Article Contributed by CK Communications Group
Published on January 29, 2026
The Town and The City Festival Announces Line-Up
Every spring, Lowell, Massachusetts turns into a venue-hopping mixtape—music spilling out of clubs, theaters, cafés, and art spaces as the city celebrates its own creative heartbeat. That spirit returns in full force when The Town and The City Festival (TACF) comes back for its 7th edition, running April 30–May 2, 2026 across downtown Lowell.
Known as a multi-day celebration of music and art inspired by Lowell native Jack Kerouac and the adventurous legacy of the Beat Generation, the 2026 festival will present more than 50 musical acts, plus comedy sets and a literary moment: a reading by Chris Wrenn from his new book Fenway Punk: How a Boston Indie Label Scored Big on Baseball’s Greatest Rivalry.
The 2026 lineup blends nationally acclaimed artists with regional favorites, including John Doe (from X) & David Lowery (Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven), folk-rock mainstays The Felice Brothers, and two of Boston’s most enduring voices—Tanya Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses) and Chris Brokaw (Come, Codeine, The Lemonheads)—who will debut a bold new project. Also on the bill are indie rockers Vundabar, alt-emo band Future Teens, and GA-20, who bring their signature Chicago blues energy to the Mill City.
Additional highlights include Copilot (described as a “dynamically fun rock/pop band”); Jon Langford & Friends led by a founding member of both The Mekons and The Waco Brothers; Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn; singer-songwriter Kris Delmhorst; country/blues artist Cristina Vane; and the indie folk/pop trio The Wolff Sisters, further cementing TACF’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, The Ghouls (performing Black Sabbath), Burp. (performing The Beatles), The Deliriants, Western Education, Toluca Lake, Tysk Tysk Tysk, Dee Tension & The Secrets, Dom the Composer, Stay at Home Dads, Other Brother Darryl, The Evolutionists, 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. Wrenn—also a member of the Boston hardcore punk scene—will read from Fenway Punk, adding a literary edge to a weekend already built on discovery.
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 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.
Multi-day passes are on sale now for $65, with single-day passes expected to be available later in February. For tickets and updates, visit the official festival site or purchase passes directly via the ticketing page below.
Tickets: Multi-Day Passes (Etix)
Festival Info: thetownandthecityfestival.com
Keep up to date on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/thetownandthecityfestival
Twitter/X: @townandcityfest
Instagram: @thetownandthecityfestival
