Boston Calling Kicks Off with a Bang! [Photos]

Boston Calling Music Festival 2025 kicked off on Friday, May 23rd, with a damp but dazzling celebration of music and community that turned a rainy day into a high-spirited showcase of country, soul, and pop. Despite six straight hours of drizzle at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston, fans leaned into the weather with cowboy hats, ponchos, and a sense of humour. The muddy conditions didn’t deter crowds; in fact, they added to the communal, festival atmosphere as thousands embraced the challenge with boots on and beers in hand.

The night belonged to country star Luke Combs, whose 90-minute headlining set hit all the right notes, both musically and thematically. Opening with “When It Rains It Pours,” Combs laughed as he acknowledged the weather with a wry “It really does!”—earning a roar of approval from the soaked but smiling crowd. His blend of party anthems and emotional ballads proved just the remedy for the gray skies, with fans singing along in unison throughout the show.

Other performances throughout the day helped carry the festival’s energy. T-Pain kept spirits high with a rain-drenched, high-octane set that had the crowd moving, while Sheryl Crow proved timeless with a performance full of familiar hits and confidence. Rising country artist Megan Moroney impressed with sharp vocals and heartfelt songwriting, and Thee Sacred Souls delivered one of the more intimate and captivating sets of the day, offering a soulful contrast to the big-stage energy elsewhere.

Even with the disappointment of TLC cancelling their appearance due to a medical issue, the festival’s first day still felt packed with highlights. Local acts brought their A-game as well—Future Teens blended pop-punk angst with hook-heavy charm, earning cheers from early arrivals, while Battlemode and Latrell James showed off Boston’s homegrown talent with grit and style.

Offstage, the grounds were alive with activity. The returning Dunkin’ Lounge celebrated 75 years with a retro “Scoop Shop,” dishing out unique ice cream flavours, while branded tents, local food vendors, and the festival’s iconic Ferris wheel created plenty of reasons to explore beyond the stages. The crowd, though dampened by rain, never lost momentum, and in many ways, the shared experience of dancing through the downpour only made it more memorable.

Day one of Boston Calling 2025 was a testament to the power of live music to cut through even the gloomiest skies. The weather may have defined the conditions, but it didn’t define the mood. That was set by the artists, the fans, and the feeling that, rain or shine, the show must go on. And it did, loudly, joyfully, and all together.

Boston Calling Music Festival @ Harvard Athletic Complex (Cambridge, MA) on May 23rd, 2025

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