# HONK! Parade Celebrates Music and Activism

> Massachusetts Avenue buzzes with music, activism, and community during the 2026 HONK! Parade.
- Title: HONK! Parade Celebrates Music and Activism · The Boston Globe
- Summary: Massachusetts Avenue buzzes with music, activism, and community during the 2026 HONK! Parade. The 2026 HONK! Parade on Massachusetts Avenue united diverse…
- Keywords: massachusetts avenue, honk parade, somerville, cambridge, free puppet library, depace the way, somerville bbq coop, honor sash, news, local, HONK, Parade
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/11/metro/honk-parade-brings-people-of-all-ages-to-cheer-for-music-and-activism
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: massachusetts avenue, honk parade, somerville, cambridge, free puppet library, depace the way, somerville bbq coop, honor sash, news, local
## Massachusetts Avenue Celebration
Massachusetts Avenue transformed into a moving celebration with colorful costumes, brass bands, and social activism.
## First-Time Parade Attendee
Cindy Manson, 59, of Arlington saw the parade for the first time despite working on Massachusetts Avenue.

> It’s so fun to see so many different people playing so many different kinds of music
## Community Participation
Joanne Sullivan, 79, volunteered at the festival for the first time with her friend Charlo Maurer, 73.

> It’s really impressive that a lot of these bands come from other states and cities
## DePAVE the Way Demonstration
DePAVE the Way staged a mock depaving demonstration using foam and imitation sledgehammers.

> We wanted to do is basically bring what we do in the yards and driveways out into the streetscape and show people this
## Hot Dog Distribution
Greg Nadeau, 59, of Somerville gave away 500 free hot dogs to parade spectators.

> We give out hot dogs, and most importantly, we give out serendipity
## Family Experience
Janet Taylor, 50, introduced her 7-year-old daughter to the parade’s music and community spirit.

> It’s really cool to see that grouped with music and how that can communicate to many generations
## First-Time Emotional Impact
Andre Sloan, 26, and Paulina Hammond, 25, felt emotional seeing the parade for the first time.

> I was tearing up at the beginning, just seeing all these people coming together
## Key takeaway

The 2026 HONK! Parade on Massachusetts Avenue united diverse groups through music, activism, and community engagement.