Spring’s arrival signals rebirth, rejuvenation, not-that-out-of-place shorts-wearing around town. And, it means there’s plenty of music festivals and events to get excited for. Here’s a few to get on your radar, if they weren’t already. Happy fest-ing.
Friday 4.24 – Sunday 4.26
Here’s where we give you a really good reason to stretch your legs and frolic outside of the city in the name of springtime. The New England Folk Festival has kept its musical flame burning for over 70 years and this year, it’s down in Mansfield. Consider this the perfect opportunity to rent that weekend Zipcar you’ve been considering. Peruse the local shops and vendors, indulge in ethnic food, and tune in to musicians from all different strands of folk music. You can also learn how to contra dance, square dance, and swing dance—because why the hell not?
250 East St., Mansfield. 617-299-1590. For tickets and pricing visit neffa.org
Saturday 5.16
There’s only one day of the year that Somerville’s porches transform into stages, and that’s the day of PorchFest. Kudos to Somerville Arts Council for delivering unto you a “decentralized music festival” complete with 100-percent free live outdoor music in your own neighborhoods. Music is meant to be accessible to everybody, and to be honest, there’s no better way to watch an Americana banjo band than on an old wraparound porch at dusk. And if that’s not your thing, just keep walking. With no genre restrictions, you’re bound to stumble upon a stage that satisfies you, be it a porch full of punks or a string quartet. Or maybe both.
All over Somerville. 617-625-6600. somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest
Friday 5.22 – Sunday 5.24
You didn’t think we were going to leave this one out, did you? Now in its third year, this festival’s gone from plucky upstart to a new civic institution, and it isn’t slowing down: May’s eclectic lineup features the likes Run the Jewels, Chet Faker, Ben Harper, Tame Impala, ILOVEMAKKONEN, Tove Lo, and My Morning Jacket, but also shines a bit of extra spotlight on homegrown acts like Krill and The Ballroom Thieves, both on the rise and the firmly established (The Pixies).
City Hall Plaza, Boston. $75-375. bostoncalling.com
