9 Things You Need to Know for Boston Calling Music Festival

Boston Calling is back at the Harvard Athletic Complex on May 27-29, 2022. This guide has everything you need to know about the festival.

 

Not planning on hitting up Boston Calling? We’ve got you covered, too. We’ll be broadcasting live as part of our Live Rock Weekend, which culminates with an hour of live Metallica after their Sunday night set.

 

Listen wherever the long weekend takes you: online, on our free app, or at home on your Alexa device. Just say: “Alexa, open ROCK 92.9!”

• Who's playing at this year's Boston Calling?

  You likely know the headliners by now: Nine Inch Nails on Friday, The Strokes on Saturday, Metallica on Sunday. Dig into the rest of the lineup–including 20 acts with local ties–below.

  

• OK, but who plays when?

  Glad you asked. There’s a day-by-day breakdown of which bands play when and on what stage below.

  Boston Calling Set Times for 2022 Festival

• Can I still get tickets?

  You sure can. Whether you’re just looking for a single-day pass to see Metallica or your Memorial Day weekend plans fell through and you’re flirting with picking up a 3-day pass, all your ticket options are laid out right here. Oh, and kids under 10 get in free, so feel free to bring yours along. Just make sure they have ear protection.

• What's the best way to get there?

  I speak from experience: take the T. The main entrance to the Festival grounds is located at 65 N. Harvard St. in Allston. That’s a 10-minute walk from the Harvard Square stop on the Red Line. So if you can get to Harvard Square, you can get there. And you can get more transportation info here.

• What should I bring?

  Another great question. Here’s the list, straight from the Boston Calling website.

  • Sunscreen (non aerosol)
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Non-professional film and digital cameras
  • (1) Factory-sealed bottle of water (non-glass container, up to 1 gallon in size) or empty hydration pack*
    • * CamelBak-style water bladder systems are allowed empty into the Event Site, however the water bladders themselves must be capable of being removed from the carrier and must be transparent enough to allow security to visually inspect the empty bladder.
  • Factory-sealed snacks
  • Bags smaller than 12×12 (fanny packs, small purses, etc)
  • Valid Driver’s License for will-call and/or to purchase alcohol
  • Comfortable footwear (shoes or sandals must be worn to enter festival grounds)

• What can't I bring?

  There’s a list for that, too.

  “All patrons are subject to search upon entry every time you enter the festival grounds.  Please note all items that are confiscated or voluntarily surrendered WILL NOT be held or returned.”

  • Drugs, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances of any kind
  • Cigarettes, Cigars, Lighters or Tobacco of any kind – Boston Calling is a No Smoking Festival. Due to the composition of some of the fields, cigarettes will not be permitted on site and will be confiscated.  This includes Juul’s & Vape pens
  • Outside food with exception of personal sized, factory-sealed snacks
  • Large bags/ large backpacks (bags can be no larger than 12” x 12”)
  • Weapons of any kind (or anything deemed a weapon by security)
  • Professional cameras & recording devices (no SLR/DSLR or cameras with detachable lenses)
  • Illegal substances
  • Squirt guns, misters, spray bottles, etc
  • Laser pens and similar focused-light devices
  • Chairs / Strollers
  • Cans, canteens, flasks, glass bottles (EMPTY water bottles/hydration backpacks will be allowed)
  • Pets (only approved service dogs)
  • Bicycles, scooters, personal motorized vehicles
  • Musical instruments
  • Sleeping bags, tarps, or blankets (no overnight camping)
  • Umbrellas
  • Any container of liquid other than 1 factory sealed bottle of water (plastic only)
  • Totem poles or flag sticks
  • Walkie Talkies
  • Fake IDs – they will be confiscated and your wristband will be cut without refund.

• How do I get around the festival grounds?

  Keep this map handy.

  

• What you got in there that's good to eat, Boston Calling?

  Well, Karl, Boston Calling boasts over 30 local food vendors, which I ran down for you below. As far as beer and the like, take a look at this list.

  Here’s the Boston Calling Food Lineup for 2022

• How do I pay for my food and my drinks and my merch?

  Another great question that Boston Calling answers like this:

  “Credit cards and pre registered wristbands will be accepted at all vendor locations. We will have a cash exchange location located at our info booth where you can pay cash, and cash equivalent credits will be loaded on to your wristband.  Please make sure to visit the info booth for full details.”

• What else do I need to know?

  What am I, a psychic? I’m pretty sure I’ve covered all the important stuff. But if you have any other nagging questions, the Boston Calling FAQ page probably has the answers.