Harvard Square Business Association
July 2023 Newsletter
Events/Deals/News
|
|
Please join us in welcoming our new members
|
|
Friday, July 28th, 7pm – 10pm
Brattle Plaza
Feel the beat and the heat! Join the Harvard Square Business Association on Brattle Plaza (in front of Bluestone Lane at 27 Brattle Street) on Friday, July 28th from 7pm – 10pm and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the 9th Annual Salsa Squared Dance Party. Take salsa and Bachata dance lessons, dance the night away to infectious Latin beats and raise a glass to the hottest night of the summer.
We are pleased to partner again this year with our musical host, DJ D. Martinez. D. adds his unique blend of Latin sounds at some of the most popular dance events in and around Boston. Also returning is accomplished Salsa and Latin dance instructor extraordinaire Jennifer Earls, who will be teaching us Latin dance steps and how to move with rhythm and style that grabs attention on the dance floor. She’s performed and taught Salsa professionally with the world-renowned Masacote Entertainment’s Latin Dance Company and has been dancing and instructing Salsa and other Latin dance forms for the past decade.
This event is free and open to the public.
|
|
August 2
Free fun for the whole family! The Harvard Square Business Association, in partnership with the Cambridge Arts Council, invite you to a free outdoor movie on Palmer Street. Feel free to BYOB (bring your own blanket) and snacks. We will have chairs and freshly popped popcorn. More information soon harvardsquare.com
|
|
Through August 24th
Over the Charles Boston Rooftop Bar in partnership with Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, is pleased to announce the return of their live summer acoustic series – OTC Sunset Sounds. Every Thursday night through August 24, Boston-based musician and vocalist – Samantha Farrell – will perform on the rooftop from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm with no cover required. Her unique voice and deft guitar work will help usher in the sunset with a moody fusion of jazz, alt R&B and pop that’s sure to set a chill tone up on the rooftop. Find some of her latest original music here.
Guests can visit OpenTable to reserve a table for up to 8 people.
|
|
Through August 26th
There's nothing quite like summer and there's no better place to be than in Harvard Square. Kick off your weekend evenings with relaxing sounds and enjoy the wonderful view from our outdoor courtyard.
Upcoming performances
Friday, July 14: Parisian Café (Gypsy Jazz)
Saturday, July 15: Lumanyano Mzi Quartet (Afropop)
Friday, July 21: Lumanyano Mzi Quartet (Afropop)
Saturday, July 22: Receita de Samba (Jazz Samba)
|
|
Through October 29th
On Sundays through October 29th, up to 48 local artisans, makers, and vintage dealers will converge on Church Street. This is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! From unique art pieces to handcrafted treasures, there’s something for everyone. Grab your friends, bring your shopping bags, and join us at the Harvard Square Open Market for a day of fun and support our talented local community.
|
|
July 15, 1:00-2:00 PM
Rescheduled! Longfellow Pride Picnic Presented in partnership with the Cambridge LGBTQ Commission
Celebrate Pride by bringing your favorite picnic blanket to lay out on the Longfellow House lawn between 11:00 AM-2:00 PM! This collaborative event will highlight the LGBTQ+ history of the site with Queer History tours, lawn games, food, and music. All ages and abilities welcome; located .5 miles from the Harvard Square Red Line stop. Some food and refreshments provided but we encourage you to bring your own picnic foods as well. This is a sunshine only event!
For more Longfellow House free, outdoor events scheduled throughout July and August, please click here.
|
|
July 16, 25 and 27
The Harvard Art Museums is now free for all visitors! Free every day (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm) and just steps away from Harvard Square, the Harvard Art Museums welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world to enjoy one of the largest and most renowned art collections in North America.
July 16 12:00 – 1:00pm
July 25, 11:00am – 12:30pm
July 27 5:00 – 9:00pm
We’re keeping our doors open late for an evening of art, fun, food, and more! Advanced registration encouraged.
|
|
Through October 30th
Bonde's Weekly Wine Garden
Every Sunday through October 30th from 11 to 5.
As part of the fantastic Harvard Square Open Market every Sunday, Bonde has installed a fabulous Wine Garden in front of our shop on Church Street. Our tent has seating for 12 and will shelter you from the sun or rain. You can buy a flight of three wines, or you can order by the glass and sip away while listening to live music and watching the passersby. Every Sunday has its own theme with a completely new flight of wines.
Sunday July 16: Tour de France 2023: Stage 15 - French wines vs. American wines
Sunday July 23: Tour de France 2023: Stage 21 - Paris the Final: Celebrating with Grapes from the Winner’s Country
Sunday July 30: A Shining Tasting: Gold Rush in the Sierra Nevada and the Sacramento Valley
Sunday August 6: East Coast: From Massachusetts to Vermont, via Maine
Sunday August 13: On the Trail of Sasquatch: Oregon Wine
Wednesday Evening Tastings
Every other Wednesday, Bonde hosts an evening tasting where Bertil showcases four different wines, with food to match. It's a cozy, intimate gathering of up to eight participants.
Though it originates from the Middle East, this soft, small, round meringue-based cake is now a world-famous French pastry. Regardless of where they’re from, we have the American dessert wines to match. Come join internationally renowned sommelier and certified macaron lover Bertil Jean-Chronberg, who will teach you how to pair a wine to a macaron based on its color, flavors, and aromas. 90 minutes of laughter and very sweet fun guaranteed!
Sushi, sashimi, maki, onigiri—behind these Japanese dishes hides a very special taste that you’ve probably heard of: umami. Spend 90 minutes with internationally renowned sommelier and sushi-fanatic Bertil Jean-Chronberg to discover how to combine this specific taste and aromas with wine. A moment of Zen and fun in the middle of the work week - why not?
|
|
July 19, 26
August 1,9,16
Through expert-led 30 minute sessions, HUECU’s team of financial experts will share the Financial Scoop on how to leverage your bank accounts to maximize your earnings and savings, use new products to plan for buying a home, set educational and estate planning goals, and more!
Wednesday, 7/19 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Wednesday, 7/26 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Tuesday 8/1 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Wednesday, 8/9 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Wednesday, 8/16 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Financial Scoop is open to all! HUECU Membership is not required
|
|
July 19, 12:00–1:30pm and 3:00–4:30pm
Calling all Cambridge residents! Join a community art project designed by the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture. We will create three fabric structures designed to welcome people to campus and engage all in the spirit of discovery and the joy of learning. We'll be combining materials like puff paint, vinyl transfers for word art, light-sensitive material to create a masterpiece in three parts that represents our unique community.
No special skills are needed—just the willingness to try something new. All materials are provided. You will do some planning and thinking around a prompt and spend the majority of the time making your piece.
Artist Xinan Ran will assemble the pieces into the form of traditional Chinese chuangs—cylindrical textiles or statues covered in written prayers to keep Buddhist teachings active when no one is present to say them. The tree chuangs will be on view in front of the Harvard Museum of Natural History from September through October.
|
|
Grand Opening Celebration
July 21
Western Front of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Harvard Square Business Association, is delighted to announce its Harvard Square cannabis dispensary is now open. There will be a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, July 21st, 2023 from 1pm – 8pm on Winthrop Street and historic Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mt. Auburn Streets). Western Front of Massachusetts is the first economic empowerment company to open three dispensaries in the Commonwealth.
Join us for art, live music, informational booths, activities like Jenga and other classic board games. More information available here.
|
|
Game Hawker Film Screening
July 22, 7:00pm
Shawn Hayes leads a life of devotion. For him, falconry is more than a deep partnership with raptors: it’s his life’s work. As an American falconry ambassador, he’s carved a space for himself where people of color haven’t always been welcome. It's taken him across the globe, into strongholds of tradition and conservation. This film is about more than what humans can train birds to do—it’s about what those birds can teach us about living in partnership with wild creatures and wild places.
7pm: Food and drink at Patagonia Cambridge
7:30pm: Walk across the street to The Brattle Theater
7:45pm: Film
8:15pm: Q&A with Shawn Hayes
|
|
(In Harvard Square!)
August 6th - 19th
Get your tastebuds ready for Dine Out 2023! This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of delicious deals at participating Harvard Square restaurants offering indoor or outdoor dining options.
For more information click here.
|
|
Fridays, Saturdays and private tours are available.
Calling all chocoholics! Join us for a delectable adventure through historic Harvard Square. You'll hear interesting stories about the Square, learn fun facts about chocolate and sample the best and most interesting chocolaty treats around. Harvard Square has a flourishing food scene with some of the best and most unique food in the city. Each tour is a fun 90 minutes and includes 4 stops with plenty of treats and less than a mile of walking. We can't wait to take you on a unique, chocolate adventure!
This tour is suitable for all ages. $40/pp. Guests must purchase tickets in advance. Use code HARVARDSQUARE and enjoy 10% off!
Haven't been to Harvard Square lately? Do you know we have a new tiki bar?
Revisit Harvard Square on our new FOOD TOUR!
Booking Saturdays at 11:30am, this memorable experience is offered weekly. You'll eat a satisfying array of yummy eats, from Greek to Latin to the best pizza in the world. Tour also includes a Mai Tai or yummy mocktail.
|
|
NEW Moisturizing Hand Creams
Provides skin with a long lasting nourishment and moisture using Meadowfoam seed oil and plant derived glycerin. A true treat for hardworking hands. Vegan (free of animal derived ingredients). Comes in 4 different scents – Peace of Mind™, Ginger, Crisp Citrus, and Light Rose.
Origins Ginger Promotion:
Spend $65 get a Full-Size Ginger Incredible Spreadable™ Scrub FREE - while supplies last, July 15th through July 25th.
|
|
Swing in and say Happy Birthday to SEE starting July 18 to help us celebrate 25 years of radical individuality.
Enjoy tasty treats and a ton of birthday fun, all in the name of a quarter-century of totally fabulous eyewear. Plus—buy one pair of Rx glasses and score your second pair for just $25!
See store for details.
|
|
Swing by Warby Parker to shop dozens of top contacts brands like Acuvue, Biofinity, and our own daily lens, Scout, all in one spot. No matter the brand or lens type, you’ll receive a $50 credit—good to use on any eyeglasses or sunglasses—when you buy an annual supply of contacts. (And you’ll get 15% on your first contacts order, automatically!)
|
|
One Reason Garden Bar, the Charles Hotel’s latest summer outdoor venue, serves local beers, natural wines, a rotating frozen twist on classic cocktails, as well as light fare and non-alcoholic beverages. Relax and play games such as giant Jenga and corn hole five days a week, and swing to live music every Friday and Saturday.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday + Thursday - 4pm on, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 12pm on.
|
|
It was so nice to welcome HSBA Executive Director, Denise Jillson to Chestnut Hill Realty’s new leasing office location on Mass Ave last month. Denise and HSBA intern Macy stopped by to tour the new office and meet CHR’s Cambridge staff. Pictured with Denise are (from left) CHR Regional Property Manager Sam Smart, office intern Christina Brad, Resident Services Professional Eve Beos, Property Manager Keiry Madera, Service Manager Juan Guzman, and Macy Adams. CHR is proud to be a Harvard Square neighbor!
|
|
J.P. Licks and Grill 23 team up to celebrate the restaurant’s 40th anniversary by taking their famous Coconut Cake and evolving it into ice cream! Try our new Grill 23 Coconut Cream Ice Cream - a coconut custard ice cream blended with sweetened and toasted coconut and loaded with pieces of cake. Come in and give it a try with our Sea Salted Pineapple Ice Cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
|
|
Think of MOTTO for upcoming birthdays and housewarming gifts!
|
|
Podcast Season 7 - Find Your Roots
Episode 3: What Got You Here?
On June 27th, Mable Chan interviewed Paul Lee, co-owner/manager of Hong Kong restaurant in Harvard Square.
Hong Kong restaurant in Harvard Square was opened by Sen Lee in 1954.
As a kid, Paul Lee never questioned his father when he was told to clean and scrub dirty spots in the restaurant. He might have grumbled a little on weekends when he wanted to watch cartoons. After working at the restaurant through his teenage years, he never planned to take over the family business.
When it was time to decide on his college major, he chose computer-based management systems at Clarkson University in New York State. However, everything changed the day Paul graduated, when his father suffered a heart attack shortly after the commencement ceremony. Paul decided it was time for him to step up.
In this episode, Paul shares his memories of his family history, his parents’ hard work, and why it’s so important for him and his siblings to find their roots and keep their immigrant story alive.
Find Your Roots is a history and culture project centering on Asian American voices, perspectives, and experiences. It is a one-on-one in-depth podcast interview show with Asian “Roots-Finders” seeking to remember the diverse and profound influences of their parents and grandparents. This educational podcast project is designed to promote and preserve the legacy of the countless contributions—as well as forgotten struggles and sacrifices—of our ancestors who paved the way for us today. Find your Roots is made possible - in part - by a generous grant from PLUS Charitable Trust.
|
|
Special Summer menu available through August 31st at Playa Bowls.
|
|
The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design. Its exclusive collection of more than 1,300 in-stock fabrics and materials provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style and customization options. Every window treatment is proudly handcrafted in the USA, hung and tested for quality assurance and ships free in 10 days or less. With 140+ showrooms nationwide, The Shade Store offers a complete range of in-person and virtual design services for consumers and design-trade clientele, including swatches, complimentary professional window measurements and photo rendering. Additionally, the company is an advocate for environmental sustainability: for every purchase made, the company provides the ‘Gift of Shade’ by planting a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
|
|
Harvard Square Business Association
Two Brattle Square, Mezzanine
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 491-3434
|
|
Need a Job? We can help!
Click here for a list of hiring businesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
