Festivals
Boston Calling 2025 – Day Two Recap & Photos
Harvard Athletic Complex, Boston, MA – May 24, 2025
Day Two of Boston Calling 2025 was a sun-soaked celebration of pop-punk nostalgia and alternative rock energy. The weather was a welcome shift from Friday’s rain, with clear skies and a gentle breeze setting the stage for a day filled with great performances.
Saturday continued the epic weekend, and did not disappoint. With star-studded performances from headliners, Avril Lavigne and Fall Out Boy, fans flocked to the stages, shoulder-to-shoulder across the grounds, ready to scream every word of their teenage anthems. Undoubtedly Saturday was the most packed day of the entire weekend.
By far, the day’s biggest draw was Avril Lavigne. Her last Boston Calling set in 2022 was a fan favorite, and this year she somehow managed to top it. She strutted onstage to massive cheers, immediately launching into a string of hits that had the crowd losing it with “Girlfriend,” “Complicated,” and “What the Hell” right out of the gate. Her voice sounded sharp, and her energy was high. Somewhere around “My Happy Ending,” she whipped out a slime green guitar. And in a surprise twist, she brought out All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth to perform their new song “Fake As Hell.” Avril’s set felt like a love letter to the early 2000s, but it never felt stale, just a lot of pop-punk joy.
Speaking of chaos, Cage The Elephant brought it. Matt Shultz is somehow even more of a wild man than he was pre-pandemic. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t need to. His dance moves, frantic energy, and full-send vocals said everything. “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” had the whole crowd moving like it was a last-chance dance party. Their hour-long set was a nonstop swirl of sweat and catharsis. If you weren’t winded after that, you weren’t doing it right.
The Black Crowes added a gritty change of pace with a set that felt like a reminder that rock and roll still has a heartbeat. Chris Robinson came out swinging, declaring, “There are some rock ’n’ roll people here today!” He had a point. While the rest of the fest leaned alt and pop-punk, the Crowes delivered guitar solos and bluesy swagger. “She Talks to Angels” was a highlight.
The afternoon was peppered with impressive sets from All Time Low, James Bay (who looked exactly like he did a decade ago when Chaos and the Calm first broke him wide open), and The Maine, each bringing their unique flavor to the festival. Local act Rebuilder held their own on the orange stage, delivering a gritty performance that showcased the depth of Boston’s music scene.
Fall Out Boy closed the night like seasoned pros, celebrating 20 years of From Under the Cork Tree. Pete Wentz literally lit up the stage with flames shooting from his bass. Patrick Stump sounded as good as ever, and their setlist was tight. “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance” brought out the loudest singalongs of the night. They even managed to squeeze in tracks from every one of their eight albums.
With a lineup that read like a 2000s mixtape, Day Two of Boston Calling was a testament to the enduring appeal of these genres. The crowd’s enthusiasm never waned, and as the final notes echoed into the night, it was clear that Day Two had hit all the right notes.
Saturday was the most packed day of the fest and for good reason. It hit every emotional note: nostalgia, chaos, joy, catharsis, and made a solid case that pop-punk and alt rock are aging just fine. The crowd’s enthusiasm never waned, and as the final notes echoed into the night, it was clear that Day Two had hit all the right notes.
There are still many great shows to look forward to tomorrow, Remi Wolf, Sublime, and Vampire Weekend being major fan favorites. See you on the final day!
Check out some photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: Faith Constantine
