The WBUR Festival

Imagine if The New Yorker Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival had a baby — one with a Boston accent and Big Papi’s swagger. That’s The WBUR Festival, coming in 2025. We’re celebrating WBUR's 75th birthday with a big bash for the city we love. And we hope you'll join us.

Our three-day lineup, May 29 - 31, 2025, will be a convergence of fascinating people grappling with the most consequential issues of our time. The biggest speakers, the most captivating conversations, musical performances, multiple stages, memorable food and a lively street scene. A definitive experience curated by WBUR’s award-winning journalists. It will be serious stuff, and wicked fun, too.

**Are you a WBUR Member or a Boston University student? Members and BU students receive special discounts and promotions at The WBUR Festival. You can sign up to be a member . Please enter the code sent to you via email at checkout to receive these benefits. Didn't receive a code? Email ZmVzdGl2YWwgfCB3YnVyICEgb3Jn.

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025

5:00 PM - Perfect Pairings with chef Eric Ripert and conductor of the Boston Pops, Keith Lockhart at The Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences (separate ticket required)

7:30 PM - Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! at The Boch Center - Wang Theatre

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FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Festival programming across the Boston University campus.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The WBUR Anniversary Bash - Celebrating 75 years of Life Out Loud at The Boston University FitRec Center.

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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025

10:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Festival programming across the Boston University campus.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

KidStage programming featuring Circle Round at The George Sherman Union on the Boston university campus.

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VIP ($500)

Includes:

• Front orchestra ticket to Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
• Friday and Saturday festival sessions and events
• Fast-pass line access
• Priority seating in keynote venues
• Access to the VIP Lounge
• VIP-only swag bag and merchandise

PREMIUM PASS ($300)

Includes:

• Rear orchester ticket to Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
• Friday and Saturday festival sessions and events

TWO DAY PASS ($250)

Includes:

• Access to Friday and Saturday festival sessions and events

SINGLE DAY PASS (FRIDAY OR SATURDAY, $150)

Includes:

• Access to festival sessions and events on chosen day

KIDSTAGE PASS ($30*)

Includes:

• Access to all KidStage programming on Saturday, May 31. Does not include any additional festival activities or events.

STUDENTS ($25)

Includes:

• Access to Friday and Saturday sessions and events

PERFECT PAIRINGS WITH ERIC RIPERT AND KEITH LOCKHART ($50)

Includes:

• Access to the Thursday evening event with chef Eric Ripert and conductor of the Boston Pops, Keith Lockhart.

THE WBUR ANNIVERSARY BASH ($1,000)

Includes:

• Access to the The WBUR Anniversary Bash - Celebrating 75 Years of Life Out Loud. Our annual fundraising event for WBUR.

$125 - Rear Orchestra

$75 - Mezzanine

$55 - Lower Balcony

$35 - Upper balcony

Also check out other Festivals in Boston, Music events in Boston.