Guide to Boston Calling

4.8 min readBy Published On: May 24th, 2024Categories: Features0 Comments on Guide to Boston Calling

It’s here! Boston Calling, the wildly popular three-day music festival at Harvard’s Athletic Complex kicks off Friday!  Here’s a quick guide to keep you in the loop of all the important info. if you have tickets or are thinking about getting a ticket!

Who’s Playing

Headliners include Ed Sheeran, The Killers, Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, and Renée Rapp. Local acts also include Paper Lady, Divine Sweater, and more!  You can check out the full lineup here! 

The Food

Eat and drink while you listening to live music! The food lineup includes Flour Bakery, Dumpling Daughters, Fomu Ice Cream, Naco Taco, Tasty Burger, Sausage Guy, The Smoke Shop +more!  You can check out the full roundup of vendors here!  Plus, Dunkin Donuts will feature free iced coffee, munchkins, + giveaways!

How to Get There

Main Entrance is located at 65 N. Harvard St., Allston, MA and it’s recommended you take the T (Red Line) to the Harvard Square station. There is no parking available on site.

  • Arrive by walking: ​​The festival site is a 10-minute walk from Harvard  Square, down JFK St. and over the Charles River.  The main entrance is located at Gate 1 on North Harvard St.
  • Arrive by MBTA: The MBTA will have plenty of service running and public transportation is highly recommended.  The main entrance is located at 65 N. Harvard St., Allston, MA and we recommend taking the T (Red Line) to the Harvard Square station. From there it’s an easy 10 minute walk to the main entrance. Find your best MBTA route HERE.
  • Arrive by train: You can also take the Commuter Rail into Boston Landing Station on the Worcester Line. From there, it’s just a 1.1 mile walk. Find schedule and station information HERE and download the mTicket app to buy tickets right on your phone.
  • Arrive by bus: Bus routes that stop at Harvard Stadium: 66 & 86 Routes
  • Arrive by rideshare: If utilizing rideshare, you can get dropped close to main entrance, just tell them to head to Harvard Stadium in Allston.  At the end of the night, simply follow signs to the dedicated rideshare pickup lot.  As a reminder, due to driver shortages, we strongly encourage attendees to use MBTA public transportation at the end of the night to avoid long wait times.

What to bring and not bring

Guests and their belongings are subject to search upon entry or re-entry. You can help keep the lines moving quickly by leaving large bags at home.

The following items are ALLOWED:

  • ALL bags will be searched before entry.
  • Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket.
  • All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear.
  • Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and with no more than two total pockets. One for the reservoir and one additional pocket.
  • Cameras (basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)
  • A reusable bottle (needs to be empty upon festival entry)
  • Personal sized hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers is allowed in the size of 3.4 ounces or less
  • Factory sealed Naloxone/Narcan kit

The following items are PROHIBITED:

  • ALL bags will be searched before entry.
  • Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket.
  • All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear.
  • Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets – one for the reservoir and one additional pocket.
  • Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products
  • Coolers of any kind. (Exceptions may be made for medical use)
  • Weapons or explosives of any kind
  • Any and all professional audio recording equipment
  • Professional cameras and professional recording (photo, video, audio) equipment (NO large professional detachable zoom lenses, stands, monopods, tripods, attachment sticks (selfie sticks) or other commercial equipment.
  • Any and all professional video equipment. No video recording will be allowed
  • Drones or any other remote flying device
  • 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
  • Hammocks
  • Baby Strollers
  • Frisbees
  • Chairs
  • Binoculars
  • Blankets, Sheets, Towels
  • Glass containers of any kind
  • Inflatables of any kind
  • Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
  • Outside food or beverage (including alcohol) of any kind
  • Umbrellas
  • Inflatables of any kind
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehicles
  • Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
  • Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, etc.
  • Fireworks
  • Large chains or spiked jewelry
  • Bicycles inside festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance)
  • Carts of any kind (including Red Wagons)

More Helpful Tips

Plan Ahead: Review the festival lineup and schedule in advance to prioritize which performances and activities you’d like to experience.

Stay Hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if the weather is warm.

Dress Appropriately: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended for long days spent outdoors.

Still want/need tickets

There are still general admission tickets left for all three days!  $196 for one-day pass, or $392 for three days. There are also VIP and Platinum tickets available if you’re a high roller!  Learn more here. 

Image via Boston Calling on Instagram