The WBUR Festival is a celebration of ideas, stories, culture and conversation, bringing together some of the most interesting voices in journalism, arts, food, science, politics and beyond. Join us for live conversations, performances, interactive experiences, food, and plenty of opportunities to connect with your community.

The WBUR Festival takes place on Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, 2027 on the Boston University campus, 808 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215.

The Festival takes place across the Boston University campus and is easily accessible by public transportation, bike, car and rideshare. We strongly encourage taking public transportation when possible, as parking in the area is limited.

By public transportation: Take the MBTA Green Line, B line, to the Amory stop.

By car:

From the west: Take I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike East and follow signs for Boston. Take Exit 18 (Brighton/Cambridge) and follow signs toward Cambridge. Continue toward Boston University and Commonwealth Avenue.

From the north: Take I-93 South toward Boston and follow signs for Storrow Drive. Take the Boston University/Kenmore Square exit and follow signs toward Commonwealth Avenue. Continue west on Commonwealth Avenue to 808 Commonwealth Avenue.

From the south: Take I-93 North toward Boston and follow signs for Storrow Drive. Take the Kenmore Square/Boston University exit, then follow Commonwealth Avenue west toward 808 Commonwealth Avenue.

From downtown Boston: Take Storrow Drive west and exit toward Boston University/Commonwealth Avenue. Follow Commonwealth Avenue west toward 808 Commonwealth Avenue.

By rideshare: Request to be dropped off at 808 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215

Paid parking is available at the Agannis Street Garage. Please route yourself to 925 Commonwealth Ave, the parking garage is located behind the arena on Harry Agganis Way.

All Festival attendees must check in at the HUB and receive their badge before attending any Festival sessions or events. The HUB is located at Howard Thurman Center, 808 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215

For the safety and comfort of all attendees, certain items are not permitted on festival grounds. Please leave the following at home:

• Luggage, and duffel bags (max bag size of 22 × 14 × 9 inches)
• Weapons of any kind
• Outside alcohol
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Glass containers
• Drones or other unmanned aircraft
• Professional photography or recording equipment without prior approval
• Signs, banners, posters or other displays
• Flyers, handouts or promotional materials for distribution
• Solicitation or commercial activity of any kind, including promoting a business, organization, product, service or event, without prior approval from the festival
• Items or activities that could disrupt a session or pose a safety risk

All bags and personal belongings will be subject to security screening upon entry to each Festival venue. Festival staff and security reserve the right to refuse entry to any item deemed unsafe or inappropriate.

For everyone's safety and to help us move people through the festival efficiently, luggage and duffel bags are not permitted at the Festival. Small personal bags, backpacks, totes, purses and other compact bags are permitted, subject to security screening. The maximum bag size allowed is 22 × 14 × 9 inches.

No, all sessions are first come, first served for ticketed attendees.

If a session reaches capacity, entry may be limited. We recommend arriving early for sessions that you just can’t miss.

Yes, WBUR is committed to making the Festival accessible to everyone. All festival venues are wheelchair accessible and pedicabs and shuttles are available for all. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact festival@wbur.org before the festival; inquiries sent after March 1 are subject to availability.

Come comfortable! The festival takes place across multiple venues, so you will be walking outside between locations. Check the weather before you arrive and dress accordingly.

The WBUR Festival is a rain or shine event. In the event of anticipated severe weather the festival will communicate any schedule adjustments via stage announcements, the Festival app and WBUR’s social media accounts.

Absolutely! We’re always looking for fresh ideas, interesting conversations and people with something compelling to say. You can submit an idea for a session, event, speaker, performance or other festival experience through our Festival Pitch Form.

Note: We receive many pitches and may not be able to respond to every submission. Submitting an idea does not guarantee that it will be included in the festival. Our programming team will reach out if we'd like to learn more.

Yes! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the WBUR Festival happen. Volunteers play an important role in welcoming attendees, helping guests find their way, supporting festival venues and keeping the day running smoothly.

Volunteer shifts are available throughout the festival, and volunteers are able to attend all general admission Festival events outside of their volunteer hours.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here.

Yes! Whether you’re interested in sponsoring the festival, becoming a vendor or creating an on-site experience for attendees, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your organization or business here and a member of the team will be in touch.