News Summary
The 45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest took place on October 6, 2024, attracting over 100,000 attendees. The event showcased food, music, and activism, featuring over 200 vendors with diverse offerings. Highlights included traditional German sausages, fresh cider, and various activist groups advocating for social causes. This vibrant community event also incorporated unique elements like a dog-friendly wine garden, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Cambridge, MA
The 45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, attracting over 100,000 attendees to celebrate food, music, and activism. The event featured more than 200 vendors along the parade routes, offering a diverse selection of fall cuisine, refreshing beverages, and lively entertainment from bands hailing from as far away as Minneapolis and New Orleans.
Guests relished the atmosphere at various beer gardens throughout Harvard Square, enjoying a wide range of drinks. One highlight was the booth of Donze Cardullo, who sold traditional German sausages through her shop, Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe. Despite her Italian heritage, Cardullo stressed the importance of maintaining the festival’s authentic German culinary traditions.
Among the festival’s charming stands were “Cider Man” Chris Desmarteau and beekeeper Mike Graney, who provided fresh apples, cider, and apple crisp. Graney also expressed concerns about children’s diets, advocating for a campaign promoting a no-sugar law in schools to counteract the consumption of unhealthy fried foods. This highlighted the festival’s balance between enjoying festive treats while being mindful of health issues.
As part of the festival, various activist groups showcased their causes, bringing attention to global issues, including the Occupy Boston movement, the Tibetan Crisis, and human rights violations in Sudan. Additionally, attendees witnessed protests advocating for improved transportation as members of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) demonstrated in support of better transit connections linked to the Boston T Party.
The event is a hallmark of the Boston area, sharing space with other Oktoberfest celebrations such as the 22nd Annual Harpoon Octoberfest and the Samuel Adams OctoberFest. Each year, Harvard Square Oktoberfest remains a highly anticipated gathering, featuring family-friendly activities, arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, and ample opportunities for free samples.
This year, the festival welcomed back the Filipino American Festival, showcasing cultural exhibits and food, alongside a dedicated Filipino beer garden. Another exciting addition was a dog-friendly wine garden, allowing attendees to bring their pets along for the festivities, enhancing the family-oriented atmosphere of the event.
Entertainment and Performances
The festival included the vibrant HONK! Parade, featuring activist street bands, which commenced at approximately 1 p.m. The parade has become a beloved element of the celebration, merging enthusiasm for music with activism. In addition to the parade, festival-goers enjoyed live performances, showcasing a sneak peek from Moonbox Productions’ upcoming presentation of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
Event Organization
The Harvard Square Oktoberfest is organized by The Harvard Square Business Association, known for executing multiple events throughout the year, fostering community spirit and engagement. With its rich traditions, the festival continues to evolve, incorporating new experiences while honoring its roots.
Oktoberfest 2024 laid the groundwork for future events, with the next celebration already scheduled for October 6, 2025, carrying a rain date of October 13 if necessary. The successful blending of cultural celebration, culinary delights, and social activism makes the Harvard Square Oktoberfest a cornerstone of community engagement in Cambridge.
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Additional Resources
- Harvard Square: 45th Annual Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade
- Boston.com: Attend the 45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest
- Harvard Square: 45th Annual Oktoberfest Applications Now Available
- MassLive: Oktoberfest in Boston
- Cambridge Day: A Week of Events in Cambridge and Somerville
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
