The countdown is officially on — just one month stands between Boston and one of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations: BAMS Festival 2025.
Returning to Playstead Field at Franklin Park on June 28, this year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more electrifying than before. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve caught wind of the nonstop promos and hype — and for good reason. BAMS Fest is more than a festival; it’s a full-on experience rooted in the power, presence, and artistry of Black and Brown creatives.
Whether you’re showing up for the music, the food, the fashion, or the pure community energy, BAMS Festival has something for everyone. The 2025 lineup is a dynamic fusion of legendary icons and local heavy-hitters, kicking off with Grammy-winning R&B queen Lalah Hathaway, the long-awaited return of North Carolina’s hip-hop pioneers Little Brother, and the ever-charismatic Durand Bernarr, who’s been making waves with his genre-defying sound and unforgettable live performances.
But the spotlight doesn’t stop there. The festival is also serving hometown heat with acts like:
- Boston’s own house music legend DJ Bruno
- Spoken word powerhouse Amanda Shea
- Soulful jazz vocalist Jireh Calo
- Hip-hop staple Edo.G, repping the city with lyrical finesse
- R&B rising star Kasia Lavon
- Multidisciplinary artist Haasan Barclay
- Reggae crew Roots Alley Collective
- Youth dance collective The Peacekeepers
- Turntable maestros DJ WhySham and DJ Deaf Tunez
If you’re coming for more than just the beats (and you should be), BAMS has you covered with Vendor Village, curated by Black Owned Bos., where you can discover and support local Black-owned businesses. Soul Food Row will be dishing up a global palette of flavors, while Afro-diasporic dance classes at BeatFeet keep the rhythm flowing through every part of your body. And don’t miss KidChella, a creative space where young talent gets to shine on stage.
With one month left until showtime, now’s the moment to lock in your plans. Whether you’re a long-time BAMS loyalist or a first-timer looking to experience the culture, this isn’t just another festival, it’s a movement.
Grab your tickets, rally your crew, and get ready to turn Boston all the way up.
For full lineup, tickets, and schedule updates, visit bamsfest.org and follow @bamsfest on socials.
