How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oktoberfest in Cambridge, Massachusetts is held each year in eclectic Harvard Square, bringing in merchants, vendors, cuisine, entertainment and children's activities. Oktoberfest is spread over five square blocks in the heart of Harvard Square, and admission is free. Nearly 100,000 visitors attend the Cambridge Oktoberfest, which occurs each year in early October. It is a celebration more of autumn and the diversity of Boston than of the German tradition, but of course it offers up some of each! Celebrate Oktoberfest in a place that is widely regarded as a cultural, historic, dining and shopping center, and you'll find a bit of something for everyone.

Things You'll Need

• Clothes for rain or shine
• Comfortable walking shoes

Instructions

1. Sample ethnic cuisines from 40 different international restaurants that come in to offer food during Oktoberfest at Cambridge and Harvard Square.

2. Enjoy music and entertainment on the three outdoor stages in Harvard Square.

3. Watch as the famous Harvard Square street performers dance the night away.

4. Peruse the art, jewelry, crafts, clothing and gifts from the nearly 200 vendors who bring things from around the world to the Cambridge Oktoberfest.

5. Try some of the German fare as well--schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, beer soup, knockswurst, pretzels with beer mustard and apple strudel are some of the German delights available.

6. Celebrate by sipping on fine beers from breweries such as Avery, Berkshire, Otter Creek, Sam Adams, Blue Point, Brooklyn, Flying Dog, Stoudt's, Wachusett, Thomas Hooker, Harpoon Climax, Paulaner, Casco Bay, Newport Storm and Victory.

7. See street performers like puppeteers, balloon twisters, face painters and authentic German dancers as they offer entertainment in the square.

Tips & Warnings

• Activities span over JFK street, Brattle Street and Massachusetts Avenue, Church Street and Charles Square.

• This event is suitable for children and adults, with a wide variety of music and entertainment, food and drinks.

• Take time to walk around the Harvard campus if the Oktoberfest crowds become too much for you. Full of historic brick buildings, the campus is a destination in itself.

• Keep a close eye on your kids if you go to Oktoberfest in Cambridge. Harvard Square is smack in the center of Boston, and it's very easy to get disoriented there.

Resources

• Oktoberfest information at HarvardSquare.com