Boston Calling Music Festival
What is the Boston Calling Music Festival?
The Boston Calling Music Festival is a multi-day, multi-stage, outdoor festival that showcases the biggest and best names in live music, DJs, visual arts, and more. Memorial Day weekend is spent at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts.
The event will provide easy access to all performance areas, incredible concessions, indoor performances, and a number of surprises that have yet to be announced. All ages are welcome, and children under 10 are admitted without charge. Even though it is only in its fourth year, the three-day Boston Calling Music Festival is already a staple of the city's entertainment scene.
This past weekend, Boston Calling made its long-awaited return to Harvard University Athletics Complex after two years of cancellations, and it appeared that the festival's luck might be changing for the better when Friday's overcast skies gave way to a sunny afternoon just as the main gates opened.
It had been a difficult three years: cancelling the festival in 2020 and 2021, securing three replacement headliners for 2022, and planning a major event despite the proliferation of COVID variants.
The period between Boston Calling 2019 and this year's festival was eventful for Madison Square Garden Entertainment, which owns the festival (MSGE). According to earnings reports, the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated any possibility of holding an event in both 2020 and 2021, resulting in approximately $10.6 million in lost revenue for the company in 2020 alone.
Even when live music began to pick up again, the festival had to scramble to find three suitable replacements for its original headliners in a short amount of time.
Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters are announced as headliners for Boston Calling 2020 on November 19, 2019.
The festival, which usually waits until January to announce its lineup, broke with tradition by booking rock legends Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2019's month of November.
Brian Appel, the co-founder of Boston Calling, stated that the festival had long attempted to book the two bands, whom he described as "some of the most influential rock artists of all time."
"We worked for years to bring the Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers to the festival, and this year everything fell into place," Appel said. "We couldn't be happier, and over the course of the festival weekend, they'll be joined by an incredibly diverse roster of artists."
Boston Calling announces full lineup and adds Rage Against the Machine as the third headlining act on January 28, 2020.
Boston Calling announced Rage Against the Machine as its third headlining act, bringing together three of the most influential rock groups of the '90s on the same weekend.
In addition to the three headliners, the 2020 lineup includes a number of acts that did not make the cut for the 2022 lineup. Jack Harlow, who is now one of the biggest names in hip-hop, was buried deep in the Sunday lineup after releasing his first major single, "What's Poppin," only a week prior.
Other notable acts who did not relocate include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Phoebe Bridgers, The 1975, and Brittany Howard.
Boston Calling Music Festival 2020 was cancelled on March 31, 2020.
Less than one month after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Boston Calling cancelled its 2020 festival.
Shortly after the onset of the pandemic, the Madison Square Garden Company separated its entertainment and sports business holdings into two separate companies, with Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) announcing on April 20, 2020, that it will become a separate publicly traded company.
The dire nature of operating a live events business during a pandemic was reflected in the company's first official earnings reports, which were released on May 18, 2020, and August 14, 2020.
In particular, the company's entertainment sector revenues decreased by 94% compared to the same quarter in 2019 (report dated August 14). According to the report, the cancellation of Boston Calling 2020 resulted in a revenue decrease of $10.6 million.
Boston Calling Music Festival 2021 was cancelled on February 22, 2021.
Even as the first COVID-19 vaccines were being distributed in the United States, festival organizers announced that Boston Calling 2021 would not take place.
Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine are announced as Boston Calling 2022 headliners on May 26, 2021.
Festival organizers announced the return of Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine exactly one year prior to Boston Calling 2022 when vaccines will be widely available.
The festival also announced that it will announce small portions of the lineup over the next few months, a departure from its previous practice of announcing the entire lineup simultaneously. The festival added Run the Jewels and Black Pumas to its lineup in July 2021, followed by the August 2021 announcement of HAIM, Sudan Archives, and Celisse.
Notably, the festival did not announce the return of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band announced its rescheduled tour dates in December 2021, with Fenway Park as its only Boston stop on September 10, 2022, alongside Thundercat and St. Vincent.
Rage Against the Machine will not perform at Boston Calling 2022 on January 20.
Less than twenty-four hours before the full Boston Calling 2022 lineup was to be unveiled, Boston Calling announced that the festival's headlining act, Rage Against the Machine, would not be performing.
Rage Against the Machine announced on the same day that it would shorten its North American tour, which was scheduled to begin on July 9. RATM drummer Brad Wilk posted on Instagram in December 2021 that he had undergone knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. There was no explanation given for the shortened schedule, which also omitted the band's planned headlining set at Coachella.
Foo Fighters, Metallica, and The Strokes have been announced as headliners for Boston Calling 2022.
Less than twenty-four hours after original headliners Rage Against the Machine withdrew, Boston Calling announced that Foo Fighters, The Strokes, and Metallica would headline the 2022 festival.
In addition to the headliners, the festival will feature electronica group Rüfüs Du Sol, alt-rockers Weezer, sibling rock trio HAIM, hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, indie rock group Glass Animals, Australian prog-rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, 2000s pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne, psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick, Connecticut jam band Goose, hip-hop
Due to Taylor Hawkins' passing, Foo Fighters will not perform at Boston Calling 2022 on March 29, 2022.
Following the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins at the age of 50, the band announced that it would cancel all of its upcoming tour dates, including a headlining set at Boston Calling 2022.
Nine Inch Nails will headline the opening night of Boston Calling 2022 on April 6.
The lineup for Boston Calling 2022 was finalized on April 6 with the announcement of Trent Reznor's industrial rock group Nine Inch Nails as the festival's third headlining act.
The announcement capped a nearly three-year saga of ups and downs, during which the festival had to be cancelled twice, had to replace three headliners, eliminated its comedy stage, and reduced the number of artists from 60+ to 50.
Despite the difficult path, festival organizers remained optimistic and thanked fans for sticking with them through the challenging times.
Who played at the Boston Calling Music Festival 2022?
This year, Boston Calling featured twenty New England-based artists, the largest number ever. You should listen to Oompa, a poet, rapper, and educator from Boston who recently released the album "Unbothered." Her electric hits include "Lebron" and "By You," and on Sunday at 1:45 p.m., she performed on the Red Stage. Ali McGuirk, a native of Boston who now resides in Burlington, Vermont, is renowned for her soulful voice and effortless songwriting. Last Saturday, she performed on the new Tivoli Audio Orange Stage alongside local acts such as Dutch Tulips and Cape Cod's Crooked Coast.
Paper Tigers, an indie-alternative rock band with a recently released EP titled "I Wish Someone Had Told Me This Earlier," performed at the event. Recently featured on Boston.com's Music Club, Paper Tigers' "soaring vocals, dynamic guitars, and energetic drums" have been praised. Van Buren Records, a Brockton rap collective known for songs such as "Cult" and "Medic," performed as well. Meanwhile, Miranda Rae, whose shimmering vocals captivate audiences and who was named R&B Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards 2020, wowed the crowd.
Pom Pom Squad, the opening act, got the festival off to an excellent start. Even though the temperature was close to 90 degrees, the Brooklyn, New York, indie-rock band enlivened the crowd with their dream-pop sound and signature rock style. Mia Berrin, the leader of the band, is a true rock star in the making.
Berrin's gothic cheer ensemble and electrifying vocals (including the occasional scream) that would make Kim Gordon proud are incorporated into the band's debut album, Death of a Cheerleader, under her direction. Pom Pom Squad is a band to keep an eye on due to their reappropriation of new wave grunge with a feminine edge.
Boston residents The Chelsea Curve debuted the Tivoli Audio Orange Stage, the fourth stage devoted to showcasing New England artists, at Boston Calling. The trio, comprised of lead singer and bassist Linda Pardee, guitarist Tim Gillis, and drummer Ron Belanger, brought a mod rock revival to the festival. Despite the fact that The Chelsea Curve has only been performing for a year, they drew a sizable crowd, all of whom appeared eager to add to the group's growing reputation.
The second day of the festival, unfortunately, confirmed the fears of every festival-goer. After The Strokes abruptly left the lineup the night before, eager fans who purchased tickets to see them were disappointed. The Australian rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard unexpectedly disbanded due to a positive COVID case within the group.
The final day of the Boston Calling Music Festival, May 29, was buzzing with activity, following a chaotic day of weather-related delays on May 28. Over the course of the weekend, tens of thousands of people attended, and on the final day, crowds shuffled between stages while dodging a fleet of golf carts on the crowded walkways to see the packed lineup of artists. The last day of Boston Calling was filled with musical indulgence and positive vibes.
How do I make changes to my shipping address?
You can update your shipping address on the Tickets page until the shipping cutoff date, after which you will no longer be able to make changes. If you cannot be reached at the shipping address you provided and you do not have an alternate address, you may cancel the shipment by calling 1-888-512-SHOW and pick up your replacement wristband at the event.
Where is the Boston Calling Festival?
The Boston Calling Music Festival is held during Memorial Day weekend and spent at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts. The event will provide convenient access to all performance areas, incredible concessions, indoor performances, and a number of surprises that have yet to be announced. All ages are welcome, and children under 10 are admitted without charge.
More than 60 performances across four outdoor stages and an indoor arena, Boston's finest cuisine, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, art installations, life-size games, and other exciting activities. Boston Calling offers a multitude of sights and activities.
- When: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
- May 27 – 29, 2022
- Located at the Harvard Athletic Complex, 65 N Harvard St, Allston MA
FESTIVAL HOURS
- Twelve o'clock noon
- Gates Open: 1:00 PM
- End of Music: 10:45 PM
What should be brought to the next Boston Calling Festival? Sunscreen (non-aerosol) Hats Sunglasses Consumer-grade film and digital cameras (1) Factory-sealed water bottle (non-glass, up to one gallon) or an empty hydration pack Empty CamelBak-style water bladder systems are permitted into the Event Site; however, the water bladders must be detachable from the carrier and transparent enough for security to visually inspect the empty bladder. Snacks with factory-sealed packaging Bags less than 12x12 inches (fanny packs, small purses, etc) Valid driver's license for will-call and/or purchase of alcoholic beverages Fashionable footwear (shoes or sandals must be worn to enter festival grounds)
What will take place if the event is cancelled?
If a single day or multiple days of the festival are cancelled, the cancellation and refund policy will be communicated to ticket holders. The lineup of performers is subject to change, including due to inclement weather.
Health / Safety
Guests are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or wear a mask to attend Boston Calling, per current government guidelines. Government regulations, venue protocols, and event prerequisites are subject to change, so be sure to check back frequently for the most recent information prior to the festival.
Please be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity. Lock up all of your valuables in a locker and stick close to your friends. Utilize our water refill stations to keep yourself hydrated throughout the weekend.
Is access to the festival available to those with disabilities?
The entire website is ADA compliant. ADA-compliant restrooms are also offered. ASL interpreters are only available upon request.
Where shall I stay?
From any of Boston's many hotels, the festival grounds is easily accessible. We recommend staying in the Cambridge / Allston areas for the closest proximity.
We suggest the following preparations for the event:
Wear cool, lightweight apparel Sunglasses Apply sunscreen liberally; shade is restricted to smaller portions of the festival grounds. Bring a hat Wear comfortable shoes Leave your cash at home, bring a credit card, and register your wristband for cashless entry. Remain hydrated! Consume water before entering the event, and then sample the beverages sold by the numerous festival vendors. Bring a factory-sealed water bottle or an empty (non-glass) beverage container/hydration pack to use at our free water refill station.
How do I reach and depart from Boston Calling Music Festival?
Getting to and from Boston Calling can be summed up in two words: public transportation.
Taking the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Station is the simplest way to get to the festival. Take John F. Kennedy Street, cross the Anderson Memorial Bridge, and the festival entrance will be on the right side of the road. The total duration of the walk is ten minutes.
If you are not close to a Red Line station, you can also take the Commuter Rail to the Boston Landing station, which is 1.8 kilometres from the festival. Additionally, the 66 and 86 bus routes stop at Harvard Stadium.
Are age restrictions in place?
This is an event open to all ages. Children 10 and under get in for free.
The Boston Calling Music Festival is a multi-genre musical event held in Allston, just outside of Boston. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has become the city's premier annual multi-genre event.
Boston Calling is co-curated by The National's Aaron Dessner and features lineups of influential acts from rock, hip-hop, indie, and beyond. The three-day festival welcomes 40,000 music lovers. If you want to learn more about the most recent music festivals and are in desperate need of a place to meet people who share your passion for great music, then visit Turntablelive, a website designed for musicians