About this Event
Friday's lineup includes:
- Chef, author and founder of World Central Kitchen José Andrés
- Former Surgeon General of the U.S. Dr. Vivek Murthy
- “Bowling Alone” author and star of Netflix's "Join or Die” Robert Putnam
- NPR CEO Katherine Maher
- Former mayor of Chicago and former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel
- Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton
- Author and entrepreneur Ann Handley
- Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey
- Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
- Host of Serial’s new podcast, “The Idiot,” Pulitzer Prize winner M. Gessen
- Research chief for The Atlantic Yvonne Rolzhausen
- Plus, business leaders from Athletic Brewing Company, Duolingo and Jeni’s Ice Creams
Saturday's lineup includes:
- Emmy-winning and two-time Grammy-nominated actor and comedian David Cross
- Civil rights attorney and author of “Just Mercy” Bryan Stevenson
- Author of "Shrill" and "Adult Braces," comedian Lindy West
- Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power
- Author of “Little Fires Everywhere” Celeste Ng
- Founder of WNYC’s “Radiolab” Jad Abumrad
- CEO of the American Medical Association Dr. John Whyte
- Former Editor of The Washington Post and The Boston Globe Marty Baron
- The Onion head writer Mike Gillis
- Founder of The Korean Vegan Joanne Molinaro
- Golden Globe-nominated star of “Selma” and "Newborn" David Oyelowo
- The New York Times White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs
- Author and ornithologist Scott Weidensaul
- World leader in health policy and bioethics Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel
- Plus, live podcast tapings from “Life Kit” and “Is Business Broken?”
And of course, your favorite WBUR and NPR journalists, on both Friday and Saturday.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
Your ticket purchase is a direct investment in WBUR’s independent journalism.
VIP PASS
Includes: Access to all events, plus complimentary parking for two days — Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30; plus entry to the VIP lounge, where the food and drink will be flowing all day, early access and premium seating for keynote events. And exclusive VIP swag.
TWO-DAY PASS
Includes: Access to events on both Friday and Saturday.
ONE-DAY PASS
Includes: Access to events on either Friday or Saturday. You pick.
STUDENT PASS
Includes: Access to events on Friday and Saturday* with a student email address.
*Boston University students are eligible for free festival tickets with an RSVP and their BU email address (while supplies last). Learn more.
Included with all Festival tickets:
Access to The Hub where you can grab a limited-edition poster by Somerville artist James Weinberg, custom print a tote, charge your phone , and snag free food and drinks.
Plus, The WBUR Festival Street Fair is free and open to all on Saturday, May 30 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at BU Beach with music performances, dance lessons, FOUND vintage market, food trucks and a family friendly "Kids Zone."
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Boston University, Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, United States
USD 31.23 to USD 365.73












