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Boston's Morning Newsletter
What to know before you go to The WBUR Festival
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
The WBUR Festival is just a few days away. While we hustle behind-the-scenes to make sure all the details are just right, here's what you should know about the event (whether you have already booked your ticket or still need one).
What is The WBUR Festival? Running from May 29 to May 31, The WBUR Festival is our station's big 75th birthday celebration. The party will span Commonwealth Avenue, between Granby Street and Harry Agganis Way, with over 200 speakers across eight stages. Our keynote speakers include some names you'll likely recognize: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Kimberle Crenshaw, This American Life's Ira Glass, and "Barefoot Contessa" chef Ina Garten, to name a few. (See the full lineup here.)
- Our festival schedule is jam-packed with state leaders, authors, celebrities and artists — but let's be real, you can't be everywhere at once. To help, we compiled six itineraries based on interests that will give examples of how to personalize your days to get the most out of your festival experience.
- There's also a free, family-friendly street fair at the BU Beach on Saturday, with food trucks, a FOUND vintage market pop-up and musical performances.
- PSA: If you're coming to the party, you'll need to pick up your festival badge at the Howard Thurman Center at 808 Comm. Ave. before you get access to any of the fun. (It's between the Green Line's Amory Street and BU Central stations on the Green Line, if you're taking the T.) Seating at each session is first-come, first-serve — so if there's someone you really want to see, make sure you leave plenty of time to get your badge and get in line early.
- Download the WBUR Festival app (available on Google Play and the App Store) so you can seamlessly plan your day and know where things are at your fingertips. We'll also have plenty of maps and volunteers along the 0.6 mile stretch to help you find your way.
Getting around: Once you've picked up your badge, you will have to do some walking to get to the sessions. Shuttle buses will be available for attendees who have mobility issues; or if you just don't want to walk as much, the Green Line runs the length of the festival grounds.
Driving in? We suggest parking in the Agganis Arena parking garage at 925 Comm. Ave. It'll be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- PSA: On Friday evening and all day Saturday, there will be major slowdowns on the Mass. Pike /I-90 due to bridge work. The highway will be narrowed to one lane in each direction between exit 123 and 125 in Newton and Weston by the I-95 interchange. Additionally, service on the Worcester commuter rail line will be partially suspended and replaced by shuttles. So give yourself plenty of time to get in, and check your mapping apps before you head out.
Do you support WBUR? Donating members have a special space to take a pit stop and enjoy complimentary refreshments during their festival downtime. The VIP Lounge is inside the Howard Thurman Center.
- There will also be a public WBUR Festival Auction to raise critical funds that will help support WBUR all year. That kicks off tomorrow at 10 a.m. Be sure to place your bids (the lowest item beginning at $125) before Saturday at 6 p.m., when the auction closes.
What should I wear? A very important question! Weather in Boston has been a bit unpredictable this spring, so come prepared. The festival — and Saturday's street fair — will happen rain or shine. We suggest bringing waterproof shoes and packing an umbrella or coat, and wearing light layers in case we get a dose of summer heat.
Can I still buy tickets? Yes, you can. Check out all your options here.
P.S.— While those VIP guests are cool, here's the really exciting news. The newsletter team — that's me, Nik DeCosta-Klipa and Meagan McGinnes-Bessey — will be having a happy hour with Grist at the festival's Howard Thurman Center at 5 p.m. on Friday. (Yes, there will be complimentary drinks.) You've also got another chance to meet some reporters from our local newsroom (and score free swag) at the street fair from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. We hope to see you there!
Update: Since the publication of this piece, a few of The WBUR Festival's previously mentioned guests needed to cancel for unforeseen circumstances, including Leslie Odom Jr.
