Beyond Wellesley: Fall music festivals to check out (Fresh Grass, Flannel Jam & more)

August 22, 2024

It’s hard to beat a summer music festival like Boston Calling or Levitate, but fall festivals in the area offer continued opportunities to enjoy music outdoors before we’re all forced inside. Some are even free.

Still to come:

  • Embrace Boston’s inaugural Embrace Massó “¡Con Salsa!” International Music Festival, a celebration of Afro-Latino heritage and the legacy of radio host José C. Massó III. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes to fully enjoy the day. Sept. 14, 1-7pm.
  • Fresh Grass in North Adams on Sept. 20-22 features headliners Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Shaky Graves, and The Devil Makes Three. No need to make hitting any of the shows a day trip either—there’s camping.freshgrass
  • Levitate extends the fun beyond its annual 3-day event at the Marshfield Fairgrounds in July with its Flannel Jam in Marshfield on Oct. 12. Trampled by Turtles and Margo Price headline.flannel jam
  •  Porchfests, those semi-low-key affairs during which musicians set up on people’s porches and other open venues, come fast and furious in the fall. Nearby, Natick Porchfest is slated for Sept. 21, but there many to choose from. A great way to get to sample a community and hear lots of good tunes.
  • Maybe the Metal & Hardcore Festival at the Palladium in Worcester on Sept. 21-22 should be indoors, but nope, it’s an outdoor event featuring the likes of Killswitch Engage and Suicidal Tendencies.

Hit us up if interested in having Swellesley attend and cover your festival (we pick our spots, but appreciate opportunities).