Spring is here, and Cambridge is buzzing with festivals, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the sunshine. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for the perfect patio to sip a cocktail, this list has something for you. Grab your sunglasses, embrace the season, and start checking off these spring bucket list items.
1. Dine Outdoors at Cambridge’s Best Patios
Patio season in Cambridge is a glorious time of year. So make sure to indulge early and often. From the rooftop at Saigon Babylon to the garden-like setting at Oleana or the outdoor patio at Lavash Bar & Grille, Cambridge’s many fantastic outdoor dining spots offer a chance to soak in the warm weather with good food and great company.
2. Kick Off Festival Season at Harvard Arts Festival
Cambridge’s creative energy shines at this four-day festival (April 30–May 3) that features many free performances and activities. Taking place across Harvard’s campus, it’s packed with music, theater, dance, and visual arts performances by Harvard students and faculty. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring with some culture.
3. Marvel at the Blooms in Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery is one of the most beautiful spots in Cambridge. In spring, the historic, 175-acre landscape is a haven for birders as the flowering shrubs and trees attract thousands of migrating birds. From red-winged blackbirds and grackles to scarlet tanagers and Baltimore orioles. Formal and informal bird walks occur almost every morning during migrating season. The Friends of Mount Auburn offers guided tours, which typically last 90 minutes.
4. Celebrate at MayFair in Harvard Square
Harvard Square transforms into a lively street festival on Sunday, May 24 with live music, artisan vendors, delicious food, and beer gardens. As part of MayFair, savor the global flavors and sounds at the Asian Street Food & Music Festival. It’s the 41st edition of a spring tradition you won’t want to miss!
5. Indulge in Local Eats at Food Festivals
Inman Square comes alive on Sunday, May 17 for Inman Eats & Crafts with local restaurants serving up their best dishes alongside craft vendors. A few weeks later, cheer on the best bread bakers at Le Grand Prix Elmendorf du Pain. The Parisian-style street fair arrives in East Cambridge in June as bakers submit baguettes for a chance to be named area’s best–and the official bread supplier of the Consulate General of France in Boston–stay tuned for 2026’s event date! Both are delicious ways to support small businesses and celebrate spring.
6. Celebrate Pride in Cambridge
There are so many ways to celebrate Pride in Cambridge. From the City’s Annual Pride Brunch in June to Lamplighter’s Pride celebrations and food and drink specials throughout the city. More details on 2026’s celebrations to come!
7. Enjoy the Outdoors on the Charles
Soak in the sun on the Charles River! Take a scenic boat cruise with Charles River Boat Company, or climb aboard their new tiki boat for a fun day on the river. Paddle Boston offers kayak and paddleboard rentals at their Kendall Square boat launch.
8. Celebrate Culture and Tradition at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival
The oldest dragon boat festival in the U.S., the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival features 70 teams and more than 50,000 attendees. Taking place June 14, the 47th annual event includes arts and crafts, performances, food trucks and racing–a fun event where families and friends can enjoy the spring weather and be part of the community.
9. Dance Your Heart Out at the Dance for World Community Festival
This free festival on Saturday, June 6 brings dance styles from around the world to Cambridge. Watch performances, take part in dance lessons, and join in on the fun!
10. Explore Cambridge’s Gorgeous Gardens
Spring blooms are at their peak, making it the perfect time to stroll through Cambridge’s stunning gardens. Check out the Urban Park Roof Garden or Picasso’s sculpture in Bergstrom Garden at MIT. Or check out our guide for 10 gardens to visit in Cambridge to see nature in full bloom.
Spring in Cambridge is bursting with energy, and there’s no better time to get out and explore. Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures!
