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

RFP to Lease Space, Central Square

RFP to Lease Space, Central Square

Dear Prospective Proposers, The Central Square Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease of cultural space within the vibrant Central Square Cultural District. Our goa…
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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

Everybody Gotta Eat: A Legacy of Food, Community, and Entrepreneurship

Everybody Gotta Eat: A Legacy of Food, Community, and Entrepreneurship

What is legacy? It's more than just a name; it's the imprint you leave on the world. For Everybody Gotta Eat (EGE), that legacy is being built one delicious meal, one curated event, and one community connection at a time. This month, we're honored to share the story of EGE…
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Blog Post

Legacy & Love: Bernard Hicks Owner of Nu Image

Legacy & Love: Bernard Hicks Owner of Nu Image

This Black History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the individuals who have shaped the heart and soul of Central Square. These are the stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community that make our neighborhood so special. Today, we're honored to share a conversation with Bernard Hicks, the o…
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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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Boss Women of Central This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on the game-changers, leaders, and innovators shaping Central Square! From entrepreneurs to activists, these women …
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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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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

Get Your Central Square Merch
@centralsqbid

Last stop, Central Square! Taking the 83 is all part of the experience and you know what they say- save the best for last #onlyincentral
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News

Grants Available to Fund your Block Party
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"