Cue the drum roll! Boston Calling returns Memorial Day weekend. Heading back to the Harvard University Athletic Complex, the three-day music festival is jam-packed with over 50 artists performing across three stages. Read on for what to expect at this annual, outdoor fest.
The Lineup
As always, an exciting mix of musical genres appears on the lineup. Country singer and 2x Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs headlines the first festival day on Friday, May 23. Fall Out Boy brings their alt-rock hits to the stage as Saturday’s headliner. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Dave Matthews Band headlines the final day on Sunday. Other acts include Megan Moroney, Avril Lavigne, Vampire Weekend, Sublime, Cage the Elephant, and Sheryl Crow. New England gets a lot of love in this year’s festival too; locally based acts like Bebe Stockwell and Latrell James will perform throughout the weekend.
New This Year
This year’s festival brings a new and improved stage layout. The Red and Green stages are merging into one state-of-the-art, rotating stage. The new stage will provide better viewing, give attendees more space to roam, and enhance the audio and visual experience.
This year will also see the return of the indoor arena. Take a break and cool off between your favorite acts in an air-conditioned space while listening to jazz music from Berklee College of Music students.
Can only make it to two days of the festival? Attendees now have the option to purchase a two-day pass.
Festival Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop at the music. Around the grounds you’ll find interactive games and colorful art installations, some paying homage to local landmarks. Speaking of landmarks, the festival’s iconic, 100 foot ferris wheel gives riders stunning aerial views of the Charles River.
Local Eats
Food and beverage offerings here are an experience in themselves. Get eats from Cambridge restaurants like Naco Taco and Zinneken’s without leaving the festival site. Locally-owned Tasty Burger serves up their famous, delicious burgers. The Smoke Shop, another local spot, gets creative with BBQ cones, waffle cones packed with burnt ends, pimento cheese and more mouthwatering toppings. Roxy's supplies the ultimate comfort food with their beloved, gourmet grilled cheese selections. Find the full list of food vendors here.
Tickets
Is this festival calling your name yet? Tickets can be purchased at Boston Calling’s website. You can buy passes for one, two, or all three days. Boston Calling welcomes all ages and children under 10 get in free. The festival’s grounds are ADA accessible, and upon request, you can utilize an ASL interpreter.
Upgrade your festival experience with three premium options. The GA+ Experience gives festival-goers the chance to unwind in an exclusive lounge with a private bar. VIP ticket holders can access the VIP lounge, a private bar, plus watch the shows from an enhanced viewing area. Platinum pass holders enjoy all the perks of the other two tiers as well as complimentary food and drink, a dedicated merch store, and front row viewing at the main stage. These ticket types are available for one or three-day passes.
Getting There
Public transit makes getting to the festival a breeze. A 10 minute walk from the MBTA’s Harvard Square station brings you to the front entrance. The Commuter Rail stops at the Boston Landing station, 1.1 miles from Boston Calling. Bus routes 66 and 86 conveniently drop off at Harvard Stadium, located in the Harvard Athletic Complex. Cyclists can store bikes at an on-site rack. Be ready for all the action by staying at a nearby Cambridge hotel
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