It’s Adam 12, Local Festival Veteran, checking in with your 2024 Boston Calling guide. All you need to know is right here.

Boston Calling Music Festival launched on Memorial Day Weekend in 2013. fun was the headliner. Remember them? That’s OK, neither do I. I actually missed the inaugural edition of the festival. My kids were little. We were away at StoryLand.

Since then, though, I’ve had perfect attendance at Boston Calling. I covered the festival from 2013-2017 for RadioBDC, then for indie617 in 2018 and 2019. Now, I bring the sights and sounds of the fest to you.

Boston Calling Guide: A Decade of Change

Back in 2013, Boston Calling was a twice-a-year affair. There was a festival in May, then a second in September, both taking place on City Hall Plaza. In 2017, it moved to its current once-a-year model, taking place Friday through Sunday of each Memorial Day Weekend.

The venue changed, too. Now Boston Calling Music Festival calls the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston its home. That’s led to more space, more stages, more bands, and more everything. Head over here for more on the history of the festival and all the past lineups.

Boston Calling Guide: Tips From a Veteran

Have a done a good enough job of establishing my credibility here? Do I need to whip out my list of favorite Boston Calling moments from over the last decade? You scrolled past one above. My interview with Mac DeMarco. His fans hated me for that one.

Now keep scrolling and you’ll have all you need to know for 2024 at your fingertips. I’ll give you the lineup, the set times, and answer questions you didn’t even know you had. So let’s dig into my Boston Calling guide. And I’ll see you at the festival!

  • Who's Playing Boston Calling 2024?

    This year’s headliners and lineup were announced back in January. Ed Sheeran headlines Friday, Tyler Childers Saturday, and The Killers Sunday. Take a gander at the rest of the acts below.

    Boston Calling 2024 Lineup

  • When Are Set Times?

    Set Times for each individual day were released back in February, and I reported on them here. But I’ve also posted them below in an effort to keep everything together in one handy-dandy guide.

    2024 Boston Calling Friday Set Times

    Don’t sleep on Leon Bridges: we might not play him on ROCK 92.9, but he’s an electric performer and his set will no doubt be a highlight of the entire weekend.

    2024 Boston Calling Saturday Set Times

    Speaking of electric performers, they don’t get much more dynamic than Frank Turner. I’ve seen him play for thousands and for a few dozen, and he always brings his A-game.

    2024 Boston Calling Sunday Set Times

    Fun fact: this isn’t the first time the Killers have headlines Boston Calling. They were the Friday headliner back in 2018.

  • Where Do I Get Tickets?

    If you’re interested in just a day or the whole weekend, all your ticket options are laid out right here. That includes the new GA+ tier that debuted last year. Note: 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?

    Take the T. Trust me, it’s the easiest way. Boston Calling’s Main Entrance is located at 65 N. Harvard St. in Allston. That’s a 10-minute walk from the Harvard Square stop on the Red Line. You can get more transportation info here.

  • What Am I Allowed To Bring?

    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 Should I Leave At Home?

    Peep the print:

    “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.
  • What's The Festival Layout?

    Glad you asked! Boston Calling boast four stages, so there’s a bit of walking around. Thankfully, I have this year’s map for you right here so you can start to get yourself organized.

    Boston Calling 2024 Map

  • What's The Food & Drink Situation?

    So we actually wrote a bit about that, too. You can “dig in” (ha!) to the full lineup here. Highlights, courtesy of Boston Calling, are below.

  • Anything Else?

    That pretty much covers all the things you need to know. But if you have any other nagging questions, the Boston Calling FAQ page probably has the answers. Oh, wait! One more thing. Boston Calling has a cashless option. More details below.

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