http://cambridgecarnival.org/

"Cambridge Carnival is a colorful and festive celebration rooted in African traditions. This free festival, embarking on its 20th year, is considered a Cambridge Institution, and is the largest festival in Cambridge, with thousands of attendees. The highlight of the festival is a grand costume parade accompanied by rich rhythmic musicality promoting all types of cultures. Participants can be seen as revelers masquerading through the streets in dazzling handmade costumes, dancing to the beat of the Carnival. The festival is also an opportunity to celebrate Cambridge’s diversity, enjoy international foods, and purchase multicultural crafts from around the world!"

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 will begin near the Charles River, at River Street and Blackstone Street, then it 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.

Musical accompaniments have set the tone for worldwide carnival celebrations. On this stage, 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 will be featured on this stage.

KidsFest: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Activities for children ages 5 to 14 years will include face painting, stilt walking, and arts and craft activities.

Performers

Three music stages boast a powerful lineup of local bands and DJ’s. The International Stage will feature World Music, Haitian Roots, Reggae, and Soca. The Rhythm Stage offers interactive music and dance performances and includes acoustic and folkloric rhythms from around the globe, including African dance, salsa and drumming. The Viewing Stage is where the costumes groups are presented formally in front of a team of judges. Preceding the judging, local DJ’s will spin their best Caribbean tunes. Several steel bands and percussion groups will join in the parade.