Cambridge Plays

What makes your business or organization special? Do you have a skill to share or an art to teach? Apply to host a Cambridge Plays event!

• Receive up to $2,000 reimbursement for event supplies and staff time.
• We work with you to schedule the event and choose a location.
• Events must be between June 1, 2026, and August 30, 2026.
• Events take place in select parks and on sidewalks in our commercial districts.
• We waive the costs of applicable event permits and entertainment licenses. 

What makes a successful Cambridge Plays event? Events should draw people of all ages to our parks and plazas. They should encourage people who are passing by to stay and participate. Event ideas include:

• Flower arranging
• Hair braiding
• Napkin folding
• Greeting card making
• Salsa dancing
• Something else!

Requirements

• Events must be outdoors in one of the parks or plazas listed in the application.
• Events must be during the day. 
• Events must be free.
• Events must be open to people of all ages and abilities.
• Events cannot be religious or political.
• You cannot sell anything to participants or in the public space.
• You must have experience hosting or managing similar events.
• You need to have enough program staff to manage the event.
• You cannot require registration to participate, although you may encourage it.
• Hosts must comply with city and state local taxes, licenses, and permits.
• Hosts must complete an evaluation and submit photos after the event.

Eligibility

Cambridge Plays will prioritize existing businesses and nonprofits in Cambridge. Multiple city departments review each project to make sure there’s no duplication of funding. The maximum funding per event or series of events from the City is $2,000. If your event costs more than $2,000, please submit a complete event budget that shows all sources of funding.