Cambridge Celebrating National Massachusetts Day With Free Donuts And Activities

The event is taking place early next week.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 13, 2026 3:59 PM EDT

National Massachusetts Day is observed annually on Aug. 17 and recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of the Commonwealth. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The city's Office for Tourism is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate National Massachusetts Day next week, with free refreshments, interactive activities and opportunities to learn more about the city's history, food and innovations.

The free event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, at the Cambridge Visitor Information Center, located inside the historic Cambridge KiOSK at 0 Harvard Square.

This year's celebration will feature free coffee and donuts, Cambridge history, a postcard station, candy, Polaroid photos, a digital guest book, and free local newspapers. Coffee from Peet's and donuts from The Charles Hotel will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., while other activities and refreshments will be available while supplies last.

National Massachusetts Day is observed annually on Aug. 17 and recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of the Commonwealth. In Cambridge, the tourism office's celebration will highlight the city's impact on the state, allowing visitors to learn about its early history, notable firsts, food, inventions, and innovations.

One stop will explore Cambridge's early history and notable "firsts," including its beginnings as a planned capital of Massachusetts. Another will focus on the city's candy-making and culinary history, with free Junior Mints and Sugar Daddies available to visitors.

Attendees can also choose a Cambridge postcard and mail it anywhere in the world at no cost. A Polaroid station will highlight inventions and innovations connected to the city, allowing visitors to take a photo and share a favorite Cambridge destination for others to discover.

The celebration will also include a digital guest book, where visitors can learn more about Cambridge's history of innovation, including printing and publishing, while picking up free local newspapers.

The Cambridge Office for Tourism promotes the city as a destination and connects visitors with local businesses, cultural institutions, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods.