As the warm weather rolls in and Boston comes alive, music lovers from everywhere can’t wait for Boston Calling Music Festival. The festival debuted in May 2013, and has grown steadily in popularity every year.

This year, Boston Calling is happening on May 26th to 28th, featuring a stellar lineup including the Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Lumineers, Alanis Morissette, Paramore, and Queens of the Stone Age.

BACK STORY

Boston Calling Music Festival hit the scene in 2013. Initially held twice a year, in May and September, at City Hall Plaza, the festival quickly gained traction. The early shows drew around 20,000 to 22,000 attendees and has been expanding steadily every year to about 40,000 this year.

RELOCATION
In 2017, to make the festival experience even better, the organizers relocated Boston Calling to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston. This move allowed for more music stages and the addition of stand-up comedy performances into the festival's programming.

THE LINEUP
Boston Calling is famous for having epic lineups, from a wide range of vibes, and this year’s is one of the best.

Foo Fighters, who have played Boston Calling in the past, will kick off the festival on May 26th. This will be the first festival with drummer Taylor Hawkins, RIP.

Art-rock legends, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will also be there.

On May 27th, The Lumineers take the stage along with . Sharing the stage is Alanis Morissette, whose hits from "Jagged Little Pill" is no doubt a huge draw (especially those of a certain age).

Paramore, will close out the festival on May 27th along with the stoner-metal gods, Queens of the Stone Age.

BEYOND THE MUSIC: A Fusion of Art, Comedy, and Community:

Boston Calling goes beyond being just a music festival. The event's organizers have created an immersive experience that incorporates various forms of artistic expression. Attendees can explore interactive art installations, indulge in local cuisine at food trucks, and browse through vendor stalls offering unique merchandise.

Plus, Boston Calling has expanded its offerings to include stand-up comedy performances, which is fantastic. Comedy acts from both established and emerging talents will take the stage.

CONTROVERSY AND GROWTH

Like any major event, Boston Calling has had its fair share of challenges. In 2013, the festival became entangled in a controversy surrounding mass surveillance. Boston invested $650,000 in testing IBM software that monitored concertgoers using existing security cameras. Although the city decided not to purchase the software, concerns were raised regarding the lack of transparency and consent from attendees. This incident led to a dialogue about privacy and security measures at public events.

Despite the challenges faced, Boston Calling has continued to thrive and evolve. The festival's growth in attendance and the caliber of its lineup is a testament to its success.🙌

Let us know in the comments if you have ever hit a Boston Calling, or if you are going this year!