Tufts Blogs

Boston is home to a vibrant and up-and-coming music scene, and Tufts is located just miles away from some of the best and biggest venues in the city. You’ll always be able to find last minute tickets for shows in and around the Green Line on any given night. Here are some of my favorite venues that you need to check out during your time at Tufts!

Deep Cuts (0.6 mi)
Deep Cuts is a brand new brewery, eatery, and music venue in downtown Medford Square. With an intimate capacity of 240 and tickets under $20, Deep Cuts attracts everyone from Tufts students to longtime musicophiles. They’re home to killer sandwiches and an even better atmosphere, and the 15 minute walk from campus can’t be beat.

Crystal Ballroom (0.7 mi)
Chances are that you’ve passed by the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square hundreds of times without knowing the history of this unassuming building. In 2021, the Crystal Ballroom was restored to its former glory, and the Somerville Theatre began offering live shows once again with a capacity of 500. From a range of local artists, the Crystal Ballroom may just be the place you find your next favorite band!

The Sinclair (2.5 mi)
Located in Harvard Square only a few stops away on the Red Line, the Sinclair is the perfect sized music hall with an intimate and lively atmosphere. With a capacity of 525 plus an adjoining restaurant, this hall is the perfect place to find alternative and indie bands almost every night of the week.

Brighton Music Hall in Allston (4.3 mi)
Brighton Music Hall is by far my favorite venue in Boston! Even with a standing-room-only capacity of 500, the energy is high and the scene is vibrant. Ticket prices are cheap and easy to get at the last minute for their range of indie, alternative, and local bands. Any performance at Brighton Music Hall will leave you cheering for an encore!

TD Garden (4.4 mi)
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic Boston venues, TD Garden is a multi-purpose arena that hosts some of your favorite sports teams and favorite artists alike! When the Bruins and Celtics aren’t playing, the Garden is turned into an epic music venue with a capacity of 19,580. Located in the West End, the Garden is an easy 20 minute ride on the Green Line from Tufts to North Station.

Big Night Live (4.4. mi)
Located right below the TD Garden, Big Night Live offers intimate performances with stadium-level energy. With an eclectic line up ranging from rock bands to Taylor Swift Dance Parties, Big Night Live always has tons of affordable tickets for a fun night out.

Roadrunner (4.5 mi)
You can count on camping outside for hours at the Roadrunner in Allston-Brighton if you want a front row seat. With a capacity of over 3,500, the Roadrunner hosts all types of bands from headlining national acts to up and coming local artists. More so, Boston Landing is home to tons of great restaurants to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. The Roadrunner—its name inspired by a The Modern Lovers’ song about Massachusetts—is a must on your Boston bucket list.

Paradise Rock Club (4.7 mi)
The Paradise Rock Club undeniably does its name justice. Situated on the periphery of the Boston University campus, this venue is the hub of the college music scene. The Paradise Rock Club guarantees a lively and dynamic atmosphere for not so expensive tickets. With a 933 capacity, you can always count on finding great shows from national touring acts to local alt. rock bands.

MGM Music Hall at Fenway (5.1 mi)
A quick trip on the green line will take you to MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park. With a capacity of over 5,000 and two balconies, MGM hosts artists of every kind. And as one of the newest state-of-the-art music venues in Boston, you are guaranteed to have an amazing and electric experience!

House of Blues (5.2 mi)
Across from the iconic Fenway Park, the House of Blues is home to a unique atmosphere and a rich history. The House of Blues franchise was founded in Harvard Square in the early 90’s and now owns 11 concert halls across the U.S.. The current Boston venue (which is located in Kenmore Square) seats 2,000 guests across the floor, mezzanine, balcony, and assigned box seating. Nonetheless, all tickets offer an amazing view and immersive experience.

Leader Bank Pavilion (6.0 mi)
From May until October, you can enjoy dinner and live music at the Leader Bank Pavilion in the Sea Port. This outdoor amphitheater holds 5,000 seats and hosts artists ranging from country, rock, pop, and every genre in between. My favorite part of the Pavilion is the long line of local food vendors where you can pick up burgers, pizza, or Ben and Jerry’s ice cream before the show!

Photo Credit: Teagan Mustone, Steve Lacy at the Roadrunner in October 2022