Did you know Tracy Chapman could once be found playing in the Harvard T station? Eventually she made her way onto the local stage, adding her name to an extensive list of legends who have played in Cambridge music venues. Cambridge, Massachusetts is home to award-winning venues, exciting music festivals plus more ways to enjoy live music and local performers.
Club Passim
Originally established as Club 47, folk musicians have been playing at Club Passim since 1958. In addition to welcoming acts year-round, the Harvard Square music club hosts two annual festivals. Every January, Boston Celtic Music Festival, known as BCMFest, kicks off the year by spotlighting music from Irish, Scottish and other Celtic communities. Over Labor Day weekend, Passim's intimate Campfire Festival brings local artists center stage.
Make it an overnight trip! Sheraton Commander Hotel is only an eight minute walk from Club Passim. Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge guests can take advantage of the shuttle between the hotel and Harvard Square.
The Middle East
What began as a Lebanese restaurant in 1970 has evolved into additional restaurants and multiple performance spaces. From karaoke to cabaret and DJs to drag shows The Middle East’s lineup spans a variety of genres. The Central Square spot has earned numerous recognitions, including Best Hip Hop Venue (Boston Phoenix), Boston’s Best Rock Club (Improper Bostonian) and Best Middle Eastern Restaurant (DigBoston).
Don’t miss out on Central Square’s nightlife! Experience it all then stay in Cambridge. The Middle East is across from 907 Main and a three minute walk to Le Méridien Boston Cambridge.
Lizard Lounge
Described as an “intimate, eclectic hot spot” by Rolling Stone Magazine, you’ll find local acts and nationally-known artists at this family-owned venue in Porter Square. Lizard Lounge hosts live performances Wednesdays through Saturdays, ranging from rock to rap and opera to jazz. Sundays are reserved for their award-winning Poetry Jam & Slam sessions. Plus, enjoy local brews while listening to local tunes; Lizard Lounge has over 25 beers on tap.
Lizard Lounge is just down the street from Porter Square Hotel and a quick T ride from AC Hotel Boston Cambridge.
Regattabar
The Charles Hotel’s Regattabar has been a hotspot for jazz artists since 1985. The Harvard Square jazz club has earned a spot on Boston Magazine’s esteemed Best of Boston list nine times. New to Regattabar's schedule is Big Band Mondays, a monthly series bringing local big bands to their stage. For more jazz music, don’t miss the free, annual Cambridge Jazz Festival in July.
Stay for the weekend’s full lineup! Regattabar is located in The Charles Hotel and across the street from Harvard Square Hotel.
The Sinclair
Find more live music in the Square at The Sinclair. Boston Music Awards recently named The Sinclair Live Music Venue Of the Year (for over 250 guests). With shows offered almost nightly, you’re sure to find your next favorite band here–or to discover they’re already planning to play! They're also home to the monthly Emo Night Boston.
Turn your Sinclair visit into a staycation! The Freepoint Hotel is a quick drive from The Sinclair and has a parking garage available for hotel guests.
Lilypad
Newer to the scene, Lilypad opened in 2005 and quickly made a big splash. The Inman Square space has been credited as One of the Best Jazz Clubs in the World an impressive nine times by DownBeat Magazine. Here, acts sell their own tickets and staff the door, so the profits go directly to the artists.
Not ready to leave the City of Squares after the show? Stay near Lilypad at Residence Inn Boston Cambridge, a six minute Uber ride from the venue.
The Cantab Lounge
There’s something going on every night at The Cantab Lounge in Central Square! Find out who’s up-and-coming Mondays at open mic night. In addition to a packed lineup of musical acts, Boston Poetry Slam calls The Cantab home every Wednesday night and Duck Duck Goofs comedy show runs on Thursdays.
After the acts, hop on Bus 47 for a short trip back to Courtyard Boston Cambridge.
Restaurants with Live Music
Have a meal and a show! Many restaurants around Cambridge bring in live performers during lunch or dinner. Visit The Druid for traditional Irish music sessions three days a week. Hear jazz musicians every weekend at sushi restaurant The Mad Monkfish. Find more restaurants with live music here.
Stay in Kendall Square for good food, fun music and easy access to the T for getting around. Book a night at Kendall Hotel or Boston Marriott Cambridge.
Seasonal Shows
No matter when you’re visiting, there’s always a special show happening. CX Summer Nights, Cambridge Crossing’s summer concert series, is a free outing for all ages, with events happening monthly in June, July and August. Catch one of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra's many concerts. Multicultural Arts Center and other entertainment venues host performances throughout the year too.
Hampton Inn Boston/Cambridge, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Boston-Cambridge are all within a 10 minute walk to Cambridge Crossing—convenient options if you’re bringing little ones to CX Summer Nights. Multicultural Arts Center is just around the corner from Kimpton Marlowe Hotel and Royal Sonesta Boston.
The Famous Keytar Bear
Local busker Keytar Bear pops up around Cambridge playing, you guessed it, a keytar. While the identity beneath the teddy bear costume remains a mystery, Keytar Bear has been an iconic part of Cambridge and Boston for over 10 years. He’s often spotted in Harvard Square, not far from the Harvard T station entrances.
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