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Harvard Square Oktoberfest & HONK! Parade — Fall Fun Awaits!

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Real Estate Agent with Better Living Real Estate, LLC 9152684
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Celebrate Music, Food, and Community at Harvard Square’s Biggest Fall Festival

 

Introduction

 

Looking for a lively way to enjoy fall? Harvard Square’s Annual Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade returns on October 12, 2025. This outdoor event offers a mix of music, food, and family fun. It’s a perfect way to embrace the season and connect with your community.

 

A Festival Full of Excitement

 

Starting at noon and ending at 6 p.m., the festival transforms Harvard Square into a celebration hub. Visitors can enjoy global foods, arts, crafts, and vintage finds. Best of all, the event is free and welcomes everyone. Bring your friends and family to experience the lively atmosphere.

 

The Parade: A Horn-Happy Spectacle

 

At around 1 p.m., the streets erupt with the HONK! Parade. Over 25 bands march down Massachusetts Avenue, blasting horns, drums, and more. This parade is a joyful showcase of music and activism. Plus, you’re welcome to join the parade and dance along with the performers.

 

Live Music and Dancing

 

After the parade, the main stage hosts diverse live performances. From rock to brass bands, there’s something for everyone. Dancing in the streets is encouraged, so get ready to move to the beat. The music keeps the energy high all afternoon.

 

Food, Drinks, and Unique Shopping

 

Craving delicious bites? Festival vendors serve international foods, while arts and crafts booths offer handmade treasures. Beer gardens by Alden & Harlow, El Jefe’s, and Charlie’s Kitchen serve local brews. A new addition this year: a dog-friendly wine garden, complete with a mobile vet onsite.

 

A Tradition with a Modern Twist

 

Oktoberfest in Harvard Square has roots going back to 1978, thanks to Frank Cardullo. Originally a German-themed celebration, it has evolved into a uniquely Cambridge event. Today, it blends tradition with local flair, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Plan Your Festive Day

  • Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
  • Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Location: Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
  • Cost: Free!

No matter your interests, you’ll find something to love at this fall festival. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate community and enjoy the season’s best.

 

Wrap Up

 

Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade delivers a perfect mix of music, food, and fun. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy. Make plans now to join this lively tradition and create lasting memories.

 

Mark your calendar for October 12, 2025! Visit the official website for updates and details. Don’t miss Harvard Square’s most exciting fall celebration!

 

 

Posted by

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Agent
Certified Listing Expert
Certified Real Estate Negotiator
RESA Certified Home Stager
Professional Real Estate Photographer
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot

Chair-Elect, National Board of Directors,
Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)



Better Living Real Estate, LLC
15 Wall Street, #9157
Foxborough, MA 02035
O: (888) 877-8300
D: (508) 258-9658

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Comments(8)

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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Lew and wish I was there for this fun event, I may have to borrow your bike for the ride.

Oct 09, 2025 01:06 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much for the kind comment, Will Hamm. I totally get the bike envy. Next time, you’ll have to join in the fun and maybe even take that bike ride for yourself. Hope to see you at the next event!

Oct 10, 2025 02:12 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lew Corcoran there is a lot of fun activities going on around you right now.

Oct 09, 2025 01:24 PM
Lew Corcoran

You’re right, George Souto, it’s definitely a lively time around here with plenty of activities to enjoy. Glad you could sense the energy through the post. Hopefully, you’ll get to experience some of the fun in person soon!

Oct 10, 2025 02:12 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is timely information to share with area residents and visitors.

Let's enjoy our local events.

Oct 09, 2025 01:31 PM
Lew Corcoran

Absolutely, Roy Kelley, sharing timely info like this really helps bring the community together. I couldn’t agree more. Let’s make the most of these local events and enjoy everything our area has to offer. Looking forward to more fun times ahead!

Oct 10, 2025 02:16 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lew, this time of year is just full of pumpkins, Halloween and Octoberfest!  Hope you can take time to attend.

Oct 09, 2025 01:40 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much for the lovely reminder, Joan Cox. I definitely plan to soak in all the pumpkin, Halloween, and Oktoberfest fun I can this season. Hopefully, I’ll see you at some of these festivities soon!

Oct 10, 2025 02:17 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Lew Corcoran ,

I love events that evolve and has turned into a unique Cambridge event. Oktoberfest in Harvard Square sounds like an event the whole family will enjoy!

Oct 09, 2025 03:00 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Dorie Dillard Austin TX, I couldn’t agree more. It’s so wonderful to see how this event has grown into a special Cambridge tradition that brings families together.

Oct 10, 2025 02:18 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Lew... how long has this festival been around in Harvard Square? I don't remember it from almost 50 years ago when I was at the Harvard Business School.

Oct 10, 2025 04:35 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker. As best as I can tell, the Harvard Square Oktoberfest typically started sometime in the early 2000s, and celebrates Bavarian culture with food, music, and fun activities. The HONK! Parade, known for its vibrant street bands and activist spirit, began in 2006 as part of the HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands. Both events have grown over the years and are now highlights of the fall season in Harvard Square.

Oct 10, 2025 12:57 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Lew Corcoran hi Lew... that certainly explains why I was not aware of this festival in the late 1970's. 

Oct 10, 2025 01:01 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

The Harvard Square Oktoberfest sounds like it would be a lot of fun, and 12-6 p.m. is right up my alley, since I am not much of a late-night guy these days, haha.

Oct 10, 2025 05:50 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Brian England, I really appreciate your comment and totally get what you mean about the early-to-midday events being more your speed. It’s always nice to find something fun that fits well with our schedules and preferences. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Oct 10, 2025 12:57 PM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Lew Corcoran - I hope the event was fun this year! It looks like many people would enjoy it. Boston has wonderful things for people of all ages to do.

Oct 16, 2025 01:05 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much, Patricia Feager. It really was a blast this year, and you're right, Boston knows how to bring people together with events that have a little something for everyone. I always come away from HONK! with a full heart and a big smile.

Oct 16, 2025 08:43 AM
Patricia Feager

Glad to hear you participated in the event in Boston, Lew Corcoran! Participating in local cultural events is truly patriotic and noble.  

Oct 17, 2025 12:35 AM
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