Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
Preschool lottery opens before Spring Street vote
September 19, 2026
Top story
Preschool lottery opens before 158 Spring Street decision
Families with preschool students will begin ranking their school choices on October 1, before the School Committee votes on the future of the vacant 158 Spring Street building on October 20. The building could become a new home for the Amigos School, a merged upper school, or an early-childhood education hub. The timing means families may have to adjust their rankings after the vote.
Cambridge Day
Central Square Night Market brings weekend street closures
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Sidney Street between Franklin Street and Pilgrim Street will be closed from noon to 11 p.m. for the Central Square Night Market. The city advises travelers to follow detours and parking restrictions and consider alternate routes or transit.
City of Cambridge
Free Cambridge document shredding offered Saturday
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cambridge residents can bring documents to the Citywide Senior Center at 806 Massachusetts Avenue for free on-site shredding and recycling. The event is first come, first served, with a limit of five paper-size boxes per household.
City of Cambridge
Kendall Plaza hosts a local makers market
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m., Kendall Plaza at 50 Broadway will host Summer Shops, a free pop-up market featuring local artists, small businesses, and vendors curated with Boston Women's Market.
Kendall Square Association
Three-band Saturday Night show comes to The Lilypad
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, The Lilypad at 1353 Cambridge Street opens doors at 10 p.m. for a 10:30 p.m. all-ages show featuring Lorena Ometto, AJ Foss Band, and Kate Moore.
The Lilypad
BREATHE Cambridge hosts a community open mic
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m., BREATHE Cambridge at 30 John F. Kennedy Street will host its fourth community open mic. Singers, poets, musicians, visual artists, dancers, storytellers, comedians, and other performers are invited to participate or attend.
BREATHE Cambridge
Intermediate English Conversation Group at O'Neill Branch
Drop in from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. for a free, informal ESOL conversation practice at the O'Neill Branch Library in North Cambridge.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge NITES Launches Monday Jazz Orchestra Series at Sonia
The New England Jazz Collaborative begins a free Monday night jazz orchestra residency at 7:00 p.m. at Sonia, funded by the city's nightlife revitalization grant program.
City of Cambridge
Morning Meditation and Stretch at Senior Center
Older adults are invited to a guided meditation and gentle stretching session from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Cambridge Senior Center.
City of Cambridge
Free Tech Help for Older Adults at Senior Center
Bring laptops, tablets, or smartphones for one-on-one assistance from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center.
City of Cambridge
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