Postponement or cancellation of events and festivals

The City of Cambridge, in collaboration with our various event partners, is announcing the postponement or cancellation of municipal-affiliated festivals and events until the end of June.

City staff are working proactively with event organizers to delay, cancel or determine potential alternative options for events planned up to June 30 on municipal property as part of a collective effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“This is sad news as our annual festivals and events are very important to the fabric and vitality of Cambridge, but the protection of our residents has to be our primary concern,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “Taking these difficult measures now to avoid any large gatherings will help us get things back to normal sooner, and I know our special events and festivals will play a big part in the City’s path forward once the virus is contained.”

The decision, which was agreed on by the regional Pandemic Control Group and will be implemented by all area- municipalities, supports Public Health direction that physical distancing is critical to stopping the chain of infection of COVID-19. Further, many community events rely heavily on volunteer and community group efforts.  This action will help mitigate impacts where possible and avoid further lost volunteer hours.

Cancellations include City-run events such as the Cambridge Celebration for the Arts, which was originally scheduled for the weekend of June 19, as well as community- led events, such as the Cambridge Art Attic, Cambridge Kin Carnival, Tour De Grand and Portugal Day Parade.

INVEST Cambridge’s Business Appreciation Breakfast has been rescheduled for the fall. As well, the Mayor’s State of the City address will take place in September. Any scheduled, in-person public information sessions on City projects have also been cancelled, however online engagement will still continue.

In total, more than 20 special events traditionally held in city facilities, public spaces, or parks will be impacted in Cambridge. We will share updated schedules and plans as the information is determined with our community partners.

As well, the City will be looking at creative options for Canada Day celebrations.

More information about the City’s response to COVID-19 is available at www.cambridge.ca/COVID19.

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Primary media contact

Susanne Hiller
Director of Communications
City of Cambridge
hillers@cambridge.ca