Downtown Block Parties Return for the Summer

Summer officially came early this year, thanks to Boston Calling’s popular series of block parties, which run every week from now (the kickoff party was May 7) through September 17. If you missed this year’s first party, get up to speed on how amazing your Wednesday and Thursday nights can be, thanks to Boston Calling.

Downtown Boston Summer Block Parties Are Back

Thursday night’s all right for a party downtown, with block parties happening every week from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dewey Square Park. On the first Wednesday of the month, you can also catch a Boston Calling block party at DTX’s Summer Street Plaza. Every week will feature a different local Boston band and of course a cash bar. You’ll need to be of legal drinking age to enter the bar area – but anyone can attend the show.

Brian Appel, one of Boston Calling’s co-founders, said the organization lets bands submit clips via social media and checks in with the local music journalism scene to come up with potentials. This is the second year of the summer block parties, so if you meant to go last year but never got around to it, you just earned a whole bunch of second chances. If you’ve been to any of Boston Calling’s events, you will probably be familiar with some of the bands playing this summer’s block party lineup, like Tigerman WOAH, the band that played last week’s kickoff party.

Bands have been announced through the end of June and include The Almighty Buck, The Swinging Johnsons,  Erin Og, Dirty Bangs, Nemes, The Nonplussed, Grey Season, and The Absolute Gentleman. Social media is the best place to catch advance news about future shows; follow Boston Calling Block Parties’ . The rest of the lineup should be announced in the next few weeks online, so check back soon.

Why Go Now
Come on, do you really need an explanation of why to go? It’s summer, it’s downtown, and you might be taking off for a long weekend on the Cape and Islands. While you’re still downtown during the work week, have some fun and get some sun while supporting local bands (and, you know, the local brewing industry too).

The Dewey Square location is perfect for Commuter Rail and Red or Silver Line commuters, while the DTX location is fairly central whether you live or work in downtown Boston. Whichever location you choose, you’ll find many great restaurants and bars nearby if you want a bite before or after the show.

There are some amazing free summer events in Boston, from fitness classes to these block parties. Come celebrate with your friends and coworkers and take part in the cultural events that make Boston such a great place to work and live!

That aside, these parties give you a chance to see some of the best up-and-coming musical acts in the Boston area right now while they’re still underground. Get some street cred among your pals by becoming a fan now, and find a nice way to unwind in the summer heat after work. Who knows, maybe one of the bands you hear will be headlining Boston Calling in the future.

If you plan to go, brace yourself for the crowds and try to get there early if you want to get right up front.