Honkfest: October 9-11 in Cambridge and Sommerville

HONK! Festival (often called Honkfest) is a festival of activist street bands that started in Somerville, Massachusetts in 2006 and has since spread to cities around the world.

Here’s what makes it special:

🎺 Music with a mission

HONK! features brass bands, marching bands, samba drummers, and other street ensembles who play everything from jazz and funk to Balkan beats and protest anthems. The emphasis is on music that can be played outdoors, on the move, and among the people.

✊ Activism & community

The festival isn’t just about performance; it’s rooted in social justice, activism, and reclaiming public spaces. Bands often support causes like climate justice, immigrant rights, racial equity, and community empowerment.

🎉 Parades & pop-up performances

HONK! typically spills across neighborhoods (in Boston, it’s centered in Davis Square, Somerville and extends into Harvard Square, Cambridge). Bands parade through the streets, perform in parks, and play interactive sets where the audience is part of the fun.

🌍 Global reach

After Somerville’s success, other HONK! festivals popped up in places like Providence, Seattle, Austin, Rio de Janeiro, and even Australia.

🌈 Atmosphere

Expect colorful costumes, giant puppets, dancing in the streets, and a carnival-like spirit that’s completely free and open to the public.

In short: Honkfest is a mash-up of music, activism, and community joy, turning city streets into a stage and inviting everyone to join.