From hip-hop to country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s upcoming Boston Calling Music Festival. From its humble beginnings in the middle of downtown Boston at City Hall, Boston Calling has grown to be a top contender amongst east coast festivals in the summer. Last year brought incredible artists like Paramore, Foo Fighters, Niall Horan, and Alanis Morisette, and this year guests will get to enjoy music from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, The Killers, and more! We’re here to give you the rundown of what we think you can’t miss at Boston’s landmark festival.
Where & When
As is tradition, this year’s Boston Calling falls on Memorial Day Weekend from Friday, May 24th through Sunday, May 26th. Concertgoers looking to recover from the excitement of the weekend can enjoy a day off on Monday after the final day of the festival. Gates will open each day at 1pm, and curfew is at 11pm.
The venue, Harvard Athletic Complex, is located just a short walk from several public transit options on Boston’s MBTA. Attendees can take the Red Line to the Harvard Square stop to be dropped off just a 10 minute walk from the festival grounds. Bus routes 66 and 86 will also make stops in the area surrounding the festival. If you’re coming from further away, the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Worcester Line makes a stop at Boston Landing, which is around a 1 mile walk to the gates. Rideshare pickup and drop off will also be available, and the festival emphasizes that parking will be slim to none, so make sure to plan ahead!
Lineup
Boston Calling tends to focus on rock and alternative acts, and this year is no exception. However, if you’re looking to spice up your day with some hip-hop, pop, or rap, this lineup will still have you covered. You can catch the full schedule of performances at https://www.bostoncalling.com/schedule.
Top Sets To Catch
Reneé Rapp
This rising pop star got her start in musical theater playing Regina George on Broadway’s Mean Girls. Just two years ago, she sold out Boston’s tiny 350 cap Sonia venue, and this year she had no problem selling 3500 tickets to Boston’s Roadrunner. With a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live and several upcoming festival performances this summer, this is a set you don’t want to miss. If we’re lucky, maybe we’ll even get to see Sunday performer Megan Thee Stallion perform with her for their song “Not My Fault.” Catch her Friday at 5:55pm on the Green Stage!
Ed Sheeran
If you’re looking to keep your spot at the Green Stage, stick around for Ed Sheeran’s headlining set. You’ll even be able to hear Leon Bridges’ closing set on the Happy Valley Red Stage before Sheeran takes the stage shortly after. Boston Calling kicks off Sheeran’s run of festivals this summer across the United States and Europe. The global superstar is an incredible songwriter and live performer and is set to perform for nearly two hours starting at 8:40pm on Friday on the Green Stage.
d4vd
You might know d4vd from his viral hit “Here With Me,” but there’s much more to this 18-year-old indie singer with quite the powerhouse of a voice. He started out as a gaming and lifestyle content creator before trying out music and songwriting. Producing much of his own music, d4vd’s music has even made its way onto the international charts. If you’re looking for someone to watch earlier in the day on Saturday, head over to the Green Stage at 3:55pm to catch what we think will be an amazing set.
Chappell Roan
Another young rising star, Chappell Roan is rapidly gaining popularity opening up for Olivia Rodrigo on her nationwide Guts tour. Dubbed “L.A.’s queer pop superstar” by the LA Times, Roan brings pop perfection to her performances along with some pretty neat sparkly cowboy-themed outfits. If you get the chance, we highly recommend you check her out! Roan is set to perform on the Green Stage at 4:05pm on Sunday.
The Killers
Boston Calling wouldn’t be complete without a solid, nostalgic rock set, and this year we have none other than The Killers to fill this role for us. We can’t really think of a better way to close out a festival weekend than singing along to “Mr. Brightside” with your friends in the pit. The band takes to the Green Stage uncontested at 9:10pm, right after Hozier wraps up his performance on the adjacent Red Stage.
The Orange Stage
Something really special that you have to check out at Boston Calling is the Orange Stage. This smaller stage is reserved for artists local to the Boston and larger New England region. I caught some of the best sets of the entire weekend here last year, and you never know when you’ll be watching the beginning of a superstar artist in the making. Notable sets to catch include Kei, recipient of the 2022 Boston Music Award for Best New Artist, on Friday, Paper Lady on Saturday, and Fleshwater and Zola Simone closing out the stage on Sunday.
Tickets & More
Single day and 3-day GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tickets are still available for purchase. Fees included, 3-Day GA starts at $383, GA+ at $632, VIP at $1154, and Platinum at $2,899 for fans truly looking for a premium experience with complimentary food, drinks, parking, front-of-stage viewing areas, and air-conditioned restrooms. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.bostoncalling.com/tickets
Looking to see what food will be available? Stay tuned! The 2024 food lineup will be released soon. Follow @bostoncalling on Instagram and check their website regularly for important updates as the festival gets closer.
For more information and frequently asked questions, visit Boston Calling’s comprehensive FAQ page.
