The 12 best things to do in Greater Boston this weekend

This weekend brings a stellar mix of live music across genres—from punk and indie rock to jazz and drag cabaret—plus a couple of standout theater shows and some great daytime activities if you need a break from the venues.

RBThe Damned (18 and Over)Friday · 6:30 PM · Royale Boston · BostonThe Damned are punk legends, and they're bringing the Flamin Groovies and The Courettes for a full evening at Royale. If you grew up on UK punk or just want to catch some real rock history, this is your Friday night.CHRyan Beatty - Arms Over Armor North American Tour '26Friday · 7:00 PM · Citizens House of Blues Boston · BostonRyan Beatty's All Ages show at House of Blues on Friday includes doors at 7pm, so you can actually catch the full experience without staying out too late. His indie-pop sensibility has real depth.RJPEGMAFIA w/ redveilFriday · 8:00 PM · Roadrunner-Boston · BostonJPEGMAFIA brings experimental hip-hop and art-rap energy to Roadrunner on Friday night with redveil. This is the kind of show that sticks with you.TGOlivia Rodrigo: The Unraveled TourSaturday · 7:00 PM · TD Garden · BostonSlapshot is a Boston hardcore legend, and this all-ages afternoon show at Big Night Live on Saturday is a genuine piece of local music history. Doors at noon, show at 12:45pm.CHSylvan EssoSaturday · 7:00 PM · Citizens House of Blues Boston · BostonSylvan Esso brings intricate electronic pop and live musicianship to House of Blues on Saturday. They're all ages and the show runs 8pm, so you can do dinner and catch them comfortably.MMBECK: RIDE LONESOME TOURSaturday · 7:30 PM · MGM Music Hall at Fenway · BostonBeck's Ride Lonesome Tour rolls through MGM Music Hall on Saturday. His catalog spans decades and this is a major show—doors at 6:30pm.BMGilla Band (18+)Saturday · 7:00 PM · Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens · BostonGilla Band is an Irish post-punk outfit with real intensity. Saturday at Brighton Music Hall (18+, doors 7pm) for anyone looking for something raw and inventive.MEScreeching Weasel, The QueersSunday · 7:00 PM · Middle East - Downstairs · CambridgeScreeching Weasel and The Queers on Sunday at Middle East Downstairs is pure pop-punk nostalgia and genuine musicianship—a fun end to the weekend.BMLAUREN SANDERSON: COME SAY SUM TOURSunday · 7:00 PM · Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens · BostonLauren Sanderson's Come Say Sum Tour hits Brighton Music Hall on Sunday, all ages at 8pm. Her indie-rock sensibility and vocal presence make for a solid weekend closer.CPMason Daring & Jeanie StahlSunday · 7:00 PM · Club Passim · CambridgeMason Daring and Jeanie Stahl bring folk traditions and improvisation to Club Passim on Sunday night. A quieter, reflective way to end the weekend.PRKIDZ BOP Daytime Dance PartySaturday · 12:30 PM · Paradise Rock Club presented by Citizens · BostonKIDZ BOP's Daytime Dance Party at Paradise Rock Club on Saturday afternoon (doors 12:30pm, show 1pm) is all ages and actually fun—a solid option if you've got kids in tow.SASomerStreets: Monster MashSunday · 1:00 PM · Somerville Arts Council · SomervilleSomerStreets: Monster Mash transforms Somerville Avenue into a Halloween street party on Sunday afternoon (1–5pm). Family-friendly, free, and genuinely festive.

Looking for the current weekend? See what’s on in Greater Boston this weekend →