), Union Square Donuts has a sign up for its newest location which will be on JFK Street in Harvard Square, joining existing outlets in Somerville’s Union Square and Assembly Row, Boston Public Market, Time Out Market in the Fenway, and Brookline. An article from Cambridge Day in May had mentioned that the donut shop was indeed looking to open in Harvard Square, saying at the time that it was hoping to open “just in time for apple cider doughnut season,” according to director of operations Lynn Sniffen.
The address for the upcoming location of Union Square Donuts appears to be 15 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations can be found at https://unionsquaredonuts.com/
Drone video of the more damaged side, by First Church.
The leaders of First Church in Cambridge plan to take down the “golden cockerel” weathervane that has topped the church spire since 1873 for repairs. But in discussions set to begin this Sunday, parishioners will consider whether the church should then put the historic rooster back atop the spire – or sell it.
Although the weathervane has long been a part of the Cambridge scene, the dawn-seeking golden bird dates back even further – to colonial Boston, when it was created as a way to slyly – and publicly – insult a North End minister.
Local historian Charles Bahne recounts that coppersmith Shem Drowne – who also built the grasshopper weathervane atop Faneuil Hall – crafted the cockerel in 1721, on commission from a group of Bostonians who were angrily splitting away from a local church and building their own congregation:
It originally stood on the New Brick Church on Hanover Street in the North End, which later became home to the Second Church in Boston. Paul Revere worshipped in that building for most of his life; Ralph Waldo Emerson preached there for 3 years, before he gave up the ministry to become a writer and philosopher.
New Brick Church was the product of a bitter dispute amongst parishioners of a different North End parish, the New North, and the rooster form of its weathervane was intended as a deliberate insult to Peter Thacher, a minister at New North: in the Bible, Peter betrays Christ when the cock crows. Upon placing the new weathervane on its spindle for the first time, “a merry fellow straddled over it, and crowed three times to complete the ceremony.”
The new parishioners really hated Thacher. In fact, on the day he was installed as minister of New North (on a vote of the church “brethren”) a procession through the North End had to be called off, and Thacher quietly led through alleys to the church, for fear his haters would attack him. And then they filled the church balconies and, according to one account, “did sprinkle a liquor, which shall be nameless, upon the people below.”
New Brick Church actually backed up against the Revere family property – and was one of the most prominent structures in the town, so the insult really stood out.
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, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 8; Davis Square, Somerville; free) — Kevin Slane
The Harvard Square Open Market sign greets visitors as they enter the market.
Nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, Church Street bustles with vibrant creativity every Sunday. The Harvard Square Open Market, running through Oct. 29, is filled with local artists, makers, and vintage dealers, each presenting a trove of unique art pieces and handcrafted works. Any visitor is sure to find something they find interesting, whether they be a collector, supporter of local crafts, or just someone trying to enjoy their Sunday.
The Harvard Square Open Market, which first opened last summer, has provided a wealth of opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs. Many vendors attending the market remarked on the benefits they have seen from participating.
“I have gained a lot more following, returning customers, and just a sense of community in the Boston area,” said Laiza G. Fuhrmann, a potter who sells her wares at the market.
Fuhrmann is not the only vendor to have experienced such a reaction to her time in the market. Anna M. Berberoglu, a print maker, had similar experiences to share.
“It’s been a lot easier to get my art out there. I just started going public with my art, so it’s a really great opportunity that they have here,” Berberoglu said.
She further emphasized the advantages of physical markets over digital platforms when promoting art.
“This is a great way to just set up and then people actually see your art,” said Berberoglu.
The market has recently experienced a change in management. The new managers, Mia V. Whittemore and Emma J. Peacock, were excited to share their thoughts on the market, particularly the idea of having a market in Cambridge, and not just Boston.
“There are a lot of artists and markets in Boston. In Boston proper, there’s SoWa, there’s the Boston Open Market, there’s Greenway. There’s dozens and dozens of markets, but I do think that by having the Harvard Square Open Market, specifically in Cambridge, it captures a lot of locals and a lot of college students who don’t necessarily make it across the river as often, and it connects them with local artists and vintage dealers, etc.,” Peacock said.
Whittemore, for her part, chose to mention the sense of community she, like Fuhrmann, has felt in the market.
“It is that sort of community that’s just so nice that we get to build friendships with other vendors,” said Whittemore.
Besides promoting a sense of community and new opportunities for local artists, the Harvard Square Open Market places a big emphasis on diversity in its vendors.
“Diversity is actually one of the most important things to us within the market,” Peacock shared. “More than 50% — I want to say it’s closer to 75% percent — of our businesses are women-owned. A large portion of them are LGBTQ-owned. I want to say, again, close to 25-30% of our businesses — and then a large number — are owned by people of color.”
Peacock made sure to also speak to the diversity of the products and crafts available at the market.
“We also have a really wide mix, we have some vintage dealers, we have some artists. We have a large mix of different mediums too,” Peacock said.
The managers were not the only people who felt the market had a diverse array of options. Rachel A. Eaglin, a jewelry designer, also shared her thoughts on the market and its rotational methods.
“For the most part, not every vendor is doing every market so there is always different people here, which is fun,” said Eaglin.
The Harvard Square Open Market is a partnership between New England Open Markets and the Harvard Square Business Association. The two have worked collaboratively to bring this unique market to Harvard Square. Denise Jillson, the Executive Director of the Business association, shared her goals for the market.
“Once people are here, the intention always is to keep them here, and not only support the local vendors who participate in the market, but to support our local brick-and-mortar businesses,” Jillson said.
The market may still be very young, but it seems to be having a growing impact. From supporting local artists and businesses, to providing entertainment for visiting locals, the market is a unique gem in the heart of Harvard Square.
The Harvard Square Business Association has announced the return of the 44th Annual Oktoberfest and the fabulously madcap 18th Annual HONK! Parade on Sunday, October 8th, 2023. Come be a part of this unique, irreverent, family-friendly annual tradition where musicians and spectators “reclaim the streets for horns, bikes and feet”!
Joining Oktoberfest again this year: The Filipino American Festival – a celebration of Filipino music, food and culture!
Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest features food from all over the world, arts, crafts, vintage goods, free samples, and one-of-a-kind gifts. In addition, Oktoberfest boasts beer gardens hosted by Alden & Harlow and El Jefe’s Taqueria and wine gardens presented by Commonwealth Wine School and Bonde Fine Wine.
This annual celebration of fall features live music, including a Passim stage and an all HONK! Review on the main stage. Dancing in the streets is encouraged!
Don’t let the parade pass you by! Street activists, horn aficionados and their comrades will strut straight down Massachusetts Avenue at approximately 1pm. In its 18th year, the HONK! movement has become a global phenomenon. This year, more than 30 HONK! bands from around the country will march from Davis Square to Harvard Square. Spectators will be treated to a horn-tooting, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, mind-blowing spectacle and everyone is welcome to join the back of the parade and make their way to Oktoberfest.
Traditionally held at the annual MayFair celebration, the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s “Chalk on the Walk” art installation will transform Church Street into a colorful display or artistry and creativity.
Oktoberfest in Harvard Square was started in 1978 by the late Frank Cardullo, a Square mover, shaker and owner of the renowned Wurtshaus, which served up traditional German food from 1917 to 1996. The early festivals were in keeping with old world customs. Over the years, the festival has taken on a more discerningly Cambridge vibe to become an Oktoberfest unlike any other.
Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage
(located directly in front of the Harvard Square Kiosk)
By the age of 14, Lumanyano Mzi was already a sought-after session musician in his hometown of Cape Town, South Africa, eventually pursuing a formal education in jazz performance at the prestigious South African College of Music. It was here that Lumanyano formed his award-winning band, The Unity Band, whose debut album “Fabric” earned them the Best-Newcomers in Jazz Award at the 2019 Mzanzi Jazz Awards.
With a wide range of musical experiences under his belt, including performances with an impressive list of local and International Artists, Lumanyano’s journey continues to evolve. Currently furthering his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he remains a passionate and collaborative force in the world of music, always eager to explore new sounds and connect with fellow artists.
Our friends at Moonbox Productions (the talented force behind two seasons of The Rocky Horror Show in Harvard Square) have found a permanent home at Arrow Street Arts (former home of OBERON). Their first production, Sweeney Todd, hits the stage from October 13th – November 5th. Oktoberfest audiences will get a special sneak peak of a few of the best loved songs from this classic Sondheim musical. For tickets and information, click here.
Returning this year is Vibe Check, a dynamic funk/rock/pop band of teenage multi-instrumentalists, songwriters and producers located in the Boston area. They play a wide range of originals and covers across many different genres. They got their start busking as 12 year-olds in Harvard Square, which earned them a feature in the Boston Globe. They have since played regionally and internationally, including the Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon, Portugal.
1:00pm HONK! Parade
All HONK! Review
2:00pm HS Band
2:08pm JP Honk
2:16pm LMB
2:24pm Party Band
2:32pm Expandable
2:40pm Undertow
2:48pm Seed & Feed
2:56pm Forward!
3:04pm MAG
3:12pm Nasty Woman
3:20pm Bread & Puppet
3:28pm School of Honk
3:36pm Good Trouble
3:44pm EE
3:52pm BABAM
4:00pm Rara Bel Poze
4:08pm Dirty Water
4:16pm Brass Solidarity
4:24pm DPMB
4:32pm Chaotic Noise
4:40pm ENSMB
4:48pm Yes Ma’am
4:56pm HONK Family Band
5:04pm RMO
5:12pm Clamor & Lace
5:20pm ERB
5:28pm Brass Balagan
5:36pm TMB
5:44pm Young Fellaz
Eliot Triangle Stage
2:00pm TMB
2:30pm Bread & Puppet
3:00pm RMO
3:30pm Expandable
4:00pm MAG
4:30pm Good Trouble
5:00pm Brass Solidarity
5:30pm DPMB
Charlie’s Kitchen Stage
(10 Eliot Street)
2:00pm ERB
2:30pm School of Honk
3:00pm JP Honk
3:30pm Seed & Feed
4:00pm Clamor & Lace
4:30pm Brass Balagan
5:00pm Chaotic Noise
5:30pm Party Band
Church Street Stage
(at the intersection of Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue)
Rumboat Chili is an original, classic style rock band based out of New Hampshire. The band takes pride in its classic roots, harkening back to original, raw, rock and roll. With hard-hitting riffage to soulful melodies, Rumboat Chili’s music is unique unto itself. Combining layers of Organ, Piano, dual Lead Guitars, tight rhythmic Bass, and powerful Drums, the band’s music is driven by two distinct, smooth, and harmonizing lead Vocalists. Rumboat Chili is a collection of five individuals, musically influenced, driven, and inclined to create music from the heart and soul. Journey with us once again with our upcoming sophomore album. Release TBA.
An irresistible eclectic mashup of American rock, folk and standards with an infusion of Latin influence and originals. Lead by veteran performer Jenny Juggler (Chica Fuego) on ukulele/vocals and mentor Mario “Mambo” Santiago on guitar/rhythms/vocals, Chica Fuego &The Gringos is blessed to be assisted by many incredible musician friends.
The Filipino American Festival
(in the Church Street Parking Lot)
The Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance enthusiastically welcomes you to the Filipino American Festival held in the Church Street Parking Lot during Oktoberfest!
The Filipino American Festival, organized by the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA ) in partnership with The Harvard Square Business Associations, boasts of artisan and craft vendors, live music, cultural performances and Filipino food vendors. This honors and celebrates Filipino American History month.
The Filipino American Festival headliner includes performance by Jocelyn Enriquez, a Filipino American dance-pop singer born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area; with featured artist Rachel Anne Wolfe will be joined by Raynn and Mark “Bayani” Teodosio , DJ Luv, and cultural groupsIskwelahang Pilipino, NaFFAA MA Dance Troupe, Tribu Cebuano, Cebu Inc., Philippine Dance and Culture Organization, Harvard Philippine Forum, Hoy! Pinoy! UMass Boston, and BUFSA.
The HSPAA participation in the HONK! Parade will be led by 2023 HSPAA Hermana Mayor Dr. Dely Po Go, DNP, RN, LNHA of New Jersey. Confirmed participation includes the return of the NaFFAA MA Dance Troupe and Tribu Cebuano, Cebu Inc. First time participants include the Philippine Dance and Culture Organization, Harvard Philippine Forum, Hoy! Pinoy! UMass Boston, and BUFSA (Boston University Filipino Student association).
