Live music in Boston, MA

Tap into Somergloom with a Friday pass to a multi-day underground celebration of heavy music and the arts rooted in Somerville in the Greater Boston area. Sumac, The Keening, and Body Void headline, joined by a wide range of heavy, darkly atmospheric artists from the Northeast and beyond.

Ellis Paul will perform live at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. The show starts at 6:30 PM.

Presented by Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville, Somergloom returns to Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre for two nights of heavy riffs, shadowy vibes, and a strong sense of community. The first night features Rhode Island hardcore outfit Dropdead with support from Final Gasp, Miracle Blood, Severed Boy, and Unhinged. The second night spotlights Boston post-metal group Junius as they mark the release of their new album, Sotera, joined by Planning for Burial, Hiroe, Ballast, and Gloomlurker.

Based in Boston, banjo player, songwriter, and author Max Wareham mixes traditional bluegrass with a lo-fi indie folk touch. A veteran collaborator with the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, he appears on Peter Rowan’s Grammy-nominated Calling You From My Mountain alongside Billy Strings and has played major festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass, MerleFest, and RockyGrass. Onstage, he moves from intimate storytelling to spirited ensemble interplay. His latest release is titled If The Cosmos Were Whiskey…

Catch Qveen Herby live at Citizens House of Blues Boston for the Isle of Qveen tour. THOT SQUAD is also on the lineup. Show time is 7:00 PM.

Singer songwriter Sean O'Reilly performs at the Lilypad in Cambridge, presenting indie folk pop shaped by the sounds of harp and piano.

Catch Matthew and Gunnar Nelson live for an evening of music and brother harmonies. The twin brothers, known for their work as part of the iconic NELSON family legacy, will perform on City Winery Boston’s Main Stage. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the show starting at 7:30 PM.

Back to the 80s lights up the North End during the Feast of the Madonna Della Cava with a high-energy tribute at Madonna della Cava Club. BTT80s powers through a night of 80s favorites and big singalong moments, featuring hits made famous by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bon Jovi. With period-perfect outfits, an energetic stage vibe, and faithful arrangements, the show channels the era of neon, big hair, and boombox culture. Whether you are devoted to the decade or simply chasing some nostalgia, this throwback party is designed to be a memorable night.

Catch Loe Shimmy live at The Sinclair in Cambridge. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available through AXS.

Northeast Desecration takes over The Hardcore Stadium for an all-day experience. Tickets are offered in two ways, with all-day access priced at $35 or $30 with presale, and a later-entry option priced at $25 or $20 with presale. Ticket details are provided on slide 2.

At Summer Shack in Cambridge, a high energy, bottomless Ariana Grande themed drag brunch showcases local drag talent with polished choreography and plenty of chances to sing along to favorites like 7 Rings. Everyone is welcome. Entry ends 30 minutes after the show starts, and groups of up to three will be placed at shared tables. An entree purchase is required for each guest, and refunds are not available.

Enjoy an annual Hawaiian themed Irish music cruise on Boston Harbor. The festivities start with pre-parties, continue with more than three hours on the water, and wrap up with plenty of after-parties. The event also supports important causes. T-shirt sponsorships benefit Lucy's Love Bus, which helps children dealing with cancer and related care. Proceeds from the day support Team Maggie as they run the Falmouth Road Race in aid of Tommy's Place, two homes on Cape Cod that welcome families of a child with cancer for a stay at no charge. Tickets are on sale.

Boston’s Charles River Jazz Festival returns to the Hatch Memorial Shell for a day filled with live music, food, and community. A larger stage and added space make room for more artists and vendors while preserving the familiar vibe. The main stage showcases Ghost-Note, Tyreek McDole, Seba Molnar, Zahili Zamora, BT ALC Big Band, and Roella Oloro. Grounded in Boston, the festival blends world-class performers with leading voices from the local jazz scene for a free and family friendly celebration of creativity and connection.

Vanna marks the 20th anniversary of The Search Party Never Came at Royale, with I Promised The World also performing. The event is open to all ages. For every ticket sold, twenty-five cents will benefit The Shout Syndicate, a Boston-based volunteer initiative that helps fund youth-led arts through established creative youth development nonprofits in Greater Boston, based at The Boston Foundation and working in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture through the Boston Creates plan.

Presented by ICHIGO LIVE, Lotus Juice brings the Player One 2026 U.S. tour to The Sinclair. This event is open to all ages.

Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville bring Somergloom back to the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre for a two-day celebration of heavy sounds, a moody atmosphere, and community. This installment spotlights Boston post-metal group Junius as they mark the release of their new album, Sotera, joined by Planning for Burial, Hiroe, Ballast, and Gloomlurker.

Korean rock band Rolling Quartz brings the MY TURN 2026 Tour to Boston at Sonia. Formed in 2020, the five member lineup of Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung, and Yeongeun takes the stage on their North American run. Ticket options include General Admission at $29.99, VIP at $49.99 with a hi touch experience, and the Diadem VVIP at $89.99 with skip the line access, hi touch, and sound check. For a more immersive package, the Super Diadem Everything Ticket at $219.99 adds a fan sign where you can bring a small personal item, a selfie with each member, and a photo together taken on your phone.

At Aloft Boston Seaport District, a live illustration showdown features skilled artists creating striking renditions of fan favorite characters as the clock ticks. A DJ keeps the energy high, fueling each burst of creativity. When the drawing wraps, attendees can walk away with pieces created right before their eyes. Access is available to those with a FAN EXPO Boston badge. Additional details will be announced soon.

Presented by Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band performs live at Leader Bank Pavilion. The concert will proceed in any weather, and opening acts may change without prior notice. Ticket access includes a general public sale as well as presales for the artist, Leader Bank, Live Nation, and Citi cardmembers. VIP packages are available, and there are preferred seating and 4-pack options.

Remnant Satellite hosts a night of groove rich jams as Spoondrift returns to the stage. Known in the Boston jam community for contemplative originals, groove heavy improvisation, and high energy covers, the group balances thoughtful songwriting with rhythms made for dancing. The project grew from a shared love of music and respect for the artists who paved the way. The lineup features Alex Lyons on keyboards and vocals, Ian Svagdis on drums and vocals, Alec Hovey on electric bass and vocals, Jason Oberstein on guitar and vocals, and Mike Sim on guitar and vocals. Admission is free, and tips are appreciated.

Rakim is bringing his live performance to City Winery Boston for an evening of hip-hop from one of the genre’s most influential artists. There will be food and beverage service available at your table, and you can also arrive early for a meal in the restaurant. Doors open at 8:30 PM, and the show starts at 9:30 PM.

Boston Summer Opera presents an informal preview concert celebrating Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Members of its Boston-area young artist cast share favorite moments from the opera alongside arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini, and others. Music Director Julian Gau provides accompaniment, and Executive Director Hannah Shanefield hosts the program. Welcoming to first-time listeners and longtime fans alike, this evening features live music, opportunities to meet the artists, and an early look at the upcoming production of The Barber of Seville.

Matt Heaton leads a singalong at the West Branch, playing guitar and encouraging children to laugh, move, and add their voices. Expect an interactive music session where kids are invited to dance and sing along.

Diggy Graves brings a genre-blending performance to Paradise Rock Club, drawing on roots in the Pacific Northwest with a sound that spans rap to horrorcore. He has been creating music for most of his life, folding a wide range of influences into a cohesive mix.

Hannah Judson appears at Zuzu inside The Middle East in Cambridge for a laid-back evening. Dinner and drinks are available, and admission is free.

Three distinct voices share The Corner at Middle East Club in Central Square, Cambridge for an evening of songs and storytelling. Eli Lev delivers an award-winning blend of global roots with inspiring lyrics and a soulful acoustic sound. Rees Shad crafts character-driven narratives that draw from acoustic Americana, blues, and folk, shaped with a refined roots sensibility. Kemp Harris, a singer-songwriter, activist, actor, and author, weaves blues, jazz, soul, and folk with a commanding presence and a richly expressive voice. Expect memorable stories, rich grooves, and standout musicianship across this triple bill. Admission is free and the show welcomes all ages.

Music Bingo brings a lively twist to bingo at CanalSide Food + Drink in CambridgeSide. There is no cost to play, and prizes are awarded in each round. A DJ cues up familiar songs and artists, players mark off matching squares on their unique cards, and five in a row wins. Expect two to three quick rounds that keep the pace upbeat and the room involved from start to finish. It is a friendly pick for casual music fans, competitive players, and groups of friends, and no music expertise is required to have a great time.

The ZYG 808 takes the headlining spot at the open mic hosted by The Jungle Community Music Club. The event centers on a special set from the headliner within the open mic setting.