City weekend events

By Staff Writer Rachael Eides

Craving to get off campus and explore the city? Here’s a list of events around Beantown for this weekend.

Friday:

• The Middle East Club, in Cambridge, is hosting a Latin Rock Fest, which benefits Children’s Hospital Boston, at 8pm. You must be 18 or older to get in.

Boston artists from Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Dominican Republic will perform at the Latin-rock dance fundraiser.

Cost: $25

Time: 8p.m.

Location: 472 – 480 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, Mass. 02139

Saturday:

The Boston Local Food Festival comes to the Boston Waterfront from 11am to 5pm, to celebrate local food grown in the greater Boston area, Mass. and New England.

The free festival features freshly harvested produce and seafood dishes created with local ingredients. There will also be local craft beer, mead, and wine tastings.

“Ready to eat dishes includes locally grown ingredients that are priced at $5 or less.  There are numerous demos by chefs and amateurs and engaging exhibits on the benefits of eating locally,” said Fan Watkinson, project director of Sustainable Business Network Food Programs, in an email.  “There will be two stages of music featuring diverse music artists.”

The goal is to promote the benefits of purchasing and eating local food and the local food producers themselves, for a healthier community and sustainable environment, said Nicola Williams, president at The Williams Agency, in an email.

Over 30,000 people are expected, Williams said.

“We have over 250 volunteers and the majority of them are students or recent college grads,” she said. “College students who care about sustainability, the environment and healthier lifestyles are some of the key drivers of the local food movement.”

Sunday:

• The 33rd Annual Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade is coming to Harvard Square on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

Oktoberfest features six stages of live entertainment by more than 30 local and national performing artists. There will be over 200 stalls featuring crafts, clothing, vintage items and artwork. Oktoberfest will also host 50 international food vendors and three beer gardens.

“The goal of all events produced by the Harvard Square Business Association is to promote commerce in the Square,” said Bill Manley, manager of marketing and events at Harvard Square Business Association, in an email. “This event is geared towards all demographics, including students.”

This event appeals to college students because of the food, entertainment, shopping, people watching, and for those old enough to imbibe, the beer gardens, said Denise Jillson, executive director of Harvard Square Business Association, in an email.

200,000 attendees are expected, Jilson said.