From a glass pumpkin patch to the one-of-a-kind HONK! Parade, there are things you “autumn” know about fall in Cambridge. We’ve put together ten must-dos for the season. How many can you check off our list?
1. Get in the spooky spirit.
Hear haunted tales of Cambridge and Boston with Charles River Boat Company and Boston History Company. Cruise down the Charles River white a costumed guide shares local, eerie tales and points out haunted landmarks around Cambridge and Boston. Drinks are available for purchase for those want to pair booze with boos. Register online for one of their 90 minute tours running on select fall nights.
2. Pick a glass pumpkin.
It’s the great (glass) pumpkin! The MIT Glass Lab works year-round to blow 1,000 glass pumpkins in every color, shape and size. Preview the creations on Friday then head back to MIT’s Kresge Oval for the annual event on Saturday. Can’t make it in-person? Take your pick of the patch at their virtual sale. You can shop the collection online, but be warned! These popular pumpkins tend to sell out quickly.
3. Brave a frightening flick.
Those looking for the ultimate fear factor should pop over to Landmark Kendall Square Cinema. Throughout October, the theater boasts a whole host of throwback thrillers and iconic horror movies.
4. Celebrate fall holidays.
‘Tis the season to celebrate! Mamaleh’s takes care of the cooking for the High Holy Days. Harvard Museums of Science and Culture hosts a Day of the Dead Family Fiesta. At Thanksgiving-time, restaurants like Henrietta’s Table offer Turkey Day favorites. Keep an eye on our events calendar for more holiday happenings.
5. Say “Prost!” at Oktoberfest.
Harvard Square’s fall tradition has been going strong for over 40 years. Live music and local vendors fill the streets at Harvard Square Business Association’s Oktoberfest. Don’t miss the HONK! Parade. Bands from around the country will parade down Mass Ave with local community groups.
6. Take in the fall foliage.
It’s not a New England fall without admiring beautiful foliage. The trees at Mount Auburn Cemetery turn bright hues of red, orange and yellow. Charles River Boat Company offers foliage cruises down the Charles so you can take in the sites of Cambridge and Boston at their most colorful.
7. Cheer on the regatta.
The world’s largest multi-day regatta, Head of the Charles, happens each October in Cambridge. This prestigious competition isn’t to be missed. Since 1965, rowing teams from around the world have competed on the Charles. You can grab a spot along the river to watch the races happening Friday–Sunday.
8. Feast on fall foods.
Fall-elujah, PSL season finally arrived. Get your pumpkin spice latte fix at a local coffee shop. 1369 Coffee House serves them hot and full of flavor at their Inman and Central Square shops. If apple is your favorite fall flavor, head to Honeycomb Creamery in Porter Square. You’ll find apple cider donut ice cream very a-peel-ing.
9. Shop small and seasonal.
Businesses around Cambridge line their shelves with special, autumn-themed items. Gift a spooky yet sweet treat from the Halloween collection at L.A. Burdick in Harvard Square. Inman Square’s Albertine Press curates all the fall-inspired stationary you could want to send alongside a gift.
10. Trick-or-treat during Inmanween.
Carve out time for Halloween fun! East Cambridge Business Association hosts a free, annual festival in Inman Square. Kids can show off their costumes and trick-or-treat at Inman businesses. It’s a spooktacular way to support local biz!
We hope you have a gourd time exploring Cambridge this autumn! Tag @CambridgeUSA in your posts to share fall moments.
