Live music in Waltham, MA

Max Wareham & Second Cousin appear at The Burren, with Wareham’s banjo at the heart of a sound that fuses classic bluegrass and lo-fi indie folk. A Boston-based musician, songwriter, and author, he is a veteran of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band and is featured on the Grammy-nominated Calling You From My Mountain with Billy Strings. His stage history includes Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest, and RockyGrass. He also leads The National Bluegrass Team, shaping sets that shift from close-knit storytelling to high-energy ensemble moments. His new album is titled If The Cosmos Were Whiskey…

Somergloom 2026 brings two nights of heavy music and community to the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, presented by Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville. The first night features Rhode Island hardcore pioneers Dropdead with sets from Final Gasp, Miracle Blood, Severed Boy, and Unhinged. The second night highlights Boston post metal group Junius as they mark the release of the new album Sotera, joined by Planning for Burial, Hiroe, Ballast, and Gloomlurker. A two day pass lets fans take in the full festival.

Sean O'Reilly, a singer songwriter, takes the stage at the Lilypad in Cambridge with a distinctive mix of harp and piano centered indie folk pop. This appearance highlights his sound built around those instruments.

An 80s tribute takes over the North End during the Feast of the Madonna Della Cava at Madonna della Cava Club. Expect a sing-along packed with favorites from Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bon Jovi, delivered with period-perfect outfits, high-energy staging, and faithful sound. The atmosphere leans full retro, with neon vibes, big hair flair, and boombox spirit. Whether you are a devoted 80s fan or simply chasing nostalgia, BTT80s brings a night to remember.

Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville present the return of Somergloom, a two day heavy music festival centered on pounding riffs, shadowy moods, and a strong sense of community. The Friday lineup at the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre is led by Rhode Island hardcore legends Dropdead, joined by Final Gasp, Miracle Blood, Severed Boy, and Unhinged.

A day-long event brings live music to The Hardcore Stadium. Door and set times will be announced. Tickets are available for all day access at $35, with an additional admission option priced at $25. Presale pricing is $30 for all day and $20 for the alternative admission. For complete ticket details, please refer to the event materials.

An annual Hawaiian-themed Irish music booze cruise takes to Boston Harbor with pre-parties to kick things off, more than three hours on the water, and multiple after-parties to keep the celebration going. T-shirt sponsorship supports Lucy’s Love Bus, which helps children facing cancer and related care. Proceeds from the day also support Team Maggie as they run the Falmouth Road Race in aid of Tommy’s Place, two Cape Cod homes that provide no-cost vacations for families with a child undergoing cancer treatment. Tickets are available.

A high energy drag brunch at Summer Shack in Cambridge spotlights the music and style of Ariana Grande. Local queens deliver dazzling performances with crisp choreography, and there are plenty of chances to sing along to favorites like 7 Rings. Expect a playful, bottomless drag brunch experience filled with pop anthems and big ponytail vibes. The event is open to everyone. Doors close 30 minutes after the show begins. Groups of three or fewer will be seated at communal tables. Each guest is required to purchase an entree. All sales are final, with no refunds.

The Charles River Jazz Festival returns to the Hatch Memorial Shell with a larger stage and more space for artists and vendors, while keeping the welcoming vibe that defines it. Expect a full day of live jazz, food, and community that brings together world class performers alongside standout talent from the local scene. The main stage showcases Ghost-Note, Tyreek McDole, Seba Molnar, Zahili Zamora, BT ALC Big Band, and Roella Oloro. Rooted in Boston, this free, family friendly celebration offers music lovers of all ages a chance to enjoy creativity and connection.

Royale hosts a night marking twenty years since The Search Party Never Came, featuring performances by Vanna and I Promised The World. This event welcomes all ages. For each ticket sold, twenty-five cents supports The Shout Syndicate, a volunteer-led Boston initiative that raises funds for youth-led arts at established nonprofit creative youth development organizations across Greater Boston, operating under The Boston Foundation in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture through the Boston Creates plan.

Somergloom 2026, presented by Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville, brings a two-day celebration of heavy sounds, shadowy ambience, and community to the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre. This installment features Boston post-metal group Junius marking the release of their new album, Sotera, with support from Planning for Burial, Hiroe, Ballast, and Gloomlurker.

Rolling Quartz brings the MY TURN 2026 North American tour to Boston with a stop at Sonia. The Korean rock group, also known as 롤링쿼츠, debuted in 2020 and features five members: Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung, and Yeongeun. Tickets are available in several tiers. General Admission is $29.99. VIP is $49.99 and adds a Hi Touch. Diadem VVIP is $89.99 and includes General Admission, Skip The Line, Hi Touch, and Sound Check. The limited Super Diadem Everything Ticket is $219.99 and includes General Admission, Skip The Line, Hi Touch, Sound Check, a Fan Sign where you can bring one small personal item, a Selfie Bundle with one selfie with each member, and You+, a photo of you with Rolling Quartz taken on your phone.

Presented by ICHIGO LIVE, Lotus Juice brings the Player One 2026 US tour to The Sinclair. This all ages show welcomes attendees for a live performance as part of a US tour.

Illustrators face off in a fast paced live art showdown, creating original pieces inspired by fan favorite characters as the clock ticks. A DJ keeps the energy high with a steady mix of beats while the artists work in real time. When the session wraps, attendees have a chance to take home one of the freshly made artworks. Access is available to FAN EXPO Boston badge holders. Additional details will be announced.

Spoondrift returns to Remnant Satellite in Cambridge with a set built on groove-centered improvisation, thoughtful original songs, and lively covers. A rising presence in Boston's jam scene, the group delivers music that moves the mind, body, and heart. 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.

Leader Bank Pavilion hosts a performance by Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, presented by Margaritaville. The show will proceed regardless of weather, and opening acts may change without advance notice. Tickets are offered through several options, including artist and venue presales, Live Nation presale, Citi cardmember access, preferred seating, 4-pack offers, and VIP packages.

Mattie & Debbie brings together drummer and vocalist Sean Trischka with bluegrass guitarist and singer Stash Wyslouch, two standout artists from the acoustic scene whose collaboration creates something bigger than either alone. Their music blends open space and close harmonies with nimble picking, pop-ready hooks, and spirited sing-alongs, all held together by camaraderie, humor, and seasoned skill. Making music side by side since 2013 across bluegrass, roots, folk, and rock settings, they have appeared in groups like The Deadly Gentlemen, Tony Trischka’s Early Roman Kings, The Stash Band, and Corporate Punk, and they have opened for Billy Strings, who has offered enthusiastic praise. Each artist brings a rich background. New Jersey native Sean Trischka is a sought-after drummer, songwriter, and singer known for warmth, groove, and a playful touch, with collaborations that include Carsie Blanton, Mipso, Oteil Burbridge of Dead & Co, Bertha also known as Grateful Drag, Lula Wiles, and The Stray Birds. Stash Wyslouch is a distinctive bluegrass flatpicker who folds in wide-ranging influences, with work in Molsky’s Mountain Drifters and The Jacob Jolliff Band, and stage appearances with Julian Lage, Bryan Sutton, Peter Rowan, and David Grisman. Their debut album, Satan’s Junction, showcases their chemistry and expansive sound. Admission is $20 or $25.

Boston Summer Opera presents an informal preview of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville featuring expressive singing from a cast of Boston-area young artists. Highlights from The Barber of Seville are paired with favorite arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini, and others. Music Director Julian Gau accompanies the program, and Executive Director Hannah Shanefield serves as host for the evening. The event welcomes longtime opera fans and newcomers alike, celebrating the art form’s joy, humor, and beauty. Attendees can meet the artists, enjoy live music, and get an early glimpse of the company’s upcoming production of The Barber of Seville.

Matt brings his guitar to the West Branch for an interactive singalong where kids laugh, move, and sing. Pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy time in the West Branch Backyard while sharing songs that invite clapping, dancing, and participation.

Monster Groove and the Killer Horns deliver an evening of soulful rhythm and blues. For those who cannot attend in person, the performance will be streamed live on Facebook.

Hannah Judson appears at Zuzu inside The Middle East in Cambridge, MA for a laid-back gathering with food and drinks available from the venue. Admission is free.

A special night of stories and songs unfolds at The Corner at Middle East Club as three distinctive artists share one stage for a free, all-ages performance. Eli Lev brings award-winning global roots energy, pairing soulful acoustic sounds with uplifting lyrics that foster connection. Rees Shad offers richly told songs that draw from Americana, blues, and folk, shaped by vivid characters and thoughtful arrangements. Kemp Harris blends blues, jazz, soul, and folk, delivering a commanding presence and a deeply expressive voice. Together, they create a three-artist bill of independent music filled with heartfelt storytelling, deep grooves, and expert musicianship.

Music Bingo brings a lively spin to the classic game at CanalSide Food + Drink at CambridgeSide. It is free to play, with prizes awarded in every round. Two or three quick music rounds keep things moving as a DJ plays familiar tracks. Each player receives a unique card filled with song titles and artists. When you hear a song on your card, mark it off and try for five in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to win. The format welcomes casual music fans, competitive players, and groups of friends, and no music knowledge is required.

The ZYG 808 takes center stage as the headliner for the open mic at The Jungle Community Music Club.