Arts & Entertainment
The Town and the City Festival Returns to Lowell April 30–May 2 With 50+ Acts
Three-day, multi-venue event inspired by Jack Kerouac will feature music, comedy, and a literary reading
More than 50 musical acts, along with comedy and spoken word, will take center stage when The Town and the City Festival returns to downtown Lowell for its seventh year, April 30 through May 2.
The annual festival, inspired by Lowell native and Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac, will feature 19 shows across multiple venues, creating a citywide celebration of music, literature, and the arts. Tickets are on sale now.
Festival founder Chris Porter said the event highlights both local talent and nationally recognized performers.
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“The Town and The City Festival is one of my favorite ways to showcase everything that makes my hometown of Lowell such a vibrant, creative place,” Porter said. “It’s a festival where music fans can hear incredible local and regional talent alongside some great national acts. The energy of moving from venue to venue—hearing new voices, meeting new people—really reflects the spirit of Lowell and the legacy of Jack Kerouac.”
Opening Night at Taffeta Music Hall
The festival kicks off Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Taffeta Music Hall with a headlining performance by Boston alt-emo band Future Teens. They’ll be joined by Lowell rock band Western Education and Toluca Lake.
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Full Weekend of Music Across Downtown
Music continues Friday night at venues throughout downtown Lowell.
At Merrimack Repertory Theatre, John Doe of the band X and David Lowery of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven will headline, with Kris Delmhorst opening.
Other Friday highlights include:
- Retro-glam band JVK at The Worthen
- Blues trio GA-20 and The Felice Brothers at Tescobar
- The Wolff Sisters and Other Brother Darryl at Warp & Weft
- R&B artists Ava Sophia and The Evolutionists at The Last Safe & Deposit
Free Shows, Comedy, and Literary Events on Saturday
Saturday’s schedule begins with free afternoon shows, including performances at Brew’d Awakening and an outdoor concert on the Bicentennial Stage featuring Copilot and Vundabar.
LaLa Books will host author Chris Wrenn reading from his new book Fenway Punk, followed by a performance from singer-songwriter Grace Givertz.
Comedy fans can head to Cobblestones, where Tony V. will headline a lineup hosted by Kristen O’Brien.
Saturday night also features performances by:
- Tanya Donelly and Chris Brokaw at Merrimack Repertory Theatre
- Indie rock band Megan From Work at The Old Court
- Jon Langford and Friends at Warp & Weft
Celebrating Lowell’s Creative Spirit
The Town and the City Festival is designed as a “venue-hopping” experience, encouraging attendees to explore Lowell’s vibrant arts scene while discovering new artists.
The festival is produced by Porter Productions and the Jack Kerouac Foundation, with support from state and local cultural organizations.
Ticket Information
The Town and the City Festival runs Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2, at venues throughout downtown Lowell.
Tickets and a full schedule are available at TheTownandtheCityFestival.com.
