THE TOWN AND THE CITY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
LINE-UP FOR MULTI-VENUE MUSIC FEST
IN DOWNTOWN LOWELL MA APRIL 30-MAY 2
(Lowell, MA – January 29, 2025) The Town and The City Festival (TACF), Lowell MA’s beloved multi-day celebration of music and art returns for its 7th edition April 30-May 2 across venues throughout the city. The 2026 festival will present more than 50 musical acts, along with comedy and a reading by Chris Wrenn from his book Fenway Punk. Multi-day passes are on sale now at TheTownandtheCityFestival.
The 2026 lineup brings an eclectic mix of nationally acclaimed artists and regional favorites including John Doe(from X) & David Lowery (from Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven); folk-rockers The Felice Brothers; and two of Boston’s most influential and enduring voices-Tanya Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses) and Chris Brokaw (Come, Codeine, The Lemonheads) who will debut their bold new project. Also performing are indie rockers Vundabar; alt-emo band Future Teens; and GA-20, named after the guitar amplifier manufactured by Gibson from 1950 to 1961, who will bring their signature Chicago blues to the Mill City.
Additional highlights include Copilot (described as a “dynamically fun rock/pop band”); Jon Langford & Friends led by founding member of both The Mekons and The Waco Brothers bring their alt-country sound; Dream Syndicate front-man Steve Wynn; singer-songwriter Kris Delmhorst; country/blues artist Cristina Vane; and the indie folk/pop trio The Wolff Sisters cementing The Town and The City Festival’s reputation as one of Massachusetts’ premier music events.
“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,” said Chris Porter, Festival Producer. “Each year we bring in some nationally touring artists while keeping a focus on the performances by incredible local and regional talent. 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.”
Also appearing on the 2026 Town and City Festival line-up are: JVK, Megan From Work, Jen Kearney,The Ghouls (performing Black Sabbath); Burp. (performing The Beatles), The Deliriants, Western Education, Toluca Lake, Tysk Tysk Tysk, D-Tension & The Secrets, Dom the Composer, Stay at Home Dads, Other Brother Darryl, The Evolutionists, Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, Abby Moskow, Nigel Wearne, Poorhouse Records Allstars, Dead Vapor, Mike’s Carwash, Tell, Grace Givertz, Sinnet, Joshua Theodore, Krixus, Losing Side, Phantom Ocean, Weatherman, Ron’s Car, Charming Arson, The Darlin’, Make it So, Josh McKelvie, Ruby Red, Beagle Dog, Marcy the Baptist, Your Friends, Jazz Criminals, Everly Estelle, and Ava Sophia.
In addition to the music, the festival will feature comedy performances by Tony V, Kristin O’Brien, Jen Howell, Jacques Lambert, and James Hamilton. Author Chris Wrenn, a member of the Boston hardcore punk scene, will also do a reading from his new book Fenway Punk: How a Boston Indie Label Scored Big on Baseball’s Greatest Rivalry.
Inspired by the adventurous spirit of Lowell native Jack Kerouac, this annual spring celebration pays homage to the iconic Beat Generation writer with an eclectic mix of music, comedy, and literary arts. Praised by audiences for its thoughtfully curated blend of local and national performers, The Town and The City is designed as a venue-hopping festival, allowing attendees to explore multiple shows each night.
The Town & The City Festival takes place at more than a dozen venues throughout downtown Lowell, including Taffeta (at Western Ave. Studios), Tescobar, Warp & Weft, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The Old Court, Thirsty First , The Worthen Cafe, Smokehouse Tavern, Lala Books, Brew’d Awakening, Cobblestones, and The Lass Stop.
The Town and the City Festival is produced by Porter Productions and the Jack Kerouac Foundation with support from the Revolutionary Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, and the Lowell Cultural Council.
The Town and the City Festival will take place Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at venues across Downtown Lowell. Multi-day passes are on sale now for $65 at TheTownandtheCityFestival. Single Day passes will be available later in February. More information can be found at TheTownandtheCityFestival.
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