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
Osheaga 2026 Reveals Daily Schedule
The annual ritual every Osheaga fan both loves and dreads has arrived. The festival has officially unveiled its daily schedule for the 2026 edition, giving attendees their first look at who will be playing when across Parc Jean-Drapeau from July 31 to August 2.
As always, the release of set times brings excitement, anticipation, and plenty of scheduling headaches. With major headliners, breakout stars, indie favourites, and hometown talent spread across six stages, fans will once again be forced to make some difficult decisions throughout the weekend.
Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest moments and potential conflicts from each day.
Friday, July 31
Friday eases festival-goers into the weekend before building toward a stacked evening lineup led by Twenty One Pilots, The XX, and The Neighbourhood on the Bell River Stage.
The day begins with performances from Super Plage, Wunderhorse, Wet Leg, and Moses Belanger before momentum picks up in the afternoon. One of the first notable clashes arrives when Kehlani takes the Mountain Stage while Amber Mark performs on the Forest Stage and Billie Marten appears on the Valley Stage.
The evening presents some particularly difficult choices. Fans of alternative rock will have to decide between The XX and rising Japanese sensation YOASOBI, whose set overlaps with portions of the night.
Another major conflict comes later when Brutalismus 3000 and JID perform simultaneously. Those looking for a high-energy electronic experience may head toward the Coca-Cola Stage, while hip-hop fans will likely be making a run toward the Valley Stage.
The festival’s opening night closes with Twenty One Pilots on the main stage, while Geese and Amelie Lens provide compelling alternatives elsewhere across the site.
Friday Highlights
- Twenty One Pilots
- The XX
- The Neighbourhood
- Kehlani
- YOASOBI
- JID
- Amelie Lens
- Wet Leg
- Wunderhorse
- Geese
Saturday, August 1
Saturday may feature the weekend’s most relentless run of performances from top to bottom.
The day starts with sets from Baby Nova, Wolf Parade, Stella Lefty, Laura Scavo, and Fanclubwallet before quickly transitioning into a packed afternoon. Fans of indie and alternative music will have several choices throughout the day, including Villager, Kingfishr, and AJ Tracey.
One of the day’s biggest talking points will be the overlap between Little Simz, followed by Franz Ferdinand’s set. Both artists are expected to draw large crowds and appeal to different corners of the Osheaga audience.
As night falls, things only get tougher. Punk fans will likely gravitate toward Viagra Boys and Turnstile, while electronic fans may be tempted by Odd Mob and Kettama. Meanwhile, indie pop fans will be trying to squeeze in as much of Sombr as possible before heading to the main stage.
The evening culminates with Canadian pop superstar Tate McRae closing the Bell River Stage, while electronic powerhouse Empire of the Sun headlines the Forest Stage.
Saturday Highlights
- Tate McRae
- Empire of the Sun
- Turnstile
- Franz Ferdinand
- Little Simz
- Viagra Boys
- Wolf Parade
- AJ Tracey
- Sombr
- Kettama
Sunday, August 2
The festival’s final day delivers arguably the strongest collection of pop talent across the entire weekend.
Things begin with Valley, Amble, Between Friends, and Tia Wood before the afternoon ramps up with performances from Mother Mother, Paris Paloma, Billie du Page, and Of Monsters and Men.
One of the biggest scheduling dilemmas of the weekend arrives during the evening stretch. Fans hoping to catch Zara Larsson, SG Lewis, and Gunna will need to carefully plan their route through the grounds, as several of the performances overlap.
The night’s final run is packed with major draws. Lorde headlines the Bell River Stage while Major Lazer closes the Forest Stage. At the same time, electronic fans can head to Space 92’s special Popof-presented Turbo Recordings set, while alternative music fans may find themselves torn between Not For Radio, Horsegiirl, and Subtronics.
Sunday offers a fitting finale to what looks like one of Osheaga’s most diverse lineups in recent memory.
Sunday Highlights
- Lorde
- Major Lazer
- Zara Larsson
- Gunna
- SG Lewis
- Mother Mother
- Of Monsters and Men
- Paris Paloma
- Valley
- Horsegiirl
Start Planning Now
With the daily schedule now available, fans can finally begin mapping out their weekends and preparing for the inevitable conflicts that come with a lineup this deep.
Whether you’re heading to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the headliners, discovering your next favourite artist, or trying to sprint between stages to catch a little bit of everything, Osheaga 2026 is shaping up to deliver another unforgettable weekend in Montreal.
Tickets and additional festival information are available through the official Osheaga website.
Festivals
Riot Fest 2026 Brings Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, and Twenty One Pilots to Chicago
Chicago’s beloved punk and alternative festival, Riot Fest, is back with another stacked lineup for 2026. The three-day event returns to Douglass Park from September 18-20, bringing together more than 100 artists across punk, rock, indie, metal, and alternative music.
Leading this year’s lineup are Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Twenty One Pilots, and Pierce the Veil. The festival continues its tradition of mixing legendary names with newer acts and cult favorites.
Other major artists on the bill include Patti Smith and her band, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Santigold, Pixies, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Taking Back Sunday, Social Distortion, The All-American Rejects, and Bright Eyes.
Fans of heavier and more chaotic sets will have plenty to look forward to with appearances from GWAR, Chat Pile, Melt-Banana, and Insane Clown Posse. Riot Fest is also bringing together punk history with performances from Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and Public Image Ltd.
The festival’s deep lineup stretches far beyond the headliners, with artists such as Pennywise, Descendents, Iggy Pop, Mom Jeans, The Format, Twin Peaks, Algernon Cadwallader, This Is Lorelei, and Jejune set to perform throughout the weekend.
Last year’s edition marked Riot Fest’s 20th anniversary, featuring returning favorites such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer. This year’s lineup keeps that same mix of nostalgia, chaos, and genre-spanning energy that has made Riot Fest one of North America’s most recognizable alternative festivals.
Three-day passes are on sale now, including general admission, VIP, and deluxe ticket packages. Payment plan options are available for fans looking to spread out the cost of the weekend.
More information at riotfest.org.