This weekend marks unofficial the return of summer.  That’s right:  the family-friendly, culturally rich and darned fun Cambridge River Festival is back to welcome in the warmest month.

The 32nd Annual Cambridge River Festival takes place this Saturday, June 4th from 12-6PM, rain or shine!

Meet at 11:00am at Winthrop Park in Harvard Square (JFK & Mt. Auburn St.) to march in a parade to the Charles River along with puppets, butterflies, and Dirty Water Brass Band.  Bring a kazoo, pound a drum, or just grab a puppet and dance along.  Who doesn’t love a parade?

The River Festival officially kicks off at Noon along Memorial (between JFK and Western Ave.)  With the river as a pleasing backdrop, the festival boasts 5 stages.  Performances throughout the day include local music and some national acts at the Connect: Folk & Roots Stage, hosted by Tom Bianchi and coordinated by TOAD and The Lizard Lounge,  family fun at the Imagine: Family & Children Stage, a world tour of dance at the Engage: Interactive Dance Stage, a wide variety of theatre performances at the Inspire: Theater Stage, and uplifting music at the Create: Jazz and Gospel Stage.

A full performance schedule and stage map can be viewed HERE

Other attractions include roving performers, art installations, storytelling, poetry readings, folk life demonstrations, mask and butterfly making workshops, hands-on art demonstrations, and multifaceted showcases of music and art.

And of course, there will be food – yummy, yummy food, as well as an arts bazaar, and community tables.

So c’mon out this weekend!  Bring the kids, bring your friends, and party down with the Charles.