Stop placing bets and analyzing rumors. The Boston Calling lineup for 2018 is finally here—and yes, it’s probably better than you expected.
Boston’s biggest music festival will return to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston from Friday, May 25th to Sunday, May 27th. This year’s headliners will be dived among the three days: Eminem, The Killers, Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, The National, Paramore, Tyler, the Creator, and Khalid. Okay, deep breath, because there’s more.
If none of those names capture your heart, you’re in luck. The best part of this year’s lineup is the middle and lower-tiered acts: Bryson Tiller, Portugal. the Man, Fleet Foxes, St. Vincent, The Decemberists, Brockhampton, Maggie Rogers, Royal Blood, Manchester Orchestra, Daniel Caesar, Dirty Projectors, Stormzy, Thundercat, Belly, Pussy Riot, Julien Baker, Alvvays, The Menzingers, Thee Oh Sees, Perfume Genius, Noname, (Sandy) Alex G, Big Thief, Mount Kimbie, Citizen, Pond, Zola Jesus, Taylor Bennett, Westside Gunn & Conway, Charly Bliss, Leikeli47, Field Report, Lillie Mae, Tauk, This Is the Kit, Weakened Friends, and STL GLD.
Best of all, this year will finally have the much-hyped comedy and entertainment area, curated and hosted by Natalie Portman. The roster for that sees Natalie Portman, Pod Save America, Lovett or Leave It, Jenny Slate, Bridget Everett, Cameron Esposito, Tony Hinchcliffe, Jo Firestone, Max Silvestri, and Martin Urbano sharing the stage.
We expected some pros and cons when Boston Calling announced it was relocating to lower Allston. After last year’s sets, however, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the location change worked. It seems like the gripes we initially had will be solved. This year, Boston Calling is promising double the entrance lanes, over a dozen new food vendors, better wi-fi, clearer signs, twice as many bathrooms, bigger video screens, more storage lockers, expanded merchandise, more on-site staff, a bigger craft beer bar, and, if you have money to burn, a new 20,000 square foot VIP & Platinum lounge to help make your viewing experience even better. Some may doubt those upgrades, but, honestly, we’re feeling pretty confident that the festival will follow through on them.
Tickets are on sale now right here. Early bird general admission three-day passes are available for $279 before the regular price of $289. Early bird VIP three-day passes are available for $599 before the regular price of $649. Early bird platinum three-day VIP passes are available for $1049 before the regular price of $1,099.
You can view the official Boston Calling 2018 poster below.
