Come outside to play as the nice weather arrives! Cambridge Plays is a new initiative from our office, Cambridge Arts and Cambridge Community Development. These free events welcome attendees of all ages as well as abilities. Read on for spring’s lineup of events to watch or actively join. It includes the themes of: Music & Entertainment, Markets & Celebrations, plus Recreation & Wellness.
Music & Entertainment
May’s entertainment kicks off Friday, May 6 with Cambridge Plays at Porter Square and Lesley Art + Design. Bring the whole crew for an afternoon at Shapiro Family Plaza and Lunder Arts Center. Everyone is welcome to try their hand at printmaking, and kiddos will especially love dancing along to the family music performance.
More performances may be found in neighborhoods across Cambridge through the end of June. Experience live hip-hop and jazz. Also catch high-energy Indian bhangra dancing or pop-up dance parties with DJs pedaling a music cart. Mark your calendar for the dates below.
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Saturday, June 18: Cambridge Plays at Porter Square and Lesley Art + Design
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Thursday, June 23: Cambridge Plays at Lower Massachusetts Ave.
The music continues during monthly performances at Second Thursdays in Inman Square. While listening to Lilypad musicians, you can tour the new Inman Incubator. Stop by May 12 and June 9 for art activities too.
Markets & Celebrations
Harvard Square’s MayFair festival comes back this year as part of the Cambridge Plays series! On Sunday, May 15, the Square will be filled with street performers and other exciting entertainment. Don’t miss the return of this annual tradition.
Then Sunday, May 22, Inman Square Annual Eats & Crafts Market celebrates everything Inman Square. This street fair features eclectic retailers, fabulous makers, casual bites and culinary treats.
On Wednesday, May 25, learn more about other cultures at MIT’s Community Night: MISTI International Festival. Try global foods and watch performances inspired by destinations around the world. Registration is recommended.
Open weekly on Sundays, Harvard Square Open Markets sets up on Church Street starting June 5. Shop at this arts and vintage market where you can listen to live music while browsing goods from Harvard Square businesses and local vendors.
Later in June, the Port is a great place to celebrate Juneteenth. Cambridge Plays will honor Juneteenth at Greene-Rose Heritage Park on Saturday, June 18. The afternoon’s festivities begin with a guided yoga class. More information is to come!
Recreation & Wellness
Put on your dancing shoes for MIT’s Lunch Break: Accessible Movement class. This workshop on Tuesday, May 3 integrates ballet and storytelling. It is presented in collaboration with The Dance Complex.
As part of Cambridge Plays, start your mornings off peacefully and zen out at an outdoor yoga session. Free, guided classes are offered on Sunday, May 8 at Joan Lorenz Park; Saturday, May 14 at Corcoran Field; Tuesday, June 7 at Joan Lorenz Park; and Saturday, June 11 at Jill Rhone Brown Park. Little yogis are welcome with an adult’s supervision—just BYOM (bring your own mat).
…We hope you have fun playing in Cambridge all spring-long! Thank you to our Cambridge Plays partners: Harvard University, Harvard Square Business Association, East Cambridge Business Association, Central Square Business Improvement District, Lesley School of Art + Design and MIT’s Office of Open Space Programming. For more information on Cambridge Plays, visit cambridgema.gov/plays. Please note that event details are subject to change and not all activities have rain dates.
