Cambridge has always been a city that marches to its own beat—whether it’s a gritty basement jam session or a packed festival lawn. From folk clubs to buzzing record stores, Cambridge has long been a magnet for musicians and music lovers alike. Its streets have hosted legends in the making, genre-shaping performances, and hidden gems that still pulse with creativity today.
With Boston Calling on our minds, New England’s largest music festival runs May 23–25 at Harvard Athletic Complex – here’s a guide to the Cambridge places where legends have lingered and where the next generation is still making noise.
Behind the Music
Cambridge’s music story isn’t just about stages—it’s woven into its academic DNA. Harvard’s music department has produced composers like John Adams, and MIT’s Media Lab has pioneered electronic music and audio tech. At the heart of it all is the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library at Harvard—home to over 140,000 scores, 60,000 recordings, and rare manuscripts by Bach, Mozart, and Schubert.
Start in Harvard Square, where Club Passim, once known as Club 47, was the epicenter of the 1960s folk revival, hosting Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. The venue continues to support emerging singer-songwriters today. The Club Passim School of Music offers lessons in guitar, fiddle, banjo, and songwriting, preserving that legacy.
Dinner and a Show
For a cozier, more literary scene, The Plough & Stars in Central Square is a longtime Irish pub known for its live music and creative crowd. Bonnie Raitt is just one of many who’ve found inspiration within its wood-paneled walls. Today, the pub continues to host everything from jazz to poetry readings in an atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
Over in East Cambridge, ArtBar (inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel) blends its skyline views with a Music on the Patio series for Spring and Summer 2025. Think jazz brunches, mellow acoustic evenings, and sunset sets along the Charles—perfect for kicking back with a cocktail and soaking up the sound.
The Mad Monkfish brings another vibe altogether—jazz, sushi, and Southern comfort dishes meet in a cool, unexpected combo. With live jazz nearly every night, it’s a must for music lovers with an appetite.
Lizard Lounge, in Porter Square, delivers a moody, intimate setting for everything from live poetry and jazz to blues and funk. With candlelit tables and a killer drink list, it’s the kind of place that makes every show feel like a secret you’re in on.
Shop the Sound
If you’re a musician yourself, Cambridge is home to some stellar gear shops. Guitar Stop in Porter Square has been equipping local musicians since 1962, offering a wide selection of instruments and friendly expertise.
Record lovers are just as spoiled. In Central Square, Planet Records and Cheapo Records have earned cult status for their deep collections of vinyl, CDs, and musical oddities. Musicians, DJs, and collectors alike dig through their crates in search of that perfect sonic time capsule.
Big-Stage Energy
Cambridge isn’t just about small stages and secret shows.
Boston Calling draws some of the biggest names in music. Acts like Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, and Janelle Monáe have headlined, and pre- and post-show energy often spills over into Cambridge hangouts. This year, you can get ready for headliners such as Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy and Dave Matthews Band.
Meanwhile, the 10th annual Cambridge Jazz Festival, set for July 26–27, brings national and local jazz talent to the spotlight. Jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday once performed in clubs throughout Cambridge and greater Boston. Today, the revived Cambridge Jazz Festival keeps that legacy alive, celebrating both local talent and legendary influences with a FREE, two-day celebration right in Danehy Park.
Still Rocking: Local Venues to Catch a Show
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Lilypad – Intimate and artsy, with a focus on jazz and improv
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Regattabar – Inside the Charles Hotel, this one’s all about jazz in style
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Middle East – A multi-stage icon for indie, rock, and hip-hop
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The Sinclair – A sleek venue with killer acoustics and national acts
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The Cantab Lounge – known for its raw energy, live blues, soul, and the legendary open mic night in the basement
Whether you’re catching an acoustic set at Club Passim, digging through crates at Cheapo Records, or feeling the energy of a festival crowd at a local festival, this is a city where music lives, not just plays. From folk to funk, jazz to punk, Cambridge is where musical history is made—and still being written.