The Boston Calling Music Festival is making waves once again with its exciting 2025 lineup, featuring acclaimed artists spanning diverse genres. The festival, which will take place from May 23 to May 25, 2025, at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts, will see its headliners including country superstar Luke Combs, pop-punk sensations Fall Out Boy, and the beloved Dave Matthews Band. This year marks the festival's fourteenth iteration, which has been captivating audiences since its inception.
Opening the festival on Friday, May 23, Luke Combs will headline the first day, accompanied by fellow acts such as Megan Moroney, Sheryl Crow, T-Pain, and the iconic group TLC. Each of these artists brings their unique flair, ensuring concertgoers plenty of variety. Notably, Luke Combs has garnered significant attention for his chart-topping cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," making him one of the hottest names on the country music scene.
Saturday promises to deliver just as much excitement, with Fall Out Boy headlining the lineup alongside Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant, The Black Crowes, and All Time Low, among others. This day will feature performances from rock bands with established histories and newer artists, presenting fans with fresh and nostalgic experiences.
Closing the festival on Sunday will be the Dave Matthews Band, celebrated for their engaging live shows. They will be joined by acts such as Vampire Weekend, Sublime, and the innovative group Public Enemy. Their performances are highly anticipated, as they exemplify the multifaceted nature of the festival, showcasing local talent and artistic diversity.
Boston Calling has made notable changes to improve the overall festival experience following concerns raised after last year’s event. Some attendees reported overcrowded conditions, with one participant stating, "During Hozier's performance, people were dropping like flies and getting pulled out on stretchers," as reported by WBZ-TV. Attendee Sarah Mundy emphasized this sentiment, saying, "It felt unsafe and it was so congested everywhere." The festival’s organizers took these observations seriously and have committed to ensuring this year’s event provides a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere.
Among these enhancements, the organizers will merge the festival’s two main stages—the Green and Red stages—into one cutting-edge rotating stage system. This innovation aims to provide concertgoers with improved views and space to navigate more freely throughout the venue. "We've invested in a world-class rotating stage system to provide...better views, more space to roam..." noted the festival organizers on X, formerly Twitter.
Additional safety measures will include the construction of more water stations and the introduction of an air-conditioned indoor arena, where festivalgoers can take breaks from the heat. The need for hydration and comfort was made evident during the scorching conditions of the previous festival, where medical teams had to assist attendees suffering from heat-related issues.
General admission tickets for the festival will go on presale beginning January 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST. Prices have been adjusted, with one-day tickets starting at $169, two-day passes for $330, and three-day passes priced at $350—lower than prices noted for last year's entry fees. Such adjustments reflect the organizers' commitment to making the festival accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.
With an impressive lineup and new measures aimed at improving the attendee experience, Boston Calling 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting music festivals of the year. From seasoned artists to promising newcomers, this event is poised to attract music lovers far and wide. Tickets go on sale soon, setting the stage for what could be the festival's best year yet. Mark those calendars for Memorial Day weekend, and prepare for three thrilling days of music.