Where is the Middle East located?
472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02139. We are located off the Central Sq MBTA Stop (Red Line). There are also multiple bus routes available. For info got to mbta.com. Sonia is located around the corner at 10 Brookline St., Cambridge MA 02139.
How can I get tickets to shows at the Middle East?
You can purchase tickets online by clicking the “tickets” icon on our site or at ticketweb.com. Tickets are also sold at our box office located at 10 Brookline St, Cambridge MA from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Weds – Sun. If tickets do not sell out in advance, they will be sold at the door on the night of the show beginning when doors open. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketweb at 1-866-468-3399.
If a show is canceled, where do I get a refund?
If a show is canceled, refunds are available at point of purchase. You will be refunded automatically if you purchased a ticket through Ticketweb. Please note openers are always subject to change.
How old do I have to be to get into a show?
Age minimums vary from show to show. You must present a government-issued ID if you are 21+ and plan on drinking alcohol. Security is present at every show to verify your age. If you are under 18, you may see an 18+ show if your accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The only way we let people in to the show if they are underage is if you have a PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN accompany you at all times. No other relatives are allowed and you must be supervised at all times, and both parties must have tickets to the event.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, if the show is 18+ with a Government-issued photo ID. This includes license, passport or state issued liquor ID. If the show is all ages you do not need a ID to get in unless you plan on drinking alcohol.
Is the venue handicapped accessible.
The Middle East and Sonia are wheelchair accessible. Please arrive at the venue 30 minutes before doors are scheduled to open and security will accommodate you at the door.
Where can I park?
Due to the fact that we are located in the middle of Cambridge, parking can be tricky but possible. There is free lot, paid lot, and metered parking in the Central Square area. Most meters are free after 6pm (check the posted signs) on weekdays, on Sundays, and on legal holidays. For more information please see Cambridge MA parking FAQ.
What kind of drinks do you have?
The club has a full bar with liquor, beer, wine, water, soda, juices and more.
Are there seats in the venue?
Most events are general admission/standing only unless otherwise stated on the ticket.
What are the rules?
You will be ejected for throwing ANYTHING, starting fights, being too intoxicated, smoking /vaping inside, underage drinking, stage diving, and harassing customers. No drugs, outside alcohol, markers, spray paint, weapons (includes pocket knives) are allowed inside the venue. All patrons are subject to search.
Do photographer or blogs count as press?
Its possible. But all press inquiries should be directed to the band’s publicist, label or management.
Can I bring my camera?
Photo/Video policy varies. You can bring a nonprofessional camera to most shows and inquire about the photo policy at the door.
Is there a dress code?
Just clothes and shoes. Otherwise there is no dress code whatsoever.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, Its located in the box office. Please come down and take a look for yourself. Unfortunately we don’t have the time to sift through it for you.
Can I book my band?
Yes. Please go to the contact section of the site and email the appropriate booking agent. For general booking inquires email booking@mideastclub.com. Please send links to your music pages (soundcloud, bandcamp, iTunes, Reverberation,etc) as well as your playing history in Boston. Please no CD submissions, they will be lost. No mp3 submissions or large files, please. No in-person inquiries, please. Email is best for most everyone on this page. Thank you.
How do I open up for a band or artist?
Its not easy. Most times opening slots are not available. Local support is generally selected by the booking agent with the headliners approval. Most artists need to start off doing smaller shows before they can be considered for an opening slot.
Why is no one getting back to me?
We are all very busy people at the venue. Sometimes emails get missed. If you don’t hear back from us within a few weeks, please follow up. We will try to get you an answer asap.
Can I put up flyers and posters around the city?
We do not in any way endorse or encourage the posting of bills anywhere in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any posting of bills with “Middle East Upstairs, Middle East Downstairs, ZuZu, Middle East Nightclub, Middle East Club, Sonia” or any variation thereof are not sanctioned, nor deemed necessary, by the Middle East Nightclub.
The Middle East Nightclub promotion has moved to a digital set up. Online marketing and social media outlets (twitter.com/mideastclub, fb.me/mideastclub, ticket links on ticketweb.com & many more) are to be the focus of promotion for your shows.
Why are we making such move? Fines. Hefty fines. Fines that we accept no responsibility for. Fines that will be charged to any band or promoter cited by law enforcement. Fines that will keep your band from being booked at the Middle East. Fines that could pay for your space rental for a month. Fines that could buy a nice guitar. Fines that could pay rent at your apartment.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts deems your show flyers as graffiti. That stinks. There’s some beautiful art being created on your flyers! Cambridge has it’s own strict subset of these laws. Your community does, too (We’re looking at you, Allston!). Recent citations are not less than $300 per violation. If you put up two of the same flyer in the same neighborhood, that equals $600. Law enforcement must stop there, right? No. Fines are per instance. Imagine having to pay $1500 for 5 flyers! That, sadly, could be you.
What can you do? Reach out to us, We’ll give you a digital workflow to promote your show. It works. Send us a .jpg of that flyer, We’ll get it on our web properties. Get us 4-6 nice 11×17 flyers to hang up on our walls, they are pretty! Color or black and white. No reason to print 1000 of these. Just a couple for us and one for your practice space wall. Make a hundred or so 1/4 page flyers. We can help you set that up and you’ll know how for life! Spark a conversation, shake a hand, get a phone number and hand them one of these little guys. Making friends is awesome. Making enemies of city officials and venues is not quite as awesome (not awesome at all).
Please email publicity for all promo or social media questions and for all publicity / media questions.
I have other questions. Can you help?
Yes! Just e-mail meinfo@mideastclub.com and someone will get back to you promptly.