Things to Do in Cambridge (2025)

The country’s oldest all-poetry bookstore still hums with intimate readings, shelves of small-press treasures, and deep local ties. Celebrated by the Harvard Gazette and long hailed as a poetry landmark, it’s a tiny room with a big literary heartbeat.

A legendary folk room since 1958, Passim nurtures new voices and hosts beloved artists in an intimate, listening-first space. Documented in music histories and active citywide with free outdoor summer shows, it also runs the Passim School of Music.

This nonprofit repertory cinema anchors Harvard Square with carefully curated series, filmmaker events, and cherished 35mm screenings. Its seasonal calendars draw cinephiles and have earned regular praise from local arts writers.

A neighborhood brewery known for hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, pop-up food collabs, trivia, and monthly tours. Lauded by local critics and city magazines, it’s a welcoming hangout from daytime coffee to late-night pours.

A woman-owned B Corp spice shop offering vibrant, directly sourced seasonings and hands-on blending classes. Featured by national food media, its intimate workshops teach tasting, roasting, and crafting blends to take home.

Part fiber-arts store, part stitch lounge, this Filipina-owned maker hub hosts sewing, knitting, embroidery, and youth camps. Praised by local arts guides, it’s a warm community for learning by doing with expert instructors.

Since 1871, CCAE has offered approachable classes in cooking, languages, arts, and neighborhood walks inside historic Harvard Square houses. Its chef demos and Blacksmith House Poetry Series enrich the city’s cultural fabric.

An intimate Inman Square arts room known for adventurous jazz, indie, and community shows. Recognized by DownBeat and All About Jazz, its 2025 calendar keeps the city’s improvisational spirit alive.

A beloved indie with sharp staff picks, lively book clubs, and near-nightly author events. Named among the area’s best by local press, it’s a welcoming spot to read, browse, and meet writers year-round.

Since 1983, this Inman Square original has scooped creative flavors inspired by the nearby spice shop. Frequently cited by Boston food writers and critics, it’s where locals go for bold ginger, khulfi, and burnt sugar.

A neighborhood letterpress studio and stationery shop offering approachable printmaking workshops with local artists. Known among design lovers and makers, it’s a tactile, hands-on way to bring home a Cambridge-made keepsake.