Boston’s weather is finally heating up, and so is the city’s live music, comedy and theater scene. We’ve gathered our recommendations of top performances to see this season in Boston.
CONCERTS
With dozens of music venues, both old and new, now encompassing Boston’s music scene – there is truly a concert for everyone this season. Grab tickets to Blink 182 at the TD Garden on May 21 or John Mellenchamp at the Boch Center on June 10. Take a seat during Gospel Extravaganza on April 28 at the Berklee Performance Center or Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on April 21 at Symphony Hall. Or get on your feet during Polo G on April 14 at Agganis Arena or Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at the Paradise Rock Club on April 29.
Recently dubbed one of the Best Music Festivals of 2023 by Esquire, Boston Calling is bringing an amazing lineup to the city. Hosted over Memorial Day weekend, this year’s lineup is one of the biggest in the festival’s history. Headliners such as the Foo Fighters, The Lumineers and Paramore, returning acts like Alanis Morrisette, and up-and-coming fan favorites such as Noah Kahan, Mt. Joy, Fletcher and Léon, prove there is a tune for every music fan. And don’t forget about all the delicious food options from local Boston establishments for attendees to enjoy as well.
Boston’s newest music venues are bringing a variety of acts to the city this season as well. Roadrunner, presented by The Bowery, has been an exciting addition to the Brighton/Allston neighborhood. Join them this season as they bring acts such as Sabrina Carpenter on May 9, and The Hold Steady, Dinosaur Jr. on May 13.
Brought to Boston by AFRO ELEVE11 is Cabo Verdean Fest on Saturday, May 20 at Roadrunner. In celebration of the Cabo Verdean culture this event will bring strong, young and local artists to the stage such as Doelumi Sketxa and Tony Barros.
Attached to historic Fenway Park, MGM Music Hall Fenway, is a 5,000-capacity venue bringing acts such as Nickel Creek Live on April 22, Quinn XCII on May 4 and 5, Kool and the Gang on May 14, Logic featuring Juicy J on June 2 and so many more. And don’t miss out on the Vienna Light Orchestra tribute to the Greatest Showman on April 29.
The Greg Hill Foundation will also be hosting a benefit concert on April 16 at MGM featuring the Grammy award winning Zac Brown Band, to support, honor and remember the Boston Marathon bombing survivors ten years later.
Right down the street is Boston’s House of Blues, a concert staple in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, complete with event venue space, great food options and even a roof deck. Join them as they welcome Bryson Tiller on May 17 and Hayley Kiyoko on June 1.
With the good weather, comes the opening of some of Boston’s best outdoor music venues. Check out ‘The Stage at Suffolk Downs’, a new seasonal outdoor general admission concert venue, during their first event. Re:SET will be a fresh take on a multi-artist outdoor concert and will be held the weekend of June 16, 17 and 18.
Kick off the Leader Bank Pavilion’s season in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood with Walker Hayes on June 3, Charlie Puth on June 6, Hippo Campus on June 2, and Young the Giant on June 9. Or take a drive a bit outside of the city and celebrate the opening of the Xfinity Center season with Janet Jackson on May 19, Chris Stapleton on June 9 and 10, Two Friends on June 16 and Dave Matthew’s Band on June 17. Or really get into the seasonal vibes with Hot Summer Nights on June 11 at the Xfinity Center, featuring TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston. And if you were lucky enough to get tickets to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in late May at Gillette Stadium, then you’re lucky enough.
COMEDY & LIVE PODCASTS
Along with Boston’s music scene, stages all over the city are filled with comedy shows, live podcasts and more. Join big names such as Steve Martin and Martin Short, Leslie Jones, Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee and Margaret Chao as they take the stage in Boston. Or join Barstool podcast KFC Radio on May 12th, or former Bravo star Hannah Berner on May 13th – both at The Wilbur. Check out some more intimate acts at Boston comedy venues such as Laugh Boston, City Winery, Improv Boston and the iconic Nick’s Comedy Shop.
BROADWAY, THEATER AND PERFORMANCES
Broadway in Boston presents three options of performances for the whole family this season. Join Eliza Doolittle as we follow her story in My Fair Lady, or attend the hilarious musical based on the Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, or experience joy, love and life at Jagged Little Pill.
The Blue Man Group will also be performing at the Charles Playhouse all season long. Gather the whole family for a comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all in one. Or attempt to connect with old stories and loved ones with Tyler Henry – The Hollywood Medium at the Orpheum Theater on May 12.
Looking for a unique and elevated date night? Grab tickets to Sister Act at Lyric Stage Company of Boston from April 7 – May 4, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Boch Center May 4 – 7, Romeo & Juliet at the Strand Theater on May 12 or Rhiannon Gibbon’s new production ‘Omar’ with Boston Lyric Opera May 4, 6 and 7.
The Boston Ballet is bringing a spectacular show to the stage through a dreamland of storybook magic and adventure with The Sleeping Beauty from May 25– June 4.
