Get ready to enjoy the performers planned for the Green, Red, Blue, and Orange stages. | Photo via Boston Calling
Rock on, Beantown.
Boston Calling has announced its lineup for the 2025 music festival coming to Harvard Athletic Complex on Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25. Tickets came (and went fast) yesterday — here’s a quick rundown of what we know about the big fest featuring 50+ acts.
Friday’s lineup will be a lil’ bit country with headliners Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, and Shania Twain. T-Pain and TLC are also on the bill that day.
Saturday will be a lil’ bit rock-n-roll with performances by Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant, and The Black Crowes.
Sunday will be led by the Dave Matthews Band, Vampire Weekend, Sublime, and Public Enemy.
The festival’s orange stage will exclusively spotlight performances by local + regional artists.
As for improvements this year, Boston Calling’s red + green stages will merge into one single, rotating stage meant to “provide better views” and “more space to roam.” The fest will add more water stations, too.
Keep an eye on updates on Boston Calling’s website.
Events
Events
Thursday, Jan. 9
Free Public Wine Tastings | 5-7 p.m. | BRIX Wine Shop - South End | Free | Discover new sips by joining the South End wine shop’s weekly public wine tastings.
Friday, Jan. 10
Isaiah Collier: “The World is on Fire” | 7 p.m. | Sculler’s Jazz Club | $40+ | This musical virtuoso began playing the saxophone at age 11 and has been turning ears ever since.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Silverstein: “25 Years Of Noise” | 6 p.m. | House of Blues | $49+ | The name of this Canadian indie rock band refers to famed children’s book author Shel Silverstein, whose work the musicians loved as children.
“Seek Treatment: Live with Cat & Pat” | Saturday, Jan. 11-Sunday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre | $29+ | The comics and hosts of the playful podcast about sex, dating, and love take the stage live.
There, There | 8 p.m. | The Sinclair, Cambridge | $36 | This band will play tribute to Radiohead’s hits — we can already hear “Creep” reverberating through the venue.
Sunday, Jan. 12
SoWa Sundays | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | SoWa Art + Design District | Free | See the newest works from local artists in the new year, and buy direct from the makers.
“All You Need Is Love": All-Star Celebration of The Beatles | Tuesday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre | $40+ | Come together for this tribute show celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Fab Four’s arrival in America with hit after hit.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Glass Etching Class | 6-8 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery | $25 | Create personalized glassware etched with your own designs, patterns, or messages — all materials included.
Boston leaders recently broke ground on a $25 million project to improve Ryan Playground in Charlestown. Renovations will include a flood prevention berm, new play area, waterfront promenade, upgrades to athletic fields, and the addition of 122 trees. Construction will begin this spring and last about 18 months.
Transit
After 900 test runs, Amtrak’s new high-speed electric Acela trains are expected to begin service on the Northeast Corridor line from Boston to Washington, D.C., this spring. The sleek trains travel at 160 mph and are designed to carry 25% more passengers. They’re also quieter and weigh less. (Fast Company)
Development
Boston’s newly-established Planning Department put in some work in 2024. According to the city, the department approved 67 new development proposals, 16 notices of change, advanced the redevelopment of 18 public sites, and approved 3,575 net residential units (34% of which will be income-restricted).
State
New year, new laws.New Massachusetts legislation in 2025 includes an enhanced tax credit for caretakers and parents, salary transparency for MA workers (starting this October), the expansion of who legally qualifies as a parent, and the banning of exotic animals in circuses. (The Boston Globe)
Opening
Bagels, anyone? New York’s famed PopUp Bagels is opening a shop in Seaport this Friday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. The eatery is known for serving five kinds of bagels as-is — not sliced or schmeared — although you can buy a tub of cream cheese on the side. (Eater Boston
Closed
Despite the buzz + accolades, Seaport’s Hook + Line restaurant just couldn’t stay afloat. The acclaimed seafood restaurant’s last day in business was Jan. 1. Its owner cited issues with profitability leading to the closure and added, “it just isn’t sustainable for us to continue.” (Eater Boston)
Sports
New England, hold the Mayo. After just one year as head coach of the Patriots, Jerod Mayo was fired after the team’s 23-16 victory over the Bills last weekend. The franchise finished the season with a painful 4-13 record and is now searching for its 16th head coach. (The Boston Globe + ESPN)
Try This
Trying Dry January? Well, mocktails are easy to find in Boston. Head to Post 1917 for zero-proof drinks like the Negroni Sans and Trust the Bartender, or visit Avery Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Boston and sip on the Cucumber Gimless and Painless Killer.
Shop
Onyx Boutique — a locally owned boutique that sells women’s clothing, footwear, and handbags from luxury brands like STAUD, GANNI, and Lingua Franca — has opened a shop at The Street Chesnut Hill. The retailer joins other new additions to The Street like CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty + Alo Yoga.
Festival
The 22nd annual Boston Celtic Music Festival is coming to several venues — including Club Passim and Somerville Theatre — Thursday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 19. The fest will showcase Celtic artists from Greater Boston, including a performance by Irish band Dervish at the Nightcap Finale on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Biz
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our 68,000+ local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Wellness
Simplify wellness with fast, convenient deliveries that fit your schedule: Thrive Market delivers organic groceries and family essentials straight to your door. (Members save an average of 30% on top brands.) Join today for 30% off your first purchase and a free gift valued at up to $60.*
Category (Paid)
Volunteer
🤝 Imagine the impact if we all volunteered on January 20
Presented by AmeriCorps
Join AmeriCorps in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by volunteering this MLK Day. | Photos provided by AmeriCorps
Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 20) is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.
For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown as more people embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play.
Add a few news reads to your TBR pile at the newest book store in Boston. | Photo by @heathmcdonough
Trying to read more in 2025? Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Boston.
Fiction
“Nine Lives” by Peter Swanson | Release date: 2022 | Nine strangers find their names on a mysterious list in the mail — and must work to uncover the sender as they’re picked off one by one.
For the family
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman | Release date: 2021 | This children’s book about the power of using your voice is written by the Harvard alum + presidential inaugural poet.
Personal stories
“Animals I Want to See” by Tom Seeman | Release date: May 14, 2024 | The philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Massachusetts resident shares the stories from his childhood that taught him to defy the odds and spread kindness.
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
Potterheads, this one’s for you. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” — a touring attraction featuring original costumes + props from the “Harry Potter” movies — has extended its Boston run. Instead of closing this month, the collection will remain on display in Cambridge through Sunday, April 27. Grab tickets and look closely — two new costumes have been added.
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