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HONK! Festival spreads joyful noise throughout the city

The 18th edition of the free, all-ages music festival will feature 30+ bands from across the country.

A group up drummers in matching pink shirts perform in sync on the streets.

aNova Brazil will perform at this year’s edition of the free, outdoor festival.

Photo by HONK! Festival

There’s only one kind of honk Bostonians want to hear, and you won’t find it on Storrow Drive. Energetic musicians will take their beats to the streets this weekend for HONK! Festival, a city-spanning celebration of community and street music.

Between Friday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 8, dozens of bands will offer outdoor performances in Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge. View the schedule to plot your weekend.

HONK! emphasizes accessibility, spreading free showcases throughout centrally-located parks, plazas, and marketplaces where guests can easily interact with the music + social messages.

Now in its 18th year, HONK! attracts bands from across the country, with groups from Colorado, California, Louisiana, and Texas featured in this year’s lineup. Don’t skip over the local talent, including aNova Brasil, Dirty Water Brass Band, and brassterisk.

Pro tip: Don’t miss Sunday’s parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square from 12-2 p.m.

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