When’s the last time you saw a piece of news and said to yourself, “nice!” Was it when NICE, a fest announced its 2024 lineup?
Billed as “New England’s local music discovery festival,” the annual Somerville event took a break in 2025, but returns to Davis Square this summer, boasting its usual super-buffet of 70-plus regional performers. Crystal Ballroom, the Rockwell, and Dragon’s Lair will host the multi-venue affair, which is slated for Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. But this year’s edition comes with a twist.
“All artists on all past NICE, a fest lineups have been local to Boston or have ties to the area,” the festival’s website states. “In 2026, the lineup is expanding to include artists from all six New England states. No headliners, just 3 jam-packed days of the best of the best local indie music that we think you need to hear.”
Even the flyer is “in alphabetical order so acts of all sizes are highlighted equally and given the spotlight they all deserve, cause we’re NICE like that,” reads an Instagram announcement.
Included in this year’s pool of New England rock acts — such as Vermont’s fuzzy ‘n’ eclectic outfit Dari Bay, Providence punks Downtown Boys, and Portland folk-rock project Dead Gowns (pictured above) — are pops of hip-hop, such as Malik Elijah and Dimitri Onnix (fka WHYTRI). A few special occasions are also on deck, including “the return of” beloved Boston alternative band Krill, an EP release set from Mallcops, and Dot Dev (fka pink Navel) performing with a full band.
Three-day passes are on sale now for $92; check out the full lineup below.