45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest [10/06/24]

The Harvard Square Business Association is excited to announce the return of the 45th Annual Oktoberfest and the fabulously madcap 19th Annual HONK! Parade on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. Come be a part of this unique, irreverent, family-friendly annual tradition where musicians and spectators “reclaim the streets for horns, bikes and feet”!

Joining us again this year: The Filipino American Festival – a celebration of Filipino music, food and culture!

Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest features food from all over the world, arts, crafts, vintage goods, free samples, and one-of-a-kind gifts. In addition, Oktoberfest boasts beer gardens hosted by Alden & Harlow, El Jefe’s Taqueria, Charlie’s Kitchen, and a wine garden presented by Commonwealth Wine School and Schmitt Sohne & Relax. New this year! Bring your four-legged friends to Oktoberfest’s Dog-Friendly Wine Garden presented by Momma’s Grocery + Wine and sponsored by Tandem Vet complete with the Mobile Vet Unit onsite.

This annual celebration of fall features live music, including a rock music stage and an all HONK! Review on the main stage. Dancing in the streets is encouraged!

Don’t let the parade pass you by! Street activists, horn aficionados and their comrades will strut straight down Massachusetts Avenue at approximately 1pm. In its 19th year, the HONK! movement has become a global phenomenon. This year, more than 25 HONK! bands from around the country will march from Davis Square to Harvard Square. Spectators will be treated to a horn-tooting, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, mind-blowing spectacle and everyone is welcome to join the back of the parade and make their way to Oktoberfest.

Traditionally held at our annual MayFair celebration, the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s “Chalk on the Walk” art installation will transform Church Street into a colorful display or artistry and creativity.

Oktoberfest in Harvard Square was started in 1978 by the late Frank Cardullo, a Square mover, shaker and owner of the renowned Wursthaus, which served up traditional German food from 1917 to 1996. The early festivals were in keeping with old world customs. Over the years, the festival has taken on a more discerningly Cambridge vibe to become an Oktoberfest unlike any other.

Entertainment Schedule

Main Stage

Sponsored by Irving House

Curated by Dan Nicklin

(at the intersection of Brattle & Church Streets)

2pm Other Brother Darryl

Other Brother Darryl are a Boston-based alt-country supergroup made up of singer-songwriters Dan Nicklin, Nate Leavitt, Dave Mirabella and Dan Cedarholm. The cosmic canyon rock band is rounded off by prominent local fixtures Jim Collins, Derek Feeney, Dave Lieb and Chad Raleigh. First coming together over a love of big folk harmonies, inspired by bands like The Jayhawks and Wilco, and the television series Newhart, the seeds of Other Brother Darryl were first conceptualized back in 2012 at the defunct Somerville rock club Radio, where each member would perform frequently with their respective projects. An endless string of conversations, local Boston rock shows, and beers would line the next several years, and in 2019, Other Brother Darryl would make good on a promise to each other to bring their collective creative vision to life and write and record the album they were always meant to. In November 2022, Other Brother Darryl released debut single, “Until I Do,” b/w “The Ballad of Joni & Graham,” the same night they would perform live at Underwater Sunshine Fest in New York City. New single “Drive” arrived a year later, followed by February 2024’s “Gypsy Girl”; debut record Roll Shine Roll, recorded at Nicklin’s Henley Row Studios, is set for release later this year. It is dedicated to fallen bandmate and close friend Dave Mirabella, who passed away suddenly in April 2022.

3pm Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections

With a catalog that ranges from pop effervescence to alt-country grit—with plenty of rock in between—Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections are a Boston-area favorite known for earworm, melodies, sharp lyrical play, and fun, often mischievous live shows. Led by songwriter Tracy, a three-time Boston Music Award nominee, the band’s piano-driven songs, tight harmonies, and feminist edge take inspiration from acts like Jenny Lewis, Brandi Carlile, and Fleetwood Mac—all backed by a top-notch band that includes Stud Green on violin and guitar, Tamora Gooding on drums, Mike Oram on guitar, and Sam Spencer on bass. Tracy (keys, guitar) has also played in other notable acts, including Letters to Cleo, Kay Hanley, Juliana Hatfield, and Band of Their Own. Her latest single, “At My Age,” is garnering rave reviews, with Tanya Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses) calling it “powerful and brave”.

4pm Airport

Jangly, hooky, kinda yacht rock-y, 70’s-inspired rock. It’s AM Gold.

5pm The Rationales

Lush, finely crafted American songwriting, swirling with hooks, harmonies and raw emotion from a 5 piece band brimming with heart, excitement and guitars! For fans of Wilco, Nada Surf and Radiohead!

“Textured melodic rock, fizzing with an energy difficult not to wholeheartedly sink into.” – Americana UK

“Pure, powerful rock beautifully interspersed with more rootsy tunes.” – Rootstime, Belgium

Mt Auburn Street Stage

2pm The Squares in the Square

Jazzy vocals, funky blues, and Georgia on My Mind! The Squares feature an array of guest singers, and a repertoire that easily switches from soul to swing, from pop to funk. The focus is on “accessible jazz” — no long, intellectual horn solos here. The band is expandable: basically a quintet, friends often join for a few numbers.

3rd Annual Filipino American Festival

(in the Church Street Parking Lot)

The 3rd annual Filipino American Festival returns to the Church Street Parking Lot for a day packed with live performances, cultural exhibits, and authentic Filipino cuisine. A key highlight of the festival will be the first-ever Filipino Beer Garden in New England, offering iconic brews like San Miguel and Red Horse.

“We’re thrilled to bring this celebration of Filipino heritage to Harvard Square once again,” said Catherine Uy, President of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA ). “It’s an opportunity to share the rich traditions, food, music, and art of the Filipino community with the broader New England audience.”

One Reason Garden Bar Oktoberfest Celebration at the Charles Hotel

2pm – 4pm DJ Nate Bluhm

At The Charles Hotel Stage, on the lower courtyard of the hotel, DJ Nate Bluhm (@begbick) will be spinning an eclectic mix of international beats, including African, Brazilian, Latin, Hip-Hop, Top 40, house, and nostalgic throwbacks.

When you need a break from the dance floor, head over to Noir Bar for a bite and a refreshing cocktail or indulge in delicious Mexican Cuisine from Taqueria El Barrio.

For more drink options and games, check out One Reason Garden Bar, the Charles Hotel’s come-as-you-are bar. Soak in the bustling atmosphere of Harvard Square while enjoying $5 beer specials and sampling a selection of natural wines, including the highly sought-after Octoberfest from Trillium Brewery. With vibrant music, tasty food, and a lively atmosphere, this year’s Oktoberfest promises to be an unforgettable celebration for everyone!

Oktoberfest is for Families & Fun

@ First Parish in Cambridge

First Parish in Cambridge welcomes our Harvard Square neighbors to learn about our community services and invites children to participate in a fun fall project – decorating your own mini-pumpkin! Volunteers will greet Oktoberfest visitors in our courtyard, located at the corner of Church Street and Mass Ave. From 12-2pm, there will be tables and workspaces for each child to choose colorful markers and make their own pumpkin. Information on the church’s history and its many social justice and community service activities, along with religious education programs will be available.

Grendel’s Den Oktoberfest After Party

Lederhosen, busty dresses, German beer, food, and music all day on Sunday October 6th. After the Harvard Square Oktoberfest at 6 pm (ish) we will tap a ceremonial keg of Weihenstephaner Festbier and hold our TWENTY SECOND annual toast. Come find out who’s wearing the short, suede pants this year!

First come first served, no reservations.

45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest

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