Community Art Center
[Port] Arts Fest
Port Arts Festival (formerly the Home Port Block Party) was established on June 15, 2018 as an annual community-wide event. It’s a celebration of the vibrancy of the Port community and of the families and neighbors who live here.
The Port has historically been one of the most culturally rich and diverse areas in Cambridge. In the Port, one can overhear languages spoken from around the world, enjoy foods from every part of the planet, and see beautiful public murals that help to identify this unique stretch of neighborhood. Port Arts Fest is an opportunity to interact with our community through art-making, activities, music, and food.
Three blocks of Windsor Street are closed down so that Community Art Center's Teen Public Art Crew can paint it’s Port Ground Mural, building on the national trend of establishing “neighborways” to increase physical safety in urban neighborhoods.
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The Port Arts Fest plays host to Community Art Center’s Public Art fundraising event, Mural Masters. In the middle of Port Arts Fest, you will find professional artists who have partnered with teams of youth from Community Art Center’s Teen Public Art Program. Together, during the event, they conceptualize, design, and execute 4 large-scale murals live! We will need the public’s help to vote-by-text and determine who will be crowned Cambridge’s next Mural Master!
Attend
When:
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 10am to 6pm | Rain Date: May 18th
Where:
Festivities will take place on Windsor St. between Harvard St. and School St.
Free and Open to the Public!
Get Involved
Volunteers
Port Arts Fest is a community event, and we need our community's help! Volunteers will work in 2-3 hour shifts throughout the day, supporting Port Arts Muralists, sponsors, and attendees.
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We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers with experience in hospitality/customer service, photography, videography, first-aid, construction, time-management, and collaboration!
Vendors
Are you a local artist? Or perhaps you represent a neighborhood organization. Are you looking for opportunities to sell your work or inform community members about your programs and services? Come join our event!
The Community Art Center welcomes local artists and other neighborhood organizations to participate in the Port Arts Fest as vendors. Registering to be a vendor is free, but there is limited availability and all vendors must supply their own tables and chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Community Art Center Located?
119 Windsor St, Cambridge Ma 02139
What is the day schedule?
10:00am Event Begins & Mural Painting starts
12:30pm Food Truck Arrives
1:30-3:00pm Jean Appolon Expressions Haitian Folkloric Dance Class - Free and Open to All!
3:00-5:00pm Vendors, Treats, Inflatables, Live Mural Painting, Community Art-Making Activities
5:00pm Muralists stop & Voting wraps up
5:30pm Mural Masters Winner announced
6:00pm Event ends
Where can I find parking?
We encourage you to take the MTBA as nearby parking is limited.
Street Parking:
1. Windsor St. - between School St and Main St (1 hour metered spaces)
2. Main St. - 2 hour metered spaces
3. Bishop Allen Dr. - between School St and Main St there are 2 hour metered spaces
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Public Lot:
4. Bishop Allen Dr. - between Columbia St and Douglass St. You can park for 4 hours maximum
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Public Transportation:
Bus: 1, 64, 91
Train: Red Line, Central Square or Kendall, then a 10-15 minute walk or a short bus ride.
Is there a rain date for the Port Arts Festival?
The rain date is Sunday, May 18th, 2025 from 10AM-6PM.
What is the COVID policy to attend?
A: According to the CDC, “If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.” Please do not attend if you have any symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, body aches, or congestion.
Is there electricity provided?
No electricity is provided.
Where is first Aid located?
For minor cuts and scrapes, First Aid is located in the Community Art Center at 119 Windsor St Cambridge, MA.
What is the hashtag for this event?
#portartsfest #muralmasters #caccambridge