Tunes on the Charles
Traditional Irish Music Festival
An Authentic Irish Celebration in the Heart of Greater Boston
Thursday, April 22, 2027 – Sunday, April 25, 2027
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Concerts
Curated by the Irish Traditional Music Archive, we’ll be presenting some of the best Irish musicians in Ireland and America.
Classes
Saturday morning will offer the opportunity to learn from some of Ireland’s finest musicians at various venues in Porter Square with additional kids and young adult programming to follow.
Craic
Entertainment, friendship, and a bit of fun — expect to leave with plenty of new tunes and friends. Impossible to define, impossible to miss.
Tunes On The Charles
About the festival
We look forward to welcoming you to Greater Boston for Tunes on the Charles! This is the closest festival in America to what you might find in Ireland — focused on great music, new friends, and great times.
Boston has been home to great Irish traditional music for centuries, and the current state of music here is stronger than ever.
Please explore our website to learn more about our festival, and we can’t way to see you here in Boston in April.
Tunes On The Charles
Festival Schedule
Three days packed with music, dancing, workshops, and Irish cultural activities for all ages.
Tunes On The Charles
Tickets
Your ticket to music, dancing, workshops, and Irish cultural activities for all ages.
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Tunes On The Charles
Festival Workshops
Discover new skills and deepen your connection to Irish musical heritage.
No workshops found.
Tunes On The Charles
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover new skills and deepen your connection to Irish musical heritage.
What is Tunes on the Charles?
Tunes on the Charles is a four-day celebration of Boston’s thriving Traditional Irish music and dance community, featuring leading artists from Ireland alongside some of the region’s most respected local musicians. Events will take place across the Cambridge/Somerville corridor — from Inman Square to Porter Square to Davis Square — highlighting the venues and neighborhoods that have become central to Irish music in Greater Boston.
What is a Session and what is the Session Trail?
An Irish traditional music session is an informal gathering of musicians who come together to play traditional tunes—most often in a pub or community setting. Rather than being a formal performance, a session is a shared musical experience where player create a lively and spontaneous atmosphere that welcomes both musicians and listeners.
Our session trail runs from Inman Sq, up through Porter Sq, and into Davis Sq where some of Bostons best loved Irish music pubs are situated and will host sessions all weekend. Sessions are free and open to the public. Come out, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a pint with some Boston and Ireland’s finest traditional artists.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Our Session Trail events are free and open to the public, but advance booking is recommended for concerts, recitals, and ceílí as spaces are limited and some events may sell out.
How do I sign up for workshops?
You can sign up for workshops using the links above and early registration is recommended. Limited spaces maybe available on the day, but we cannot guarantee that all classes will be able to accommodate same-day sign up. We encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment.
What level are the instrument and dance workshops?
Workshops are designed for varying skill levels. When signing up for workshops you should indicate whether you are at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level of proficiency.
Do I need a partner for dance workshops?
No partner is required. Participants rotate and work in groups during dance sessions.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Yes, Tunes on the Charles welcomes music and dance lovers of all ages.
How do I get there?
Getting around is easy!
Festival venues are located along the Cambridge–Somerville corridor and are well served by the MBTA Red Line, with nearby stops at Central Square (a short walk to The Druid, The Síbín, and The Lilypad), Porter Square (where you’ll find McCarthy’s Bar, the Masonic Hall, and workshop venues), and Davis Square (for The Burren Bar and The Somerville Theatre)—all just a short walk from the events.
If you’re driving, please note that parking in these neighborhoods can be limited, especially in the evenings, so we encourage visitors to use public transit or rideshare where possible and enjoy the stroll between venues.
How can I support the festival?
You can support Tunes on the Charles by attending events, spreading the word, or making a donation through the Donations section of the website.
Tunes On The Charles
Donations
Support the music, the makers, and the community that brings Tunes on the Charles to life.
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