The Cambridge Carnival started out in 1992 as a relatively small Boston street fair located in University Park in Cambridge.

Since then, it has become a well known and much celebrated event, and has grown to become the largest festival of any kind of the Cambridge area, as well as being one of the biggest public street parties in all of New England attracting some 100,000 visitors annually.

The Cambridge Carnival is also a very family-friendly event that traditionally features two stages with live music, DJs, as well as a KidsFest zone. Both the Open Air Circus and the Children's Museum help contribute to KidsFest, which tries to educate children about prominent international cultures that continue to thrive in the Boston area.

Traditionally held on the second Sunday in September, watch for the historic 20th annual Cambridge Carnival to be celebrated on Sunday, September 9, 2012.


2012 Cambridge Carnival Schedule

Costume Parade: 12:30 p.m. 4 p.m.
The parade features steel bands and a costume competition. The route pans 1.3 miles and the procession kicks off between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. It begins near the Charles River, at River Street and Blackstone Street, then passes through Central Square along Massachusetts Avenue, continues up Main Street and ends in Kendall Square near MIT, Cambridge.

Viewing Stage: 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
This stage is where the presentation before the judges takes place. Before and after the parade, guest DJs will be featured.


International Stage: 12 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Bands representing several island and South American nations will provide the sounds of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean, Calypso, Reggae, Compa, Punta, and Salsa music.

Rhythm Stage: 12 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Interactive drumming, dancing, and martial arts demos.