Upcoming event
Tunes on the Charles — Traditional Irish Music Festival 2027
April 22, 2027
Updated
Cambridge and Somerville, Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Tunes on the Charles returns Thursday, April 22 through Sunday, April 25, 2027, for a celebration of traditional Irish music in Greater Boston.
Concerts
Curated by the Irish Traditional Music Archive, the concert programme brings together leading Irish musicians from Ireland and America.
Classes
Saturday morning offers the opportunity to learn from Irish musicians at venues in Porter Square, with additional programming for children and young adults to follow. Consult the festival website for class details and registration as they become available.
Locations and planning your visit
The festival takes place across the Cambridge–Somerville corridor, including the Inman Square, Porter Square and Davis Square areas. Check the official schedule for each event’s venue and time.
Official festival website, schedule and booking information.
Contact
- Email: admin@crirish.org
- Phone: (617) 678-3637
Dates and programme summary checked against the official website on October 21, 2026. Individual prices, performers and session times are not specified here pending the detailed programme.
Craic and the Session Trail
Music, friendship and informal gatherings are central to Tunes on the Charles. The festival brings artists from Ireland together with Greater Boston’s local traditional music and dance community, with opportunities to share tunes and meet other musicians.
Session Trail events are free and open to the public. Advance booking is recommended for concerts, recitals and ceílí, where space is limited and individual events may sell out. Check the organiser’s current programme for booking information.
Getting around
Festival venues run along the Cambridge–Somerville corridor, from Inman Square through Porter Square to Davis Square. The MBTA Red Line provides useful access:
- Central Square: a walk to The Druid, The Síbín and The Lilypad.
- Porter Square: McCarthy’s Bar, the Masonic Hall and workshop venues.
- Davis Square: The Burren and Somerville Theatre.
Parking can be limited, particularly in the evening. Public transit or rideshare can make travelling between venues easier.
Tunes on the Charles on Facebook.
Historical festival posters — 2026
These posters document the previous April 30–May 3, 2026 festival. The May 2 open-session time and the programme shown are historical and are not the April 22–25, 2027 schedule.
