Who needs Coachella when you’ve got stellar music festivals with world-class acts in Boston this summer? Whether you’re looking for a laidback summer vibe or a rowdy rager, Massachusetts has a great selection of festivals to check out this summer. We’ve compiled a list of the best ones – plus ticket prices and headlining acts. Jam on!
1. Boston Calling: May 27-29
Boston’s biggest music festival, Boston Calling is a huge deal – with multiple stages, a Ferris wheel, and crowds upwards of 40,000 people in years past! While the festival used to be held twice a year in City Plaza, it has since expanded and now takes place at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
When: May 27-29
Where: Harvard Athletic Complex
Tickets: Day tickets will run you $150, while 3-day passes cost $369.
Headliners: Paramore, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette
2. Green River Music Fest
Green River started in 1987 as a ballooning festival, but 35 years later, it’s a multi-day music fest with world-class acts. Hosted at the Franklin County Fairgrounds this year, the festival takes place on over 28 acres of land, with good accessibility and good infrastructure (restrooms, water, parking, etc.). It’s one of the coolest events western Mass. has to offer!
When: June 23-25
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, MA
Tickets: Weekend passes are $169 (but only $110 for students!), individual passes range from $55 on Friday to $75 on Saturday and Sunday.
Headliners: St. Paul & the Broken Bones, The Wood Brothers, Little Feat
.3 Levitate Music Festival
This grassroots music and arts festival is just 30 minutes south of Boston, and it’s got all the coolest folk, rock, and funk bands in the country performing at its 10-year anniversary. The organizers are a community-oriented surf and skate shop who started the fest as an anniversary party in 2013, but it was such a success that it’s now an annual event.
When: July 7-9
Where: 140 Main Street, Marshfield,MA 02050
Tickets: 3-day passes are $229, one-day passes are $99-$129
Headliners: Brandi Carlile, Trey Anastasio Band, Stick Figure
4. Beach Road Weekend
Beach Road Festival is a three-day festival in Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s the ideal end-of-summer bash in a picturesque location.
When: August 25-27
Where: Veterans Memorial Park in Martha’s Vineyard
Tickets: 3-day passes start at $400, and single-day tickets are $150
Headliners: Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Leon Bridges