This fest took a year off and is coming back in July with an interesting new format of no headliners giving all bands equal billing. 3 stages and 70+ bands this year in Somerville, MA (accessible from Boston by transit). Although some are bit more established than others - Downtown Boys has been around for like 10+ years and just did KEXP after getting signed to Sub Pop. Black Beach and Pinklids both recently opened for Jack White. Last time the fest ran in 2024 featured some really great acts like Palehound, Vudabar, and Model/Actriz who have Boston roots but have since moved away. Speedy Ortiz also played the fest back in 2022. The fest has pretty much always been more about discovering the up and comers and this feels like a move back to its roots which is kinda: nice? If you’re in the Boston area definitely worth checking out.
Source: https://www.niceafest.com/