Here's what's in store for the Stage at Suffolk Downs this summer

Boston Globe

27-05-2025

Now, on the precipice of its third season – and its most robust slate of shows to date – the Stage at Suffolk Downs seems like it's off to the races at last. The venue's 2025 calendar feels like an official introduction to its capabilities as an 8,500-capacity open-air space, able to wrangle both multi-day music festivals and large-scale outdoor shows from touring artists like
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'It took us another year to truly get the venue established out there, and we are really excited to launch an exciting and diverse summer of concerts in 2025,' Bhatti says.
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The venue's 2025 programming launches on Friday when
This summer's lineup further cements Suffolk Down's place in the Bowery Boston family of venues, but also highlights the advantages of its lush, general admission infield. An appearance from alt-rock sisters
Two festivals will also touch down in East Boston this year:
a California-born Pride festival called
,
and the
As the venue continues to strengthen its footing in the Boston music community, it also serves as a landing place for artists who are climbing the ladder of Bowery Boston venues, ascending to larger stages every time they return to the area.
Bhatti cites Khruangbin as a prime example of this ongoing graduation; since 2016, the group has vaulted from cozier clubs like Great Scott (which has since closed) and The Sinclair to the mid-sized venues Royale and Roadrunner. When the band returns to Boston this summer on their 'A LA SALA' tour, their stop at Suffolk Downs will be the next logical step, both in terms of crowd size and setting. (The trio rocked Boston Calling last year, if that's any indicator of their draw or their feelings about open-air performances).
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'Having the chance to present them where their music really shines – outdoors – should be an amazing show later in June,' he says.
GIG GUIDE
A week after
on
.
The Xfinity Center springs back to life on
,
complete with indie-pop openers
Ben Harper performs with the Innocent Criminals at Roadrunner on Sunday.
Adam Keely
Denver's husband-wife alt-pop duo
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This Friday, Bloc Party celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album "Silent Alarm" at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
Emily Marcovecchio
At MGM Music Hall at Fenway,
also zoom in on their new record 'Aperture' at the club
on
New Jersey emcee
Whale Jam, an annual benefit for the Plymouth-based nonprofit Whale and Dolphin Conservation, takes over Lansdowne Street this week. At the House of Blues on
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"Handle With Care," the debut album from Lowell band The Ghouls, arrives this Friday.
Kira Emery
NOW SPINNING
The Ghouls, 'Handle With Care.' The last time I heard a project on par with 'Handle With Care,' the year was 2014 and I was enjoying alt-rock demos from The Rare Occasions, a Rhode Island group who have since moved to L.A. and netted a platinum-certified single. Needless to say, the rough 'n' tumble alternative of The Ghouls's debut record gleams with promise, and I predict the Lowell band's cartwheeling youthfulness will nab them many honors beyond their current title of 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble winners.
Garbage's eighth album casts a barbed disposition over its electronic-slanted rock.
Joseph Cultice
Garbage,
Matt Berninger's sophomore solo album "Get Sunk" is a flannel patchwork of folk and alt-rock that grows cozier with every listen.
Chantal Anderson
Matt Berninger,
BONUS TRACK
Club Passim will revel in the spirit of its Palmer Street precursor
Club 47
on
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Victoria Wasylak can be reached at
. Follow her on Bluesky @VickiWasylak.bsky.social.