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Boston Calling Tips: 10 Things to Know Before the Festival

By adam12

A few Boston Calling tips to keep handy as Memorial Day Weekend approaches and you head out to the big Music Festival.

 

Boston Calling Music Festival launched on Memorial Day Weekend of 2013. The first headliner? fun. The National, Of Monsters And Men, and Young The Giant were also on that famous first bill. Which, reading that back, is peak 2013. And that’s not a knock! Boston Calling has always done an amazing job of booking the bands of the day. I should know: I’ve been to every single Boston Calling Music Festival except for that very first one. My kids were little back then and we were away at StoryLand for the holiday weekend.

 

When the festival first launched, it was a twice-a-year event. The Spring Edition would take place on Memorial Day Weekend, and the Fall Edition would happen in early September, once the college kids were back in Boston for the school year. Smart move, festival organizers. From 2013 through 2016, those twice-annual festivals took place across two stages on City Hall Plaza. Starting in 2017, Boston Calling moved to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston. If you’d like a list of all the lineups, you can get that here.

 

Boston Calling Tips: 10 Things to Know Before the Festival

Below, I’ve basically created my own “Frequently Asked Questions” about Boston Calling Music Festival. It’s all based on the questions that listeners and contest winners have asked my over the years leading up to the big weekend. I keep it as up-to-date as I possibly can, and I make changes as new information becomes available, so save it, bookmark it, keep it on one of your 59 open browser tabs, whatever works for you. Oh, and I should probably mention ROCK 92.9 is giving away a pair of 3-Day VIP passes. Enter to win here.

  • Who's Playing Boston Calling?

    For the 2023 edition, Foo Fighters are your Friday headliner, with Yeah Yeah Yeahs in direct support. Saturday has Alanis Morisette second-to-last, with The Lumineers up top. Queens of the Stone Age and headliner Paramore close it all down on Sunday. Check out the rest of the lineup below.

    Boston Calling 2023

  • When Are The Set Times?

    Set times at Boston Calling vary from day to day. With multiple stages, the Festival does what they can to stagger those set times. Each year, about two weeks before Memorial Day weekend, the daily schedules are released. Take a look.

    Schedule for the Boston Calling 2023 Friday set times

    Schedule for the Boston Calling 2023 Saturday set times

    Schedule for the Boston Calling 2023 Sunday set times

  • Where Do I Get Tickets?

    Whether just looking for a single-day pass or you want to spend the whole weekend, all your ticket options are laid out right here. Note: kids under 10 get in free, so feel free to bring yours along. Just make sure they have ear protection.

  • Where Exactly Is Boston Calling?

    Boston Calling Music Festival has called the Harvard Athletic Complex home since 2017. That’s in Boston, right across the river from Harvard Square in Cambridge.  Plan on taking the T.

  • What's The Best Way To Get There?

    Again, take the T. 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. And you can get more transportation info here.

    Boston Calling Festival entrance

  • What Can I 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 Can't I Bring?

    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.

  • How Do I Get Around The Festival?

    Let the handy-dandy Boston Calling map be your guide. And give yourself plenty of time to make it from stage to stage. There’s some walking involved, and lots of people walking with you.

    Boston Calling 2022 Map

  • What Is There To Eat And Drink?

    So much good food. So many fun things to drink. Here’s the 2023 food and drink lineup.

    Boston Calling Announces Food and Drink Lineup

    We are one month away from the Boston Calling festival. Foo Fighters, the Lumineers, Paramore, Alanis Morissette, Queens of the Stone Age and more will be rocking the Harvard grounds. Today, Boston Calling announced their 2023 food and drink lineup. The three-day festival will have 29 different food

  • What Else Do I Need To Know?

    I think that covers all the important stuff. But if you have any other nagging questions, the Boston Calling FAQ page probably has the answers. And if you’re looking to win a pair of 3-day VIP passes? We have a way for you to score.

    https://rock929rocks.com/contests/boston-calling-photo-contest/

Boston Calling 2023 Lineup: 12 Bands to See

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