Get festive at Cambridge Carnival

Cambridge's largest festival features music, dancing, food, and a masquerade parade on Sept. 11.

Performers at a previous Cambridge Carnival.

1 minute to read

What began as a small street fair at University Park in 1992 is now Cambridge’s largest festival and one of the largest outdoor multicultural festivals in New England.

Traditionally held the Sunday after Labor Day, the colorful and festive Cambridge Carnival, now in its 28th year, is a celebration rooted in African traditions that brings a blend of cultures together with costumes, masks, music, street parades, dancing, food, and craft exhibits. Following the traditional models of the Caribbean and Brazil parades, the party rolls from Kendall Square through Central Square with masquerades, steel drums, dancing, and floats. An interactive and hands-on KidsFest includes face painting, arts and crafts, stilt walking, and train rides, while people of all ages enjoy food, local bands, and guest DJs.