This past Saturday (August 19) may have marked the summer’s umpteenth overcast day, but even the ashen clouds drifting over In Between Days couldn’t diminish the indie festival’s apparent glow-up.
With an additional day, a much-needed second stage, expanded food and beverage options, and a funky flea market, the Quincy music festival demonstrated a steroidal growth spurt this weekend at Veterans Memorial Stadium, attracting approximately 9,000 visitors over Saturday and Sunday. After a modest debut last summer, In Between Days’ second edition seemed like a display of determination from a fledgling fest pining to not fall between the cracks of New Englanders’ summer vacation plans.
In an effort to broaden the weekend’s experience, it seems as though In Between Days organizers made a list of everything festivalgoers could reasonably ask for, and then promptly delivered — all without expanding the festival’s square footage.
The fest’s new layout optimized the football field and surrounding areas at Veterans Memorial Stadium, most notably with a second stage that occupied last’s year VIP section. The new Arbella Stage — located perpendicular to the main stage — allowed for seamless transitions between artists without any overlap in performances. Saturday’s sets were reminiscent to twisting a radio dial, pivoting between Blitzen Trapper’s keyboard-laced folk, over to the swear-y, searing rock of Portland, Maine’s Weakened Friends, and later to Sunny Day Real Estate’s classic emo.
The efficient setup helped the festival squeeze in more performances per day, and local bands reaped the rewards of the newfound space on the schedule. The weekend offered a thorough sampling of sounds from across the Northeast, spanning Boston artists (Mint Green, Sweet Petunia, Dutch Tulips, and Paper Tigers, to name a few) and homegrown acts who have since moved to New York (Carissa Johnson and Slothrust).
The less obvious additions, however, were no less impactful. Well-curated lineups can bring in thousands of fans, but the bonus cultural experiences bring them in early. By 3 p.m. on Saturday, a healthy amount of guests were already on site, exploring the new offerings inside tents and food trucks that dotted the perimeter of the park. Attendees could clutch a garlic mayo lobster roll in one hand and a pair of vintage denim in the other, as they sauntered between food vendors that have become fest favorites around Boston — looking at you, The Chubby Chickpea — and a sizable vintage and handmade market that was actually worth a deep browse. (How many festivals have tried to pass off old clothes and some candles stacked atop a few wobbly card tables as a “marketplace?”)
Other bonus features felt tailored to In Between Days’ idea of the perfect laid-back summer day. A free retro arcade, courtesy of Salem’s Bit Bar, returned with a crowd-pleasing selection of classic games like Ms. Pac Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga. A simple but well-sized shade tent offered cover between the marketplace and the stages (we could throw some shade ourselves about how many festivals reserve shade for VIP ticketholders, but we will politely refrain). In an inclusive move, In Between Days also coordinated with non-profit 1 Million Strong to create a “sober-supportive sanctuary” tent.
“We are crafting experiences that are meaningful for our fans, and cultivating spaces where everyone can enjoy themselves on equal terms,” shared Heritage Sports Ventures CEO and In Between Days founder Alex Magleby. “The goal is for everyone to be able to enjoy the festival in their own way. In Between Days is committed to offering a fan-first experience for everyone who attends the festival.”
With all these factors in full view from the bleachers at Veterans Memorial Stadium, last year’s one-day, eight-band inaugural edition felt like another festival entirely.
Even Isaac Brock, who headlined on Saturday night with his group Modest Mouse, couldn’t help but share some praise during one of his mid-set rambles (“it’s kind of my specialty,” he touted). Brock lauded “this fuckin’ fest,” admitting that the quality of the preceding acts prevented him from tuning out backstage, as he claims he does at most festivals. (Preceding band The Beths apparently made quite the impression, although Brock didn’t know their name onstage during Modest Mouse’s set; Shazam doesn’t work on live music, he justified).
When the playfully crass remarks ended, his praises didn’t. Somewhere between “Dramamine” and “Dashboard,” Brock summed Saturday up quite well: “This is a nice, nice day you guys got here.”
