Challapalooza
is back!

Boston's Jew-ish Music Festival

Challapalooza Collage by Emily Marbach

Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA

About Challapalooza

  • What is it?
  • Food
  • Venue
  • Organizers
  • Security
  • FAQ

Challapalooza, Greater Boston’s Jew-ish Music Festival, is back for a second amazing year. Last year we had over 400 people join us for a full day of joyful music from fifteen different musical groups in twelve different genres. Our second year will be an even bigger and better celebration — a full day of live music by fantastic local Jewish musicians, with delicious food from Jewish & kosher food trucks and fun in the park for all ages.

Enough nosh for all your Jewish-mother needs!

Stay tuned for an amazing selection of kosher food trucks,

Our Beautiful Outdoor Space in Cambridge

We have secured an incredible outdoor festival venue near Kendall Square (address sent to ticket holders). It is T, bike and car accessible, with lots of space to dance, throw a frisbee or just lie on the grass.

Volunteer Led

Challapalooza is a volunteer run effort, spearheaded by Akiva Jackson of Moishe House Somerville. Our amazing festival coordinator, Akiva Jacobs, is helping to make all the magic happen. Please join us, we always need more people, both for planning and day-of volunteering.

Security

We understand that many people are concerned about security, and we take this very seriously. Our team is implementing a comprehensive security plan in close consultation with local police and security experts. There will be a police presence at the event, and we are coordinating with the CJP security team to ensure best practices are followed. Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

FAQ

General Info

  • Do I need a ticket?
    Yes please!
  • What's the rain plan?
    We are currently securing a rain location in case of inclement weather. If there are only light sprinklings of rain, we'll dance in the rain!
  • What other activities will there be?
    Music, art, food, community — plus probably at least one child attempting interpretive dance.

Safety & Security

  • How are you handling security?
    We understand that many people are concerned about security, and we take this very seriously. Our team is implementing a comprehensive security plan in close consultation with local police and security experts. There will be robust police presence at the event, and we are coordinating with the CJP security team to ensure best practices are followed. Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.
  • What’s the cancellation policy?
    Tickets are typically non-refundable because we need to pay our amazing musicians. If you really need your money back, let us know and we can make it happen.
  • Will there be medical support?
    We will have a first aid table, and emergency medical services are nearby and ready to come at a moment’s notice.

Accessibility & Families

  • Will there be seating?
    We’ll have some chairs, but it’s mostly sit-on-the-ground, bring-your-own-pillows and blankets.
  • Are there bathrooms available?
    Yep — port-a-potties. We apologize in advance, but it’s a festival tradition.
  • Is it family-friendly?
    Totally. Bring the kids! We just ask that parents don’t let their toddlers crowd-surf.

Getting There

  • How can I get there?
    We'll send you the address when you get your ticket; the festival space is near Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA. It is T accessible (10 minute walk from the T, 3 minutes from the nearest bus station) and bikeable. Metered parking is available nearby, and there are garages within a five-minute walk.
  • Is there parking or bike parking available?
    There’s some parking nearby, but biking or T-ing is easier.

Get Involved

  • How can I volunteer?
    Yes please! We’d love help. Fill out the form on our site, we need everything from social media help to EMTs.
  • How can I support or donate?
    Please donate here! All funding goes directly towards making the festival happen.
  • How can I perform or vend at future events?
    We love new talent. Reach out through our contact page, just be prepared to wow us.
  • Who are the organizers, and how can I contact them?
    We’re a scrappy group of local Jewish volunteers who love music and community. This event is put on by the amazing teams of all the Moishe Houses in Boston and many dedicated volunteers, led by Akiva Jackson of Moishe House Somerville and our incredible Festival Coordinator, Akiva Jacobs.
You can contact us anytime — but please don’t call at 3 a.m. with banjo requests.

The Music

Turkish, Jazz, Blues, Old Time, Scottish, Balkan, Hip Hop & More

Somerville Symphony Orkestar
International Party Music

Blossoming from the Slavic heart of Greater Boston, the Somerville Symphony Orkestar plays all-original International Party Music. Blending elements of Balkan music with Jazz and Funk, the SSO is the ultimate party band for the crowd that wants to dance all night.

Dor Herskovits Trio
Jazz / Improvised Music

Rooted in the traditions of American improvised music, this trio combines eclectic genres with top notch musicianship and improvisational mastery.

The Ruth & Ben String Band
Old Time

The Ruth & Ben String Band is a high energy, driving, and groovy old time string band featuring mother-son duo Ruth Rappaport (guitar/vocals) and Ben Wetherbee (fiddle/vocals) alongside Joel Wennerstrom (banjo) and Gian Criscitiello (bass).

Phil and the Flying Leap
Theatrical Folk

Phil and the Flying Leap twists and re-imagines music across multiple genres of classic American song spanning Vaudeville to Nashville to Somerville and everywhere in-between. Songwriter Phil Berman's melodies and lush string arrangements offer vibrant live performances full of heart, joy, and rich vocals.

Rebecca Mac Klezmer String Band
Klezmer String
Alma Vatya
Freako Folk

ALMA VATYA is an Arizonan trans-planted guitarist, singer, and banjo player who performs American vernacular music inspired and informed by a lifelong exploration of pre-war country blues, ballads, and spirituals.

Levyosn Duo
Yiddish Song

Join us for a special duo performance by Adah Hetko and Lysander Jaffe of Levyosn. The band takes its name from the Ashkenazi Hebrew word for the leviathan, a mythical sea creature traveling the world's oceans collecting songs, krill, and dreams.

Stay tuned for our full lineup!