Lowell’s beloved multi-venue celebration The Town and The City Festival returns April 30 through May 2 with 19 shows spanning music, comedy, and spoken word across downtown. More than 50 musical acts join a reading by Chris Wrenn from his book ‘Fenway Punk’. Inspired by the legacy of Jack Kerouac, the festival transforms the city into a walkable stage where audiences move from room to room discovering local standouts and national names.
Opening night kicks off April 30 at Taffeta Music Hall with Boston alt-emo band Future Teens, joined by Lowell rockers Western Education and Toluca Lake. Friday brings John Doe and David Lowery to Merrimack Repertory Theatre with Kris Delmhorst, while venues including The Old Court, Thirsty First, The Worthen, Tescobar, Warp & Weft, and The Lass Stop host an expansive lineup from GA-20 and The Felice Brothers to The Wolff Sisters and Ava Sophia.
Saturday begins with free afternoon performances at Brew’d Awakening and the Bicentennial Stage before evening sets from Tanya Donelly and Chris Brokaw, Steve Wynn, Nigel Wearne, and more. Comedy at Cobblestones features Tony V and Kristen O’Brien, while Jon Langford and Cristina Vane close out the night at Warp & Weft. Tickets are on sale now for the seventh edition of this citywide spring tradition.