Heading to Boston Calling this weekend?
New England’s largest annual music festivals kicks off Memorial Day weekend and attendees should can expect a day full of music, food and friends.
If you are heading to the festival, here are some last-minute things you should know from what you’re allowed to bring to how to get to the venue.
How to get to Boston Calling
There is no parking available at the Harvard Athletic Complex, which is where Boston Calling takes place. Therefore, concertgoers must rely on public transportation or get dropped off by car. Below are some more detailed instructions on how to get to the festival.
Walking: The festival site is a 10-minute walk from Harvard Square, down JFK Street and over the Charles River. The main entrance is located at Gate 1 on North Harvard St.Public transportation: The MBTA will have train and bus service available. Boston Calling organizers recommend taking the T (Red Line) to the Harvard Square station, then walking over the Anderson Memorial Bridge over the Charles River to get to the Harvard Athletic Complex. The walk is about 10 minutes. People can also plan their MBTA trip by checking online.Train: People can also take the Commuter Rail into Boston Landing Station on the Worcester Line. From there, it is a 1.1 mile walk. A schedule and station information can be found here.Bus: Bus routes that stop at Harvard Stadium are 66 and 86 Routes.Rideshare: If taking an Uber or Lyft, concertgoers can get dropped off by the main entrance. At the end of the night, signs will direct people to the rideshare pickup lot.
What you can bring to Boston Calling
Bags: More information about the festival’s bag policy can be found here.Cameras: Basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)Water bottles: Must be empty Sunscreen: Non-aerosol containers 3.4 ounces or smallerHand sanitizer Portable battery packsBaby carriersPersonal misting fans: Must have a bottle no larger than 1.5 L (must also be empty)Hydration/Electrolyte packets in factory sealed single serving package(s)Factory sealed Naloxone/Narcan kit
Restricted items, medication
Prescription medicine may be brought to the festival, but it must be in a pharmacy-labeled container, which states the prescription, dosage, and patient’s name. The medication must be presented to Boston Calling medical staff upon entering the festival. Attendees are allowed to bring the amount of medication prescribed for that day.
Medication needed to be inhaled or smoked is prohibited unless it is through the use of a prescribed inhaler. Over-the-counter medication is allowed in a sufficient supply for the day and must be verified by medical personnel at the entry gates.
What you cannot bring to Boston Calling
Aerosol containersCoolersWeapons or explosives, including fireworksProfessional audio recording equipmentProfessional cameras or video equipmentDronesLighters and cigarettesHammocks, tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kindCarts of any kind, including strollers and red wagonsFrisbeesChairsBinocularsBlankets, sheets, towelsGlass containers of any kindInflatables of any kindIllegal and illicit substancesOutside food or beverageUmbrellasInflatables of any kindPets (except service animals)Selfie sticksSkateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehiclesUnauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed.Large chains or spiked jewelry
How do I get around the festival?
Concertgoers will enter Boston Calling through the main entrance located at 65 N. Harvard St. in Allston. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the festival ends at 11 p.m. each day. VIP Check-in, Will Call, the Box Office and mobile lockers are all located to the left of the main entrance.
When guests first walk into the festival, they will encounter an area with two merchandise tents and water station. Bathrooms are also typically located immediately to the left when people first enter. The Blue Stage and indoor arena are located a little further down as well.
There is also an information/guest services tent adjacent to the Main Entrance arch, along with the “Lost and Found.” The “Lost and Found” will be open during normal festival hours and pick-up will be held on Monday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the box office by the main entrance.
Once people walk past the main entrance area, they will come across the Door Dash Food Village where food and beverage vendors will be located. It is important to know that Boston Calling is entirely cashless, and people can pay by using their wristband or with a credit or debit card.
Past all the vendors is the Green Stage, which will feature the festival’s biggest acts including Luke Combs on Friday, Fall Out Boy on Saturday and Dave Matthews Band on Sunday. More information about the schedule for each day can be found here.
A map of the festival grounds can be found below:
The new map for Boston Calling Music Festival unveiled Jan. 2, 2025. Image by Boston Calling Music FestivalBoston Calling Music Festival
Boston Calling will be held at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25.
The festival made several improvements for the 2025 festival after receiving backlash in 2024 over unsafe conditions, crowd control and capacity issues. Among the improvements are a new site map, more water stations and a reorganization of stages.
More information about tickets can be found here.
