August is a little sparse for music festivals, but it's easy to see why as the weather is usually just too damn hot that month. Most people are making sure they get away for at least one week in August, and most festivals this year are packing themselves into the end of the month. That being said, festivals in August 2024 are absolutely stellar.
Rat City Arts Festival
August 3
Aeronaut Allston, MA
The only festival taking place in Boston on the list is Rat City Arts Festival. The festival is a "... celebration of the diverse artists who live, work, and perform in Allston-Brighton & Boston." Diverse is a correct assessment, as the line up includes If It's Too Loud... favorites like Mint Green, Grace Givertz, Keytar Bear, and new favorite Paper Lady. There are twelve other artists to check out, including a mystery artist (as of the time of this writing), so let the speculation begin! This might be the smallest festival on the list for August, but it's sure to be a great time featuring fantastic local artists, and it's free, so even better!
https://www.ratcityartsfestival.com/
Somergloom
August 22-24
Arts at the Armory, Somerville, MA
This one says what it is right in the name of the festival. It's an "... underground heavy music and arts festival in Somerville, MA..." Taking place this year at Arts at the Armory over three days, the festival skews a bit heavier than what we normally cover, but it does include some favorites like Big Brave, Stephen Brodsky and Adam McGrath of Cave-In, Circus Trees, Oahk, and many more. Not everyone is going to want to spend one of the last weekends of summer indoors listening to heavy, gloomy music, but if you do, Somergloom will be the highlight of your summer!
Arcadia Folk Festival
August 24
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton, MA
As much as I love the folk venues in and around the area, there's just something about watching folk artists outdoors that just works. Arcadia Folk Festival is put together by Signature Sounds and Mass Audubon Society and puts on a concert inside the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. The location alone makes this a can't miss event, and this year's bands make it even more impossible to miss! This year features Sarah Jarosz, The Felice Brothers, Amythyst Kiah, Heather Maloney, Alisa Amador, and, if that wasn't enough, more to be announced! This is a festival I've been dying to attend every year it's been put on, and hopefully this sixth edition will finally be the year!
https://www.arcadiafolkfest.com/
Rhythm & Roots
August 30-September 1
Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI
Rhythm and Roots caught my attention a few years back (ok, maybe ten or more) with a great line up, but I wasn't able to make it. I've been following them ever since, but, as with many roots/folk based festivals, it seemed to skew a little older. 2024 seems to be the year they're breaking that, or I've just aged into their demographic. This year's line up is fantastic, with Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show, Drive-By Truckers, Rebirth Brass Band, GA-20, and many more! The festival takes place at the gorgeous Ninigret Park on a field next to a pond, right near the ocean. And if you need a break from the music, you can always wander through the woods to find the two troll sculptures created by Thomas Dambo that are new this year!
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