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Tunes on the Charles

An Irish Traditional Music Festival in Boston.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026

Buy TicketsRegister For Classes

June 14-16, 2024

Three full days of music, dancing, and Irish culture along the Charles River.

Charles River Esplanade

Beautiful outdoor venue with stunning views of Boston’s skyline and river.

All Ages Welcome

Family-friendly event with activities for all ages and skill levels.

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 May.

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.

THURSDAY

APRIL 30
8:00 PM

Drawing From the Well Concert

THE SOMERVILLE THEATRE
Presented by the Irish Traditional Music Archive for the first time in the United States. Artists to be Announced.

FRIDAY

MAY 1
8:00 PM

Drawing From the Well Concert

VENUE TBA
Presented by the Irish Traditional Music Archive for the first time in the United States. Artists to be Announced.

SATURDAY

MAY 2
2:00 PM

Fiddle Recital

THE LILYPAD
Artists to be Announced.
7:00 PM

Traditional Irish Ceili

CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
1950 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA. Music by to be Announced.
10:30 PM

Trad Disco

UPSTAIRS AT MCCARTHY'S PUB
Hosted by David Healy, the Gadget Player.

SUNDAY

MAY 3
2:00 PM

Flute Recital

THE LILYPAD
Artists to be Announced.
Tunes On The Charles

Festival Workshops

Discover new skills and deepen your
connection to Irish musical heritage.

INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY, MAY 2
10:00 AM

Button Accordion Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Banjo Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Beginner Fiddle Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Advanced Fiddle Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Advanced Tin Whistle Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Flute Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Uilleann Pipes Workshop

WITH TBA
10:00 AM

Concertina Workshop

WITH TBA

DANCE WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY, MAY 2
TBA

TBA Dancing Workshop

WITH JACKIE O'RILEY
TBA

TBA Dancing Workshop

WITH EDWINA GUCKIAN
TBA

TBA Dancing Workshop

WITH CAITLIN NIC GABHANN
TBA

Set Dancing Workshop

WITH TBA
Tunes On The Charles

Donations

Support the music, the makers, and the community
that brings Tunes on the Charles to life.

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 weekend celebration of traditional Irish music and dance, featuring live performances, instrument workshops, and community sessions across selected venues.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended as workshop spaces are limited and some events may sell out.

Are workshops included in my festival ticket?

Some workshops are included in your festival pass, while others require separate booking. Please check individual listings for details.

What level are the instrument workshops?

Workshops are designed for varying skill levels. Each session will indicate whether it is suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced musicians.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

Yes, participants should bring their own instrument unless otherwise stated in the workshop description.

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 lovers of all ages. However, some workshops may have age recommendations.

Will food and refreshments be available?

Yes, food and refreshments will be available at selected venues throughout the festival.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

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.

SOCIAL

INFORMATION

An Irish Traditional Music Festival in Boston.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026

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