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Harvard Square
Business Association
October 2025 Newsletter
Events/Deals/News
| | This weekend, The Head of the Charles Regatta returns to Harvard Square for its 60th year. For full details, click here. | | |
SEE Eyewear
October 17th - November 1st
Fall in love with the hottest new styles of the season during our Fall Trunk Show event, October 17th through November 3rd. Now’s your chance save up to $125 on your Rx eyewear purchase, plus snag a free gift while supplies last! See store for details.
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Lou's
Lou's brunch is here!
Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–3pm.
Eggs, cocktails, coffee, conversation — w/ live performances on Saturdays & Sundays!
Check out our menu here.
Reserve your spot here.
Check out the live shows here.
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October 18th
11:30am - 2:30pm
Lou's Spotlight: Blue Light Bandits
Blue Light Bandits are a 4-piece independent rock band from Worcester, MA heavily influenced by 70's soul and R&B.
Reserve your spot
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The Attic
October 19th
Vintage Market Block Party Takes Over Arrow St in Harvard Square
The Attic Cambridge, in partnership with Back & Forth Flea and Harvard Square Business Association, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Vintage Market Block Party, scheduled to light up Arrow Street in Harvard Square on Sunday, October 19, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
This vibrant event promises a celebration of all things vintage, featuring an eclectic array of vendors showcasing unique treasures including vintage clothing, handmade goods, and artisanal crafts. In addition to the diverse selection of vendors, the block party will offer a live DJ and delicious coffee and pastries on Faro’s patio, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This Vintage Market Block Party is free and open to the public, welcoming both longtime residents and visitors to explore the unique small businesses and vibrant energy of Harvard Square. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to fully experience everything this exciting event has to offer.
For more information and updates on the event and the participating vendors, please follow them on Instagram @atticvintagema.
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Harvard Art Museums
October 19th, 20th & 22nd
October 19, 10:30 - 12:30pm
Sketching in the Galleries: Sketch, Shade, Smudge: Drawing from Gray to Black (Beginner Level). Grab your sketchbook and pencil to join an instructor to draw a live model! Beginner-level artists will be more comfortable in this program.
October 20, 5:00 - 9:00pm
Harvard Art Museums at Night
We’re keeping our doors open late for an evening of art, fun, food, and more!
October 22, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Busch-Reisinger Museum Lecture with Olivier Lugon—Writing and Reading in the Age of Photography: László Moholy-Nagy, Typophoto, and Film
Renowned photo historian Olivier Lugon will speak about his recent research on artist László Moholy-Nagy.
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Patagonia
October 21st & 26th
October 21, 7pm
ROAM Book Tour with Hillary Rosner
Join us for an evening with award-winning science journalist Hillary Rosner in conversation with journalist Seth Mnookin as she presents her timely new book ROAM: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World.
October 26, 9:30am
Community Yoga with Lucie
Join us for some FREE yoga with local instructor Lucie Kasova.
Grab your friends and a yoga mat and meet us at Patagonia Cambridge for a free yoga session catered to welcoming all skill/experience levels. These classes are first come, first served, but it is helpful to RSVP. It lets us know how many people to expect! Please BYOM (bring your own mat).
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Harvard Book Store
October 22nd,
November 4th & 7th
October 22, 6pm at
The Brattle Theatre
Boston Review at 50 with Elaine Scarry, Quinn Slobodian, & Brandon M. Terry presenting The Responsibility of Intellectuals in the Age of Fascism and Genocide in conversation with Aziz Rana
Harvard Book Store and Boston Review welcome Elaine Scarry, the Walter M. Cabot Professor of Aesthetics and General Theory of Value at Harvard University, Quinn Slobodian, professor of international history at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, and Brandon M. Terry, the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and Codirector of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center, for a discussion celebrating Boston Review and their 50th anniversary issue The Responsibility of Intellectuals in the Age of Fascism and Genocide. They will be joined in conversation by Aziz Rana, author and the J. Donald Monan, S.J., University Professor of Law and Government at Boston College.
November 4, 6pm at The Brattle Theatre
Andrew Zimmern presenting The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future in conversation with Barton Seaver
Harvard Book Store welcomes Andrew Zimmern, Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award–winning TV personality, chef, writer, and social justice advocate, for a discussion of his newest cookbook, The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future. He will be joined in conversation by his co-author Barton Seaver, one of the world’s leading sustainable seafood experts and educators.
November 22, 7pm at First Parish Church
Congressman Jim Clyburn presenting The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation
Harvard Book Store welcomes Congressman Jim Clyburn, who has served more than thirty years as the Congressman representing South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he previously served as Majority Whip, for a discussion of his new book, The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation.
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Harvard Museum of Natural History
October 23rd
ArtsThursdays: Halloween at the Museum
Free In-Person Event
Join us for a free night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture. Come with a date, come with friends, or make new friends while strolling through the galleries.
- Trick-or-Treat through the museum and check out some of our spookiest specimens.
- Wear your best Halloween costume and take photos at our photo booth.
- Decorate a trick-or-treat bag.
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Visit the brand new exhibit Velvet Worms: A Fierce Hunter with a Secret Weapon in the Arthropods Gallery.
- Encounter real-life zombies: fruit flies hijacked by a brain-controlling fungus.
Visit the exhibition Sea Monsters: Wonders of Nature and Imagination and explore the allure of serpents, krakens, and other mysterious creatures of the deep sea.
- Enjoy a variety of beverages for purchase (valid government ID required to consume alcoholic beverages).
- Enter a free raffle to win museum gifts and membership.
Let us know you are coming! RSVPs are encouraged, but walk-in visitors are always welcome.
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Blue Heron
October 25th, 3pm
A Celebration of German Poetry & Song, c.1150-1450
First Church in Cambridge
Guest artistic director Priscilla Herreid leads Blue Heron singers and members of Philadelphia’s Piffaro—playing winds, brass, and strings—in a program of German music from the minnesängers to Oswald von Wolkenstein. Journey through three-hundred years of secular medieval song (c. 1150-1450) during a time when poetry was king and rhythm is derived from the text.
Receive a 10% discount with the code FRIENDS10. More Info & Tickets available here.
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Wusong Road
October 27th
Throughout the month of October, we’ll be kicking off our annual Halloween celebration "BOO-Song Road". The space will be fully transformed with immersive décor, and themed food and cocktails will be available all month long.
October 27th
4th Annual Halloween Costume Party
Best costume will take home a prize. Tickets have sold out, join the waitlist here.
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Passim
October 29th
Louise Bichan
All Hallows' Eve: Spooky Tunes, Songs and Tales From Scotland
Orkney, Scotland fiddler Louise Bichan is joined by guitarist Conor Hearn, mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, cellist Brendan Hearn, and special guests, for an evening of Halloween music and fun from the Celtic Isles. Featuring Samhain traditions, folk tales and songs of trowies, sea serpents, and selkies. Come disguised in your best costume to fool the evil spirits, and bring your most frighteningly carved neep (turnip) or pumpkin to win a prize.
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Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
October 29th, November 1st & 13th
October 29th, 6-7pm
Free Hybrid Lecture
Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St.
Since the founding of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the 1630s, the Old Burying Ground—located steps away from Harvard Square at the intersection of present-day Massachusetts Avenue and Garden Street—has served as the final resting place for many notable figures tied to Harvard’s early history. These include Henry Dunster, John Leverett, and Benjamin Wadsworth, as well as prominent families, Allston, Brattle, Craigie, Davis, Hancock, Porter, and Tufts, whose names remain familiar in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston today. Register here.
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November 1st, 1-4pm
Day of the Dead Celebration
Learn more about this joyful holiday, a national symbol of Mexico.
- enjoy craft activities
- personalize a sugar skull (extra fee)
- watch a concert of mariachi music with folk dancing at 1:30
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savor traditional pan de muerto (extra fee)
- write a message to departed loved ones for the museum altar
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purchase alebrijes, Oaxacan wood carvings
- hot chocolate and beverages available for purchase
More information available here. Leer en español
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November 13th, 6-7pm
Stickball is one of the oldest team sports in the world and has been played by Native American tribes for centuries. Historically, the game was used as a diplomatic tool. Instead of going to war, Native American tribes played stickball to settle large disputes. This earned the game the nickname The Little Brother of War. Once outlawed and threatened, stickball has persisted and is still played by many today at both local and World Series levels, and even by students and staff across Harvard. Join contemporary players and stick makers as they discuss reclamation of traditional stick making, game play, and community building. Register here.
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Regattabar
October 29th & November 14th,
October 29th, 7:30pm
EARFULL is a performance series featuring writers and musicians doing their respective things in an intimate setting. WRITERS read from their new books, or about-to-be books, or right from their crumpled up notes. MUSICIANS range from harpists to horn blowers, from solo songwriters to full-on rock bands. EARFULL EVENINGS offer food & drink at the venue, and time between acts to socialize.
On Wednesday, October 29th we welcome authors Tom Perrotta and Alice Hoffman, and musical acts Highway Hosiery and Adam Sherman. More information at here.
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November 14th, 7:30pm
The Hammond B3 Organ is making a comeback, and Regattabar is here for it! Presenting 3B3's, Battle of the Hammond Organs, featuring sets from three of Boston's finest B3 trios, Johnny Trama and the B3 Kings, Jared Sim's Firecracker Organ Trio with Ken Clark, and Jordan Gravel's Jorgan Trio. The night culminates in a knockout more-is-more 3 organ jam. A little bit of jazz, a little bit of soul, a little bit of blues and a whole lot of fun!
Late night at the Regattabar
Late night crew, this one’s for you! Regattabar is turning up the heat this season with Late Sets at 9:30pm — surprise guests, new vibes, and an evening of fun. Full lineup available here.
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The COOP
October 30th & November 7th
October 30th, 6-7:30
Inside Harvard Football Live at the COOP
Coach Andy Aurich shares his take on the legendary Harvard–Dartmouth rivalry at the Inside Harvard Football podcast live at the COOP.
November 7th, 6:30-7:45pm
The COOP x Authors: John Hampsey's Soda Lake
Join us for an inspiring literary evening as acclaimed author John Hampsey visits the COOP to share selections from his captivating new novel, Soda Lake. Discover the story behind the story—Hampsey will dive into the inspiration and creative journey that brought Soda Lake to life, offer insights into his writing process, and answer your questions in an open Q&A session.
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Harvest
October 31st
6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Twilight Dine at Harvest
Five Courses $125 | $55 Optional Wine or Mocktail Pairing
Step into another dimension at Harvest’s annual Halloween dinner. This year, we’re taking inspiration from the eerie world of The Twilight Zone, where nothing is quite as it seems. Join us on Friday, October 31st for an immersive evening featuring an imaginative tasting menu that blurs the line between here and the unknown. Expect five courses from Executive Chef Nicholas Deutmeyer and Executive Pastry Chef Tab Volpe that surprise, delight, and transport you into a deliciously strange reality. Reserve your spot here.
Select dishes from our Twilight Dine menu will also be available the week leading up to Halloween on our Tasting Menu (should you be occupied in another dimension on October 31st). Stay tuned for menus and more details.
Alumni Dinner Series
Visit HarvestCambridge.com to stay up to date on our Alumni Dinner Series & Specials!
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International School of Boston
November 1st
You don’t have to travel far to give your child a global education. At the International School of Boston, the world comes to the classroom and students boldly step into it.
Through a purposeful blend of demanding academics, immersive cultural experiences, and a fearless global perspective, ISB empowers students from Preschool through Grade 12. At ISB, students are immersed in the world and in possibilities on their journey to becoming global citizens.
Join us for our All School Open House on Saturday, November 1st, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (times vary by division).
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Register for the Saturday summit here.
For more information on Christ Church Cambridge missions click here.
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Noir
Every Sunday
Noir Bar Sunday Night FREE Trivia – Every Sunday at 7:00 PM, join us at Noir Bar for an exciting, quirky night of trivia hosted by Phrenology Trivia.
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Mount Auburn Cemetary
December 5th - 21st
SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey with large-scale light and sound artworks created by MASARY, and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape, explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere, and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins. Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty, consider an intention for the new year, or commemorate the memory of a loved one. Let SOLSTICE light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn. Tickets Now on Sale.
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Amorino Gelato
From October 29th to 31st, the first 100 kids under 12 visiting our stores with an adult purchase will receive a free small cup of gelato — a sweet treat to celebrate Halloween with the whole family!
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Dig
Get 15% off any size Thanksgiving Feast catering package using the code EARLYBIRD25 at checkout.
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Hunt's Photo & Video
For 3 Days Only: No Tax on Most Major Brand’s New Cameras & Lenses, including Nikon, Canon, and Sony! PLUS, 18-Month Zero Interest Financing is back for the event. Stop by our Cambridge location to save on your favorite photo & video gear. November 7th-9th. More info coming soon.
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Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for José Mateo Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker!
Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director José Mateo and set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, JMBT’s The Nutcracker brings Clara’s dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. With over 100 children ages 6-18 joining professional guest artists this year, José Mateo's Nutcracker creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Use the code HSBA10 for 10% off!! Buy Tickets
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J.P. Licks
On Halloween, J.P. Licks will be handing out free ice cream coupons to the first 50 kids who come grab them.
Featured Ice Cream:
Caramel Apple IC, Pumpkin spice IC, Pumpkin Cookies N Cream (New), Orange Chocolate Chip IC, Vanilla Brownie Raspberry Ripple IC (in support of Ellie Fund), Maple Hard Yogurt, and Pumpkin Dairy Free IC.
Our limited time baked goods: apple walnut coffee cake and apple turnover.
J.P. Licks has partnered with the Ellie Fund for Breast Cancer Awareness month; we will have Vanilla Brownie Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream , Pink sprinkle dipped cones, and pink sprinkles available to support the cause.
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Living Harmony
Are you ready to spruce up your space, productivize your processes, or clear the clutter? Then get ready to fall into organization with Living Harmony. Call today to talk about your business or home organizing goals.
You instantly receive $75 off your first organizing package if you contact us before November 1st with the secret word “cozy”.
“Any time a friend or colleague expresses an interest in de-cluttering, organization, or what energy boosters I’ve been taking, I direct them to Erika. She’s a miracle worker!”
~ Jeanine Taylor, Snooty Jewelry Owner
Marlborough, MA
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Off the Beaten Path
Food Tours
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!
Harvard Square Food Tour
Haven't been to Harvard Square lately? Do you know we have a 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.
Harvard Square Donut Tour Sunday's from 11am-12:30pm. This tour delves into the history of donuts, and it's fun for locals and visitors.
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University Place Parking Garage
University Place Evening Special - Monday thru Friday After 4pm
$6
4pm-3am Access Monday-Friday
Pick Up Coupon in the Garage office
No Overnight Parking
For more information, please call 617-491-0801
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Zinnia
-50% off select rings
-40% off sale section
-$10 and under sale table.
All sales, as of now, are running indefinitely.
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Bridges Homeward
Support Local Families This Holiday Season
Bring comfort and cheer to children in foster care, youth aging out of Department of Children and Families (DCF) services, individuals with developmental disabilities, children awaiting adoption and families transitioning from shelters to permanent housing. As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to join us in supporting children, youth, and families in our community through Bridges Homeward’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive.
Many of the individuals and families we serve are navigating extraordinary challenges, from unstable housing to health crises to financial hardship. During the holidays your support provides more than just essentials: it provides dignity, stability, and hope.
Holiday Gift Drive: Spread Joy This Season
Each year, we collect Amazon or Target gift cards in $25 increments to distribute to families during the holidays. Your generosity ensures that each family can choose the items they need most—whether that's a warm winter coat, household necessities, or a special toy to make the season magical.
How to Give
To ensure families receive support in time for the holidays, please make your donation by Friday, December 5th.
Mail gift cards or checks to:
Bridges Homeward
Attn: Development Team
60 Gore St. Cambridge, MA 02141
Whether you give during the holidays or help us prepare for the unexpected throughout the year, your kindness makes a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of our caring community.
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Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Big thanks to our new partner, ShakeShack!
They delivered 90 meals to Bridge youth programs—what a treat!
In honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Shake Shack will donate 25% of sales from on Nov. 4th, to support Bridge.
To participate, enter “DONATE” in the promo box on the Shake Shack app or kiosk, or mention “Donation Day” when ordering in person.Thank you, Shake Shack, for supporting Bridge! Learn more here.
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We are so thankful to the Harvard Square community for hosting Heat Blooms, the art installation about extreme heat that bloomed on hot days on Brattle Square this past summer.
As this project helps us explore how art can boost public knowledge about heat's impact on health, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please take a moment to give us your feedback through this short survey.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Carolina Aragon
Founder, Art for Public Good
*Photo by Matt Conti
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City of Cambridge
The Cambridge Police Department has set the date for the Police Cadet Exam on Saturday, November 15th. The main eligibility criteria include being between 18 and 23 years old and having lived in Cambridge for three years. Register by October 24th.
Contact Kessen Green or call 617-349-6009.
· Link to Police Cadet job description: Click Here
· Flyer for 10/7 Police Cadet Information Session: Click Here
· Application for Police Cadet Exam: Click Here
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Community Charter School of Cambridge
Community Charter School of Cambridge is Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School Nominee
Community Charter School of Cambridge (CCSC) has been recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School Nominee by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This follows last year’s recognition of CCSC as a 2024 DESE School of Recognition.
The prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982 as a way of honoring and recognizing high-performing public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students, measured by data from state assessments. CCSC was slated to be among the last cohort of schools to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education before it announced it was discontinuing the program in late August of this year.
CCSC is one of six Massachusetts schools – and the only charter public school and the only school serving high school grades – to receive this distinction this year.
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Distressed Children & Infants International
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER/INTERNSHIP POSITIONS – Make a Difference in Cambridge!
Are you looking to gain meaningful volunteer or internship experience in the Cambridge area while making a real impact on the world? Join Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI) at our Harvard Square office or remotely to help underprivileged children, their families & communities locally and globally.
Make a impact by supporting child rights, alleviating poverty, preventing blindness, protecting the environment, and empowering the Cambridge community.
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful impact by supporting child rights, alleviating poverty, preventing blindness, protecting the environment, and empowering the Cambridge community.
- Build your skills in nonprofit operations, leadership, event coordination, and fundraising.
- Strengthen your resume and develop your career goals while working with a dedicated and inspiring team.
- You may also be eligible to apply for the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), DCI Youth Volunteer Awards, or other recognitions.
We are urgently seeking motivated individuals who are passionate about creating change. You can work directly out of our Harvard Square office, gaining hands-on experience, or remotely, depending on your schedule. Whether you have a few hours a week or more, we’ll create a plan tailored to your availability and interests.
How to Get Started:
Visit www.distressedchildren.org or contact us at ehsan@distressedchildren.org or +1-857-292-9186 to learn more and get involved.
This is your chance to create a lasting impact and be part of a mission that changes lives. Join us today and become a force for good!
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Galante Design Studio
Galante Design studio exists to transform the everyday into grander gestures. Our Atlas Obscured Collection is now on display locally at WardMaps. Explore our Aluminum Chair, Wall Map, and Mapkin up close! Mapkin, a napkin holder crafted from four layers of laser-cut maps, is the latest addition to the collection and is now available for order.
Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with our releases.
Browse our collection of objects with meaning here.
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Hasty Pudding Theatricals
THE HASTY PUDDING THEATRICALS ANNOUNCES ITS 177TH PRODUCTION
Rooted in History, Renewed for Today. The oldest theater company in America returns to the stage with its 177th show.
For over 175 years, The Hasty Pudding Theatricals has been delighting audiences as the oldest theatrical company in the United States. Known for its original student-written musicals filled with comedy, wit, and over-the-top performances, the Pudding has become a beloved Harvard tradition and a celebrated stage for theatrical creativity.
This season, we’re thrilled to announce our brand-new production: HPT 177: Salooney Tunes — running from February 6th to March 8th at Farkas Hall. This western-themed musical comedy is guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs, and classic Pudding mischief. Saddle up and join us for a wild ride at the saloon! BUY TICKETS HERE
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Rotary Club of Cambridge
Join the Cambridge Rotary!
We’re a welcoming and laid-back group that has been serving the Cambridge community since 1922. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact, build authentic relationships, and get involved in local service, we’d love to meet you! We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month in Harvard Square for a casual brown-bag lunch with inspiring guest speakers. Our club is all about connection, community, and giving back.
For membership inquiries, email us at info@cambridgerotary.org. Also, check us out at cambridgerotary.org.
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Beyond Full
Beyond Full restaurant is now open at 1105 Mass Ave. It is open 7 days a week and will be serving breakfast all day along with hamburgers, shakes and other favorites.
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Harvard Square
Business Association
Two Brattle Square, Mezzanine
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 491-3434
www.harvardsquare.com
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Need a Job? We can help!
Click here for a list of hiring businesses
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