Our guide to the best al fresco music venues the Boston area has to offer
For some, taking advantage of the warm weather has nothing to do with hiking, biking, boating or even patio dining. For diehard music fans, it’s all about taking in the sounds of summer by visiting one of the many places in Greater Boston that host live music in the great outdoors. Venues small or large, acts international or super-local, it doesn’t matter—as long as you want to feel the sun, the breeze and the rhythm, there’s no better place to be over the next few months than right here.
The summer unofficially kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, of course, and so does the summer music season. Taking place May 23–25 at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, Boston Calling (pictured) is one of the best multi-day festivals in the country. Some of the biggest acts in the world—including headliners Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Dave Matthews Band and Vampire Weekend—perform this year across four stages along with dozens of other bands and artists. For music with a view, the Leader Bank Pavilion in the Seaport right on Boston Harbor is a popular destination. Season highlights at this tented, open-air gathering spot include Russell Dickerson (June 7), Barenaked Ladies (July 11), Kidz Bop (July 19), Chicago (August 2) and Maren Morris (September 5). Historic Fenway Park, home to the beloved Boston Red Sox, has hosted some of the biggest summer shows in town for several years now, and this year is no different. Check out Shakira on May 29, Jason Aldean with Brooks & Dunn on May 30, Hozier on June 23 & 24, The Lumineers on July 17 & 18, Thomas Rhett on July 19, Jonas Brothers on August 23, Chris Brown on August 25 and My Chemical Romance on September 7. Also in the Fenway, the Museum of Fine Arts is home to the Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld Concerts in the Courtyard at the Calderwood Courtyard every Thursday night from July 17–August 21, featuring a wide-ranging array of artists performing under the stars. For those that want to just chill and listen to some local bands with a beverage and some friends, there’s the Lawn on D next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the Seaport, which hosts free live music most weekend nights beginning in May. More free fun takes place on the floating stage at the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, whose reimagined Summer in the City promises live bands and more surprises throughout the warmer months.
And speaking of free music: The Boston Pops, as Bostonians well know, are no strangers to outdoor shows, as its annual Fourth of July concert is held every year at the Hatch Memorial Shell along the picturesque Charles River. The Pops aren’t the only act to play there, however, as the stage also hosts a variety of acts and organizations throughout the summer, including the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, whose season runs Wednesday nights July 16–august 27
Two summers ago saw the debut of the outdoor venue The Stage at Suffolk Downs, which graced the former horse racing track in East Boston with an exciting lineup of shows. This year the excitement continues as the Eastie locale welcomes such acts as Teddy Swims (May 30), Justice (June 7), Slightly Stoopid (June 20), Khruangbin (June 27), Haim (September 5), the Irish-themed Seisiún festival featuring Dropkick Murphys (September 6) and The Pogues (September 7), and Pulp (September 13).
For those that don’t mind wandering a bit farther afield, two of the largest summer venues in the area lie less than an hour south of the city. The Xfinity Center, a classic “shed” style amphitheater with covered seating as well as a large general admission lawn area, resides in Mansfield and presents such familiar acts as Mumford & Sons (June 20), Cyndi Lauper (July 17), Rod Stewart (July 26), Luke Bryan (August 8) and Billy Idol (August 23). For an even grander outdoor show experience, nearby Gillette Stadium, fall home to the New England Patriots, welcomes all the giant summer touring artists, including the Kendrick Lamar (May 12), Post Malone (May 31), The Weeknd (June 10 & 11), George Strait and Chris Stapleton (June 21), Coldplay (July 15 & 16) and Morgan Wallen (August 22 & 23).
