As summer quickly passes by, we want to be outside as much as possible. Loving the outdoors, we thought we would pair it with another love of our life, music! As a result, we have gathered up a bunch of outdoor music events around the Boston area for you to check out, all accessible by the MBTA. Want to know what is even better? They are all free!
| 5. Landmarks Orchestra at the Esplanade |
Directions: Take the Red line to the Charles/MGH stop and cross the Arthur Fiedler footbridge to the Esplanade.
| 4. Kendall Square Concert Series |
Directions: Take the red line to Kendall Square and head to the North Plaza.
| 3. Salem Jazz and Soul Fest |
August 16-17, 11 a.m.-7:15 p.m.
Celebrate the origins of the soul and jazz in the Boston area at this sweet little music festival in Salem. Not only will you be able to groove to some tunes but you’ll be helping to raise money for music programs, so throw them a few dollars for the show.
Directions: Take the Newburyport or Rockport Line out of North Station to Salem. There will be shuttles via boat at 24 Congress Street.
| 2. Newburyport Riverfront Music Fest |
Saturday August 30, Noon- Dusk
Pack a picnic, bring your chairs and blankets and spend the day by the sea enjoying some free music in Newburyport.
Directions: Take the Newburyport line from North Station to Newburyport. Head north to Parker Street and turn right onto Parker Street. Take a left onto Hill Street. Righto onto Pond Street. Left onto Eppa Way. Left onto High Street. Right onto Green Street. Right onto Merrimac St. Waterfront Park will be on your right.
| 1. The Lowell Folk Fest |
Music takes place throughout the day on the five stages they have set up all over the city, so make sure you grab a schedule. Not only does it give you the times, but also the types of music being played. You can hear it all–Blues, Americana, Polka, Irish Folk, Gospel, Afro Cuban, Egyptian, Japanese Taiko Drumming and so much more!
We started our day with some Bachata straight from Puerto Rico. Most people were relaxing in the sun taking in the smooth sounds of the Caribbean.
But if you’re looking to get down, have no fear! They fill the Dutton Street stage with jamming bands and a dance floor. You can boogie all day in this tent, so practice your moves because there will be a lot of competition!
All this movin’ and groovin’ will get a girl thristin for something to eat and drink. Yet again, Lowell provides. Throughout the city, food stalls are lined up everywhere. And just like the music, the food is eclectic. You can choose from Liberian, Burmese, Brazilian, Jamaican, Chinese, Portuguese, Greek, Nigerian and we haven’t even mentioned all the dessert options. So take a break from dancing and fuel up for another round.
We started our meal with some traditional Polish dumplings. Cabbage filled pierogi with butter, salt and pepper. So simple yet so tasty. And for the rest of the meal, we went with Thai and Armenian, something familiar and something different.
When roaming from stage to stage, groups of performers play on the street. So when you’re not enjoying music on a stage you’re enjoying it elsewhere.
All in all, Lowell Folkfest signed and delivered. With all the options of music, food and art, you really shouldn’t miss it next year, we know we won’t!
Directions: Take the Lowell line out of North Station to Lowell. Walk down Thorndike Street Route 3A. This turns into Dutton Street. Follow that until you hit the festival! Easy Peasy!
