Massachusetts is known for a lot of things: its colonial history, its universities, and its many music festivals. From large, well-known festivals to smaller, more intimate ones, the Bay State has something to offer everyone who loves music. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best music festivals in Massachusetts.
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1. Boston Calling Music Festival
Harvard Athletic Complex, Allston
When: May (three days)
For three days every Memorial Day Weekend, Harvard Athletic Complex is home to Boston’s iconic music festival. Boston Calling has become one of the leading music festivals in Massachusetts, with a great lineup of indie rock, hip-hop, and top performers.
Food, beer, and other vendors set up shop around the complex, giving festival-goers plenty to do in between sets. If you live in or around Boston and love music, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible event!
2. Beach Road Weekend Music Festival
Veterans Memorial Park, Martha’s Vineyard
When: August (three days)
Beach Road Festival is a three-day event featuring pop and rock music, located on Martha’s Vineyard island.
With at least 10 bands playing each day to comparable or bigger groups, producers have claimed that Beach Road Weekend is probably the biggest music festival in history on the island.
Everyone was up and about dancing, including the kids, and one area had a cornhole game set up. There were also a variety of vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Beach Road Weekend is the perfect summer event for anyone who loves pop rock music or just wants to have a good time with their friends!
3. Green River Music Festival
Franklin County Fairgrounds, Greenfield
When: June (three days)
The Green River Festival is a yearly event known for its unrivaled summer fun in Western Massachusetts. On one special weekend each June, Greenfield Community College comes alive with a celebration of world-class music, delicious local food, and of course beer & wine.
They finish it all off with a Saturday night balloon glow that brightens up the sky. The Green River Music Festival is the perfect way to kick off the summer season in Western Massachusetts. Spend a day surrounded by music, friends, and good times!
4. FreshGrass Festival
North Adams
When: September (three days)
FreshGrass is the perfect place for modern bluegrass artists to experiment and innovate. FreshGrass is the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves music and art. With four stages, galleries, courtyards, and grassy fields, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
And because it’s family-friendly, you can bring the kids along too! There’s also a program called Grass Academy, which offers workshops and jam sessions for aspiring musicians. If you’re a long-time bluegrass fan or just beginning to explore new genres, FreshGrass has music for you.
5. Levitate Festival
Marshfield Fair Grounds
When: July (three days)
This music and arts festival, which originally started as an anniversary party in 2013 by a surf/skate shop, features various genres such as roots, reggae, and funk.
Levitate Festival is the perfect summer event for anyone who loves music, art, and just great vibes. So if you’re looking for an awesome summer festival in Massachusetts, Levitate should definitely be on your list!
6. Solid Sound Festival
Mass MoCA Way, North Adams
When: May (three days)
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting with relaxed music, this is the event for you! Wilco invites you to beautiful MASS MoCA, the largest museum of contemporary art in America, nestled near the Berkshire Mountains.
The festival features great music including surprise guest performances. Of course they also have delicious food, beer gardens, and more! It’s definitely a unique experience that you won’t want to miss out on.
7. Cambridge Dance Party
City Hall Mass Ave., Cambridge
When: June
DJ-spun music awaits you at the annual dance extravaganza, which is a chance for the entire Cambridge community to enjoy summer with great music .To add to the enchantment of the night, colorful lights will be set off after dusk.
8. Lowell Summer Music Series
Lowell National Historical Park
When: July
The Lowell Summer Music Series is an annual event put on by the Lowell Festival Foundation. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to sit on while they enjoy the show.
9. Beanstock Music Festival
Braintree, Massachusetts
When: October (one day)
At this annual event, many well-known and up-and-coming bands perform throughout the day while attendees enjoy food from local vendors. The Sun Will Rise Foundation is raising funds through this event to support its cause.
If you’re looking for a fun music-filled day, look no further than Beanstock Music Festival. Not only will you enjoy some amazing tunes, but you’ll also be helping to support an important cause!
10. DayWave Music Festival
Holy Ghost Society, Lowell
When: June (one day)
EDM, hip-hop, and pop music converge at this one-day festival at the iconic Holy Ghost Society in Lowell. A craft beer garden awaits you as well!
Don’t miss the DayWave Music Festival where you can party harder than ever before to some of the greatest hits from all around the planet!
Final Thoughts
There are tons of great music festivals in Massachusetts that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere or an all-night dance party, you’re sure to find the perfect event here.
So don’t miss out on any of these amazing events and start planning your next getaway!
Boston Calling Music Festival Featured Image (Top) by: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
