About this Event
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 [email protected].
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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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FESTIVAL TICKETS
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.
*Ticket price is per person, children under 2 are free.
STUDENTS ($25)
Includes:
- Access to Friday and Saturday sessions and events
ADD ON TICKETS
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.
WAIT WAIT...DON'T TELL ME TICKETS*
$125 - Rear Orchestra
$75 - Mezzanine
$55 - Lower Balcony
$35 - Upper balcony
*Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me single tickets do not include any additional festival activities.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Boston University, Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, United States
USD 32.25 to USD 1000.00
