Scenes from the 2014 Cambridge River Festival

Photo by Olga Khvan

Despite the Cambridge River Festival’s temporary relocation from its traditional site along the Charles River on Memorial Drive due to construction, large crowds still gathered to enjoy the annual array of performances, workshops, family art-making activities, food, and an arts and crafts market on Saturday.

This year, the festival—once again made possible by the Cambridge Arts Council—celebrated its 35th anniversary in the heart of the Central Square Cultural District. With the mission of supporting local artists and engaging audiences with visual and performing arts, the festival included six stages for performances. Plus, as a bonus this year, the Cambridge River Festival also shared a venue with the Japan Festival, which showcased Japanese art, food, and cultural societies across Boston.

Below, check out photos from the Cambridge River Festival.

Cambridge River Festival 2014

Arts and Crafts Market

Vendors set up shop along Mass. Ave. to offer a wide variety of arts and crafts items at the 35th annual Cambridge River Festival.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Paper Dragons

The festival offered a wide variety of family art-making activities, such as creating paper dragon puppets at the Museum of Fine Arts booth.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Dave Aaronoff and the Protagonists

The former Mighty Mighty Bosstones member kicked off the day's entertainment at the Indie, Rock & Alternative Stage with his new band, The Protagonists.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Five Dollar Beer

Harpoon set up beer gardens in the Central Square Cultural District, including this one outside of the Middle East.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Juggler Extraordinaire

Peter Panic, "Juggler Extraordinaire," taught children how to spin a ball in the middle of Mass. Ave.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Chalk on the "Charles"

Children and parents painted a large section of Mass. Ave. with chalk during the festival.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Japan Festival

The Japan Festival merged with the Cambridge River Fest this year, and many festival-goers celebrated Japanese culture by showing up in traditional clothing.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Your Name in Japanese

Special visiting artist Michiko Imai wrote festival-goers' names in Japanese calligraphy at the Kaji Aso Studio booth.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Wears Woody

Forgoing the traditional tent table and chairs, the clothing brand attracted shoppers with a funky Jeep.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

A Family Affair

With a wide array of activities for children, the festival drew many families to Central Square.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Playing Dress-Up

The Central Square Theater brought a clothing rack of costumes to the festival, encouraging people to play dress-up and smile for the camera.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Say Cheese

A festival-goer snapped a photo of her friend wearing a mask brought to the festival by the Central Square Theater.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Dance Stage

The Dance Stage featured performances spanning an array of genres, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, belly dance, and salsa.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Karen K and the Jitterbugs

On the Family and Children's Stage, Karen K and the Jitterbugs offered an interactive performance including songs like "I Woke Up in a Firetruck." Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan

Free Portrait in Exchange for a Story

An artist asked for a story in exchange for a free portrait, and many festival-goers obliged.Photo by Olga Khvan

Photo by Olga Khvan