Central Square Business Improvement District | The heart and soul of Cambridge. Served fresh daily.

Central Square BID Annual Meeting from michael monestime on Vimeo.
Welcome to Cambridges' Downtown

The heart and soul of Cambridge, Central Square is a historic business district in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Home to mom & pop shops, social services, non-profits, academics, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Central’s storefronts and street art reflect the diversity of ideas and talents of our city. Explore all Central has to offer by walking the district and getting involved in the BID’s programming.
Games

In The Cut | Red Fox Escapes

In The Cut | Red Fox Escapes

If you’re looking for a fun Saturday with a group of 4-10 people aged 13+, I highly recommend The Heist, a Red-Fox escape room adventure where you and a team of other thieves (your friends) have to r…
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Blog Post

Your Light is Central: A Public Art Initiative Illuminating Central Square

Your Light is Central: A Public Art Initiative Illuminating Central Square

Central Square Shines: The Vision Behind "Your Light Is Central"
Central Square is on the verge of a transformative moment with the launch of Your Light Is Central (YLIC), an ambitious public art initiative commissioned by the Central Square Business Improvement District (CSBID) and brought to life by the visionary artists at MASARY Studios. This distributed public light artwork is more than a visual enhancement—it’s a bold reimagining of how art can invigorate and redefine shared spaces. The Purpose Behind the Glow YLIC is not just about brightening street…
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Blog Post

Central On Air: A New Community Radio Station for Cambridge's Underground Music Scene

Central On Air: A New Community Radio Station for Cambridge's Underground Music Scene

Central Square Business Improvement District (CSBID), an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is excited to announce the launch of Central On Air, a new community-based online radio station right in the heart of Cambridge's Cultural District. Located at 425 Mass Ave, this station is set to bring the vibrant, underground music culture of Central Square to life, offering a platform for both creators and fans to connect over their shared love of independent music. Central On Air will be broadcasting live video streams directly from its website (launching soon) a…
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Blog Post

Legacy & Love: Reverend Ellis

Legacy & Love: Reverend Ellis

What is legacy? In Central Square, it's woven into the very fabric of the neighborhood – the stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community built by generations of Black residents and business owners. This Black History Month, we're honored to celebrate that powerful legacy by sharing the storie…
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Blog Post

The Smoot Standard: A New Hangout Spot in Central Square

The Smoot Standard: A New Hangout Spot in Central Square

Exciting New Chapter for Central Square: The Smoot Standard We’re thrilled to announce the opening of The Smoot Standard in Central Square, Cambridge! As part of the bustling downtown and the thriving cultural district, this new neighborhood café, restaurant, and bar offers a welcoming space for locals a…
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Blog Post

Boss Women of Central Square: Ayesha Wilson

Boss Women of Central Square: Ayesha Wilson

**Celebrating Women's Leadership: A Conversation with Councillor Ayesha Wilson As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're highlighting the remarkable women who are shaping the present and future of Cambridge. Today, we're honored to share a conversation with City Councill…
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Blog Post

Central Square Action Plan

Central Square Action Plan

Shaping Central Square's Future: Our Five-Year Strategic Action Plan Read the full plan here: centralsquareactionplan.pdf In 2024, the Central Square Business Improvement District (CSBID) embarked on a crucial journey: crafting a five-year Strategic Action Plan to guide our organization's evolution. Thi…
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Blog Post

Boss Women of Central Square: Sara Monestime

Boss Women of Central Square: Sara Monestime

The Contagious Hope of Sara R. Monestime: A Cambridge Powerhouse Have you ever stopped to ponder what truly ignites change within our community? What are the driving forces behind progress, and who are the individuals making it happen? Well, we recently had the privilege of…
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Education

Upcoming Class & Events

CCTV

Upcoming Class & Events

All classes are free or reduced cost to Members (but pre-registration is still required). Non-Members can register for a fee.

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Merch

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News

Grants Available to Fund your Block Party
Special Event

Viva Central

Central Square Business Improvement District (BID)

Viva Central

VIVA CENTRAL is a high-energy, free block party in the heart of Cambridge's Central Square, celebrating local culture, community, and connection with delicious food, live music, art, and fun for all ages.
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Shopping

HMART

HMart

HMART

A Korean Tradition Made in America. Shop Local, Shop Fresh. Shop Online. Highlights: Multiple Payment Options Available, Friendly Place.

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Central Square Shines: The Vision Behind "Your Light Is Central"