Harvard Square, Cambridge

 

 

Brimming with residents that value intellectualism and diversity, life in Harvard Square is destined to captivate and enthrall. Lined with cobblestone pathways and lush greenery, the town square feels spacious and inviting.

 

Often referred to as the “Heart of Cambridge,” Harvard Square is known for its historical value to the area as much as its growing community of local and international students. Many of the businesses and residences in the area are built in Colonial Revival-style architecture.

 

There are a lot of popular places to visit and many fun events to attend while living in Harvard Square. If you're just settling into a new residence, then you must visit Dickson Bros True Value, a locally-owned hardware and home improvement store located in the epicenter of Harvard Square.

 

Students flock to Club Passim, an intimate American folk music club where big-name musicians like Bob Dylan got their start. For those on-the-go, Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe is an excellent place to stop for coffee, sandwiches, and imported goods from around the world.

 

Established in the late 1800s, The Coop is the go-to bookstore for both the Harvard and MIT communities. Not only do they offer a wide variety of academic materials for classes, but they also give back to their communities with financial aid and philanthropic work. We've also heard the hot chocolate sold in their café is quite delicious.

 

Among the events and traditions in town, none are as esteemed as the Hasty Pudding Award, which entertainers such as Joseph Gordon Levitt and Paul Rudd have been awarded for their committed contributions to the entertainment world.

 

This annual award ceremony is hosted in Harvard Square and features a guided historical tour of the square and a performance from the local theater troupe.

 

Head of the Charles Regatta is an annual competitive rowing race held on the Charles River on the penultimate weekend of October.

 

For those interested in the arts, Harvard Square hosts the annual Cambridge Arts River Festival, which features a variety of performance art workshops and sees vendors from all over attend to sell their wares. The American Repertory Theater (often abbreviated A.R.T.) stages a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year as well as hosts educational community programs. Past shows have included Waitress, Pippin, and The Tempest.

 

Many events are hosted in Cambridge Common, a public park near the historical district. The town also hosts an Oktoberfest festival and Holiday Fair every year.

 

City-wide events in both Cambridge and Sommerville include the PorchFest and Open Studios. PorchFest is an excellent opportunity for local bands to earn recognition as several local musical acts set up on their porches for a massive outdoor concert.

 

One of the main draws to the area is Harvard University, a prestigious Ivy League research university dedicated to excellence and educating up-and-coming leaders from across the globe.