Get the Most Out of Your Boston Calling Experience

Boston Calling is less than two weeks away. 75 amazing artists are going to perform for the tenth edition of this much-beloved festival. From May 24-26, the Harvard Athletic Complex will host this three-day event that celebrates music, art, and the people who support it. If this is your first time at Boston Calling, or at any festival, it is easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t fret; we’re here to help you. Here are some easy tips and tricks to get the most out of your Boston Calling experience.

Never Walk Away from an Amazing Show

Planning out your weekend can be a bit stressful, especially when you have conflicts about which bands to go see. Trust me when I say: you never want to walk away from a set you are truly enjoying to get a good spot for another show. I’ve done this far too many times and have usually regretted it. If you’re really not feeling the vibes at one stage, then it’s fine to move onto to another, but don’t walk away if you’re loving what you are seeing and hearing.

Know the Schedule

Some people across social media were upset about the lineup this year, but after festival organizers released the official schedule the true beauty and balance of the Boston Calling 2019 lineup are obvious. If you cannot find at least five acts a day to see, then you are doing something very wrong. Make sure you know when your must-see bands are performing and do your best not to miss their sets. The schedule for Boston Calling is available on their app, but we wanted to help break it down for you. Check out the full schedule for Boston Calling below!

Friday, May 24, 2019 Green Stage: 9:10PM – 10:50PM Twenty One Pilots

6:40PM – 7:45PM Christine and the Queens

4:40PM – 5:30PM Mura Masa

3:00PM – 3:45PM Turnstile Red Stage: 7:50PM – 9:05PM Greta Van Fleet

5:35PM – 6:35PM Lord Huron

3:50PM – 4:35PM Pale Waves Delta Stage: 8:20PM – 9:35PM CHVRCHES

6:30PM – 7:30PM Tank and the Bangas

5:10PM – 6:00PM Gang of Youths

3:50PM – 4:35PM Bear Hands

2:45PM – 3:20PM Adia Victoria Arena Stage: 9:20PM – 10:20PM Yaeji

8:15PM – 9:00PM Naeem

7:30PM – 8:15PM DJ Frank White

5:05PM – 5:50PM Fred Armisen

4:40PM – 5:00PM Sam Jay

4:25PM – 4:40PM Lamont Price Saturday, May 25, 2019 Green Stage: 9:20PM – 10:50PM Tame Impala

6:45PM – 7:55PM Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

4:40PM – 5:35PM Mitski

2:55PM – 3:40PM Clairo

1:15PM – 2:00PM Pile

12:25PM – 12:40PM Boston Ballet Red Stage: 8:00PM – 9:15PM ODESZA

5:30PM – 6:40PM Big Red Machine

3:45PM – 4:35PM Superorganism

2:05PM – 2:50PM Betty Who

12:45PM – 1:15PM Sidney Gish Delta Stage: 8:00PM – 9:15PM Hozier

6:10PM – 7:00PM King Princess

4:40PM – 5:30PM Denzel Curry

3:15PM – 4:00PM Shame

2:00PM – 2:45PM White Reaper

1:00PM – 1:30PM Princess Nokia Arena Stage: 9:20PM – 10:20PM Snakehips

8:15PM – 9:00PM Dessa

7:30PM – 8:15PM DJ Naeem

5:05PM – 5:50PM Jenny Slate

4:40PM – 5:00PM Marina Franklin

4:25PM – 4:40PM Lamont Price

4:00PM – 4:15PM Boston Ballet

2:45PM – 3:30PM Imogen Heap ????-????? Lil Nas X (With Special Guest, we’re guessing Billy Ray Cyrus) Sunday, May 26, 2019 Green Stage: 9:30PM – 10:50PM Travis Scott

7:15PM – 8:00PM Sheck Wes

5:10PM – 6:05PM SOB x RBE

3:20PM – 4:10PM Ravyn Lenae

1:40PM – 2:25PM Easy Life

12:25PM – 12:40PM Boston Ballet Red Stage: 8:05PM – 9:20PM Logic

6:10PM – 7:10PM Marina

4:15PM – 5:05PM Snakehips

2:30PM – 3:15PM Cautious Clay

1:00PM – 1:35PM SKEGSS Delta Stage: 8:00PM – 9:15PM Brandi Carlile

6:00PM – 7:00PM Rainbow Kitten Surprise

4:25PM – 5:15PM Guster

3:00PM – 3:45PM Snail Mail

1:40PM – 2:25PM Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Arena Stage: 9:20PM – 10:20PM Chromeo (DJ Set)

8:15PM – 9:00PM Kilo Kish

7:30PM – 8:15PM DJ Joshua Carl

5:05PM – 6:30PM Michael Che

4:40PM – 5:00PM Melissa Villaseñor

4:25PM – 4:40PM Lamont Price

4:00PM – 4:15PM Boston Ballet

2:45PM – 3:30PM Imogen Heap

Know Where You’re Going

Boston Calling has moved locations a few times in its history, and Harvard Athletic Complex is new to fans of this music festival. Make sure you check out the map and know what stages are where. You never want to wander over to the wrong stage and not know until you’re fifteen minutes late for the band you actually wanted to see. This is especially the case if you are just going for one day. If you are attending for all three days you should get a solid feel for the setup of the stages and areas by the end of your first day.

Wander Alone Somewhere at Some Point

This is something I didn’t do at my first few festivals, but after heeding the advice of some festival veterans I decided to give it a go. As amazing as the people whom I go to a festival with are, there’s something freeing about wandering around alone. Don’t make plans; don’t have a set destination; just wander. You never know what awesome moment is just waiting around the corner for you. Grab some shade, take a few deep breaths, and just soak in the beautiful world that is happening around you.

Change the Lock Screen on Your Phone

Nothing can throw off a good weekend as much as losing your phone. Of course, there is a lost-and-found at Boston Calling, but sometimes that can take some time to get to, and then you have to hope your phone has made it there before you. Change the background on your lock screen to have your name and a few friends’ phone numbers on it. That way if you drop it or if it pops out of your pocket while you’re rocking out to Greta Van Fleet, people will be able to easily return it to you.

I also suggest having your daily schedule on your phone as part of your lock screen. It will make it way easier to navigate through your day without having to waste much battery life. You can make a note on your phone that shows your schedule for that day and add in your friend’s contact info. Wham bam, two birds one stone.

Know Security Rules

Security at music festivals is typically fairly strict, but they tend to keep it friendly. They have a job to do, and it’s all about keeping you and other attendees safe. This is why so many music festivals have created more intense bag policies. You don’t want to park/Uber in and find out the bag you brought from home isn’t allowed, and now you have to figure out what to do with it. You can bring in a sealed water bottle or a completely empty water bottle. I personally like Nalgene, but that’s up to you. Sunscreen is a must, and as long as it’s not in an aerosol bottle you are good to go. Backpacks cannot be more than 12 inches by 12 inches and must be clear. If you try to bring in something larger or not clear, you’re going to have a bad time. I’ve seen security at other fests get confused, so it may be easier to just bring a fanny pack or a small plastic bag with you to carry your stuff.

Check Out the Arena

There’s much more to Boston Calling than just amazing musicians, and your go-to spot for something different will be the Arena. Located in the dead center of the festival is a place filled with some of the funniest comedians, including Jenny Slate, Michael Che, and Fred Armisen. If comedy isn’t your thing, then check out the Boston Ballet. Not a fan of world-class dancers? Don’t worry, there is still music happening in the Arena throughout the day. Imogen Heap, Dessa, Kilo Kish, Chromeo, and others will be performing here.

If You’re a Tame Impala Fan, Wait for a Good Spot

I recently saw Tame Impala at Shaky Knees Festival, and trust me, you want to be within 200 feet of the stage. Tame Impala is easily one of my favorite bands and one of the greatest live shows you will see this year. There’s confetti, there are lasers, and there is a spectacular light show. Being in the thick of it and waiting for their set was one of the best choices I made at Shaky Knees. If you’re a fan, get there at least one set early and earn your spot. No one likes a crowd pusher.

This golden rule applies for any show. If you want a good spot, please wait for it, and don’t shove your way through a crowd.

Wear Comfy Shoes, Bring Sunscreen, Rock Some Sunglasses, Drink Water

This is some music festival 101 stuff, but I feel it’s important to remind you about how important this is. Comfort over style is an essential part of any music festival for me, and Boston Calling should be no different. Please, wear some shoes that give you good support and that won’t kill your feet after a few hours. The sun is strong, like really strong; you’re not stronger than the sun; wear sunscreen. Once again, the sun, not only is it strong, but it’s bright. Thankfully, sunglasses are a definite solution to the bright sun. Don’t bring an expensive pair; they can easily fall off and get walked on or misplaced. Stay hydrated, people. Drink water, and drink it often.

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