Festivals
10 Artists We’re Most Excited to See at Boston Calling 2025
Boston Calling returns this Memorial Day weekend (May 23–25) to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Massachusetts, with a lineup that spans genres and generations. From country to punk, hip-hop to indie rock, the festival promises something for everyone. Here are 10 artists we’re particularly excited to see.
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy wasn’t planning to play shows this year, but they made an exception for Boston Calling. Fresh off a surprise set at Innings Festival in Arizona, they delivered a 27-song marathon featuring hits across their discography. They even brought along a flying papier-mâché sheep as part of their stage setup. With a new album in the works, expect a mix of classics and possibly some fresh material. Their live shows are known for high energy and unexpected moments, so anything could happen.
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band is celebrating a milestone: their first show in Richmond, VA, in 30 years. They’re also continuing their tradition of environmental activism, aiming to divert at least 90% of fan-generated waste from landfills during their 2025 tour. Their set promises a blend of fan favorites and deep cuts, all delivered with the improvisational flair that has become their hallmark.
Luke Combs
Luke Combs has been open about his struggles with a severe form of OCD, sharing his experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Despite this, he continues to deliver powerful performances, connecting with audiences through his heartfelt lyrics and relatable storytelling. His set at Boston Calling is expected to be a mix of chart-topping hits and perhaps some surprises, showcasing his range as a performer.
Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend is currently touring in support of their latest album, “Only God Was Above Us,” and the festival is one of their key stops. They’ve been known to incorporate unique elements into their shows, like surprise guests and playful stage antics. Expect a set that blends new material with fan favorites, all delivered with the band’s signature eclectic style.
Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne is bringing her Greatest Hits Tour, offering a nostalgic trip through her early 2000s pop-punk anthems. She’s been touring extensively, with recent shows in Canada drawing large crowds. Her performance is expected to be a high-energy showcase of her most beloved songs, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.
Public Enemy
Public Enemy continues to deliver politically charged performances that resonate with audiences. Their inclusion in the lineup brings a dose of classic hip-hop with a message, reminding us of the genre’s roots in social commentary. Expect a powerful set that combines their iconic tracks with messages that remain relevant today.
T-Pain
T-Pain recently headlined Coachella 2025, sharing the stage with notable figures like Lady Gaga and even Bernie Sanders. His performances are known for their energy and crowd engagement, blending his signature Auto-Tuned vocals with a dynamic stage presence. At Boston Calling, anticipate a set filled with his biggest hits and perhaps some unexpected collaborations.
Remi Wolf
Just off her Big Ideas Tour and taking the stage on Sunday, Remi Wolf’s genre-blending style combines funk, pop, and soul into a unique sound. Her vibrant performances and distinctive voice have garnered critical acclaim. Her set is expected to be a colorful and energetic experience, showcasing her dynamic artistry.
Cage the Elephant
Part of Saturday’s lineup, Cage the Elephant’s alternative rock sound is characterized by gritty vocals and dynamic instrumentation. Known for hits like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” their live shows are high-energy affairs, with frontman Matt Shultz being unstoppable on stage. Their performance is anticipated to be a standout, delivering raw energy and engaging the crowd throughout.
Megan Moroney
Opening Friday’s festivities, rising country artist Megan Moroney brings heartfelt lyrics and a fresh perspective to the genre. Her recent work has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Her set offers an opportunity to experience one of country music’s promising new voices in an intimate festival setting.
With a diverse lineup that spans genres and generations, Boston Calling 2025 promises a weekend of memorable performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering new favorites, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kx5 and SG Lewis
The FIFA Fan Festival™ shifted into concert mode on July 17 as Vancouver welcomed one of the festival’s Signature Concert nights. After weeks of blending live music with FIFA World Cup action, Friday’s schedule focused entirely on the evening lineup, giving fans a chance to enjoy a full night of electronic music at the amphitheatre.
The gates opened at 5 p.m., with Shades of Day kicking things odd. Vancouver artist Grayson Repp followed at 6:30 p.m. Repp did exactly what an opening act should do, warming up the growing crowd and setting the tone for the night. As more fans poured into the festival grounds, the atmosphere steadily built toward the evening’s headline performance.
SG Lewis started at 7:30 p.m., bringing his signature mix of house, disco, and electronic pop. His smooth production and dance-friendly set kept the energy climbing, with the audience fully embracing the chance to dance in the new amphitheatre. By the end of his performance, the venue had transformed into a massive outdoor dance floor.
The night’s main attraction arrived at 9 p.m. as Kx5 took over the stage. The collaboration between Deadmau5 and Kaskade has become one of the biggest names in electronic music, and their performance lived up to the anticipation. Massive visuals, pyrotechnics, synchronized lighting, and booming production turned the FIFA Fan Festival into a festival within a festival. Fans packed the amphitheatre from the floor to the lawn, singing along when vocals appeared and raising their hands as the bass echoed across the PNE.
Unlike many of the FIFA Fan Festival days that balanced football broadcasts with music throughout the afternoon, July 17 belonged entirely to the concert experience. From Grayson Repp‘s early set to SG Lewis‘ polished performance and Kx5‘s high-powered finale, the Signature Concert delivered one of the biggest musical highlights of the Vancouver Fan Festival.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Kx5
SG LEWIS
GRAYSON REPP
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer