HEADLINE: Jack Kerouac Spirit Lives On In The Massive “The Town And The City Festival” Lineup
TAGS: Jack Kerouac, Chris Wrenn, John Doe, David Lowery, The Felice Brothers, Tanya Donelly, Chris Brokaw, Vundabar, Future Teens, GA-20, Copilot, Jon Langford, Steve Wynn, Kris Delmhorst, Cristina Vane, The Wolff Sisters, Chris Porter, JVK, Megan From Work, The Ghouls, Burp., The Deliriants, Western Education, Toluca Lake, Tysk Tysk Tysk, Dee Tension & The Secrets, Dom the Composer, Stay at Home Dads, Other Brother Darryl, The Evolutionists, Abby Moskow, Nigel Wearne, Poorhouse Records Allstars, Dead Vapor, Mike’s Carwash, Tell, Grace Givertz, Sinnet, Joshua Theodore, Krixus, Losing Side, Phantom Ocean, Weatherman, Ron’s Car, Charming Arson, The Darlin’, Make it So, Josh McKelvie, Ruby Red, Beagle Dog, Marcy the Baptist, Your Friends, Jazz Criminals, Everly Estelle, Ava Sophia, Tony V, Kristin O’Brien, Jen Howell, Jacques Lambert, James Hamilton, Taffeta, Tescobar, Warp & Weft, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The Old Court, Thirsty First, The Worthen Cafe, Smokehouse Tavern, Lala Books, Brew’d Awakening, Cobblestones, The Lass Stop
BLOG POST:
Lowell transforms into a sprawling musical tapestry this spring for the seventh edition of “The Town and The City Festival”. The event runs from April 30 to May 2 in 2026 across various downtown spaces. More than 50 musical acts join comedy sets and literary readings to honor the adventurous legacy of Jack Kerouac. This massive gathering turns local theaters and cafes into a singular creative heartbeat for the community.
The 2026 roster features a mix of national legends and regional stars like The Felice Brothers and GA-20. John Doe and David Lowery bring their storied histories to the stage alongside indie rockers Vundabar. Tanya Donelly and Chris Brokaw arrive to debut a new collaboration for the festival crowd. This lineup stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of the independent music scene.
Festival producer Chris Porter views the event as a way to showcase the unique energy of his hometown. Porter notes that each year brings a focus on performances by incredible local and regional talent. He says the energy of moving from venue to venue reflects the spirit of Lowell. The schedule also includes a reading by Chris Wrenn from his book Fenway Punk at Lala Books.
Fans of diverse sounds find plenty to discover with sets from Jon Langford & Friends and Steve Wynn. The list of performers continues with The Wolff Sisters, Kris Delmhorst, and country artist Cristina Vane. Additional acts include JVK, Megan From Work, and The Ghouls. Shows take place at venues such as Taffeta, Warp & Weft, and Cobblestones throughout the three day weekend.