Music lovers won’t want to miss this great Boston music festival. Every Memorial Day weekend, Boston Calling brings big-name artists to the city to perform for thousands of attendees.
While music is the main draw, foodies and art lovers will also find plenty to enjoy at this event.
We’ve lined up the need-to-know information for you before you head to Massachussets. Make the most of your trip to New England by squaring away these details in your planning.
Let’s answer the call!
About the Boston Calling Music Festival
More than 50 bands head to Boston every Memorial Day weekend to perform at the Boston Calling Music Festival. This year’s lineup features popular groups like the Lumineers, Paramore, and Foo Fighters. In addition, up-and-coming bands like Bleachers and The Walkmen will also be taking the stage.
Besides the music, you can check out visual art or ride a 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel at this festival. The area’s best food trucks also flock to the event to feed hungry attendees.
Children under ten years old can attend the festival for free. Everyone else must purchase a one- or three-day pass to Boston Calling before heading to the event. We also recommend reserving a locker to store your belongings on-site safely.
Where Is Boston Calling?
This music festival takes over the Harvard University Athletics Complex each May. Four stages are set up on the fields for bands to welcome large audiences.
The complex is located in Boston’s Allston neighborhood. The suburb, established in 1868, now mainly houses university students.
You’ll find an abundance of dive bars, bike shops, and restaurants in the Allston area. It also has quick access to Fenway Park and the McMullen Museum of Art.
In addition, you can visit the West End Museum to learn more about the area. This educational attraction has helped preserve the rich history of Allston.
Is Boston Calling a Good Music Festival?
The stellar lineup for Boston Calling makes us think this event might be too good to be true. We looked into some reviews to decide for ourselves.
Last year, Foo Fighters had to pull out of the festival due to the death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins. However, this big-name festival had no problem filling the headliner spot with another high-caliber group, Nine Inch Nails. Unfortunately, Boston Calling’s bad luck continued when one band had to pull out due to illness, and lightning caused delays on Saturday.
Despite these setbacks, festival reviewers had nothing but great things to say. This is because the organizers thoroughly prepare to deal with unexpected challenges throughout the weekend and pull off a seamless event year after year.
Other Great Things To Do Near the Boston Calling Music Festival
After you spend some time listening to your favorite bands, you’ll probably want to check out the rest of Boston. This New England city has a rich history and no shortage of places to explore.
Explore the Charles River Greenway
The East Coast Greenway stretches 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. This bikeway includes sections of road and trail. In addition, a 22-mile-long portion called the Charles River Greenway provides a paved path through Boston.
You don’t have to cycle the entire 3,000-mile trail to enjoy this path. Instead, try taking a stroll or stopping at the river reservation for a picnic. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and playing basketball at this location.
Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History
History enthusiasts should definitely make time to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The exhibits cover various topics, including climate change and marine life.
However, this museum’s most famous attraction is its Glass Flowers Gallery. From 1886 to 1936, glass artists made models of over 780 different plant species. It’s truly a site to behold.
Know Before You Go: Visit the museum’s website for information on visiting hours, ticket prices, and available discounts.
Check Out Boston Common
Boston Common, established in 1634, is America’s oldest park. John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, had a house overlooking this 44-acre recreation area.
Today, families frequently gather in the park to spend quality time together. You can go for a walk or have a picnic at this historic location. During the winter, ice skating on Frog Pond becomes a popular activity. Boston Common has free admission, so you can enjoy the area without paying a cent.
Best Places To Stay Near the Boston Calling Music Festival
In a city as big as Boston, narrowing down your housing options can be challenging. So we’ve done the hard work for you and collected some of the best places to stay if you want to attend the festival.
The Charles Hotel
The Charles Hotel is less than a mile from Boston Calling in Harvard Square. With a quick walk through Reunion Village and across Anderson Memorial Bridge, you’ll be at the athletic complex in no time. This hotel’s classy rooms will be the perfect place to rest after spending a long day at the music festival.
Ginkgo House
For a more boutique experience, consider staying at this quaint bed and breakfast. The Ginkgo House features 14 unique rooms with chic decor. Visitors rave about this beautiful, historic house. Walking the mile and a half to the Harvard Athletic Complex from this accommodation will take about thirty minutes.
Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston-Cambridge
If you prefer to rack up some points by staying at a hotel chain, consider staying at the Doubletree. It overlooks the Charles River and features an on-site jazz club called Schuller’s. You’ll find it just over a mile from Boston Calling, making it an easy walk or Uber ride. The hotel even offers a shuttle to Harvard Square, making exploring the area easy.
A Call For All Music Lovers
Consider heading to Massachusetts in May to catch a great lineup of musical acts. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the city’s history and natural beauty. Remember, when you hear Boston Calling, answer the ring and head to the festival.
Have you attended Boston Calling? Tell us about it in the comments!