Central Square's Legendary Music Venue
Cantab Lounge has been the beating heart of live music in Cambridge's Central Square since 1938. This iconic dive bar represents over 85 years of musical history presenting diverse genres and nurturing talent across generations while maintaining its authentic neighborhood character.
Musical Legacy
The venue's history includes hosting Tuesday Night Bluegrass for 27 years with Geoff Bartley welcoming nationally-recognized artists like Dale Ann Bradley Tony Trischka Darol Anger and Molly Tuttle. Many musicians who went on to form influential bands including The Infamous Stringdusters Crooked Still Della Mae and Mile Twelve cut their teeth at these legendary sessions. Though Bluegrass Tuesdays has moved to other locations the Cantab continues its tradition of presenting quality live music.
Dual Performance Spaces
The venue features two distinct areas - the main upstairs lounge and the basement performance space. The downstairs room hosts the nationally-renowned Boston Poetry Slam every Wednesday night drawing capacity crowds for two hours of open mic followed by featured poets and slam competitions. The basement's intimate 75-person capacity creates an intense focused atmosphere for both poetry and music performances.
Weekly Programming
Monday nights feature acoustic open mic sessions for singer-songwriters in the folk and acoustic tradition. The venue presents live music seven nights a week spanning blues jazz rock and indie genres. The calendar includes both local favorites and touring acts ensuring variety while maintaining the quality that regulars expect.
The Dive Bar Experience
Cantab Lounge embraces its dive bar identity with no pretense - just affordable drinks friendly service and great live music. The venue's longevity comes from staying true to this formula while remaining welcoming to new audiences. The staff remembers regulars and the atmosphere encourages conversation and connection between music lovers.
Community Institution
Located in the heart of Central Square and easily accessible by T the Cantab serves as a cultural anchor for the neighborhood. The combination of accessible pricing diverse programming and authentic atmosphere has made it a beloved institution. For over eight decades the Cantab has provided a stage for emerging artists and a gathering place for the Cambridge community proving that the simplest formula - good music good drinks good people - can create something enduring and special.