The Boston Calling Music Festival returned to the Harvard Athletic Complex over Memorial Day weekend, May 24–26, 2024, delivering a diverse lineup of over 50 artists across three days. Headliners Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, and The Killers attracted massive audiences, culminating in an estimated 40,000 attendees on Sunday alone. While the festival celebrated musical diversity and high-profile performances, the final day was marred by overcrowding issues that raised safety concerns among attendees and prompted organizers to pledge improvements for future events.
Friday’s lineup featured pop sensation Ed Sheeran, who returned to Boston after previous performances at Gillette Stadium, alongside soul artist Leon Bridges and indie rock band Young the Giant. Saturday introduced a country flair with Tyler Childers headlining, marking the festival’s first country music headliner, supported by acts like Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB, and psychedelic trio Khruangbin. Sunday’s finale showcased The Killers, Hozier, and Megan Thee Stallion, drawing the largest crowd of the weekend.
Notably, Chappell Roan’s early afternoon set on Sunday attracted a substantial audience, with many fans remaining in place for subsequent performances, leading to densely packed conditions near the Green and Red stages.
Overcrowding and Safety Concerns
The unprecedented turnout on Sunday led to significant overcrowding, particularly in areas surrounding the main stages. Attendees reported difficulties moving through the crowd, accessing water stations, and reaching food vendors. The high temperatures, soaring into the 90s, exacerbated the situation, resulting in numerous medical incidents. Boston EMS reported nearly 800 medical encounters over the three-day festival, with 412 occurring on Sunday alone. Twenty-three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment, primarily due to heat-related symptoms.
Festival-goers took to social media to express their concerns, describing the environment as “unsafe” and “overcrowded.” One attendee noted, “It felt unsafe and it was so like just congested everywhere, it was really hard to get like air, and just get like a break from the crowds.” Another remarked, “If anything had happened, like the sound of a gunshot, there would have been deaths, without a doubt. People would have been trampled.”
Organizers’ Response and Future Plans
In response to the backlash, Boston Calling organizers issued a statement acknowledging the feedback and emphasizing their commitment to attendee safety. “While attendee count was several thousand below the official capacity rating of the site, we never want anyone to feel uncomfortable or unsafe at the show,” the statement read. Organizers pledged to work with public officials and their operations team to improve the festival’s layout and overall experience.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the situation, noting the high number of EMS transfers on Sunday and expressing the city’s intent to collaborate with festival organizers to ensure adequate resources and safety measures for future events.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges faced during the final day, Boston Calling 2024 succeeded in delivering a memorable musical experience with a diverse array of performers. The festival’s ability to attract top-tier talent across various genres underscores its significance in the national music scene. As organizers reflect on the lessons learned from this year’s event, attendees and city officials alike anticipate enhancements that will prioritize safety and comfort, ensuring that future iterations of Boston Calling continue to thrive.
