News Summary
The OUTLOUD Music Festival made its debut at Suffolk Downs in Boston, celebrating LGBTQ+ artistry with performances from renowned artists like Kim Petras and Trixie Mattel. Founded in 2020, this festival aims to create inclusive spaces for the queer community while fostering a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and community engagement. The festival’s founder, Jeff Consoletti, highlights the importance of Boston as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ individuals, envisioning future expansions to further promote queer visibility.
Boston Hosts Inaugural OUTLOUD Music Festival
The OUTLOUD Music Festival debuted at Suffolk Downs in Boston on Saturday, June 21, marking the festival’s first edition on the East Coast. This event expands the festival’s reach, which originated in Los Angeles, aiming to amplify queer artistry through live performances.
Founded in 2020, the OUTLOUD Music Festival has gained recognition for its flagship event held during WeHo Pride in West Hollywood, California, occurring annually. The Boston iteration showcases a commitment to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, with performances from a star-studded lineup that included Grammy Award winner Kim Petras, who made history as the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy in a major category. Renowned drag icon Trixie Mattel also headlined the festival, delivering an exhilarating DJ set.
Additional performers featured at the festival included Flo Milli, Rebecca Black, G Flip, Frankie Grande, Oompa, Big Body Kweeng, Hannah Rad, and MATH3CA. With tickets starting at $69, the festival attracted a diverse crowd, eager to experience a full day of music, food, and community.
Community Engagement and Purpose
Jeff Consoletti, the festival’s founder, emphasized the event’s significance, showcasing his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and his ties to Boston. By selecting Massachusetts as the festival’s home, Consoletti highlighted the state’s rich legacy of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Boston’s declaration as a “sanctuary city” for transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals aligns closely with the festival’s mission of creating safe and inclusive spaces for community members.
The OUTLOUD Music Festival was designed to foster a celebratory atmosphere, complete with food and beverage offerings, craft cocktails, and beer gardens. Attendees enjoyed various photo opportunities, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion. The event was not just about entertainment; it also served as a platform to connect members of the LGBTQ+ community while emphasizing pride and visibility.
Future Aspirations for the Festival
Looking ahead, Consoletti envisions expanding the Boston edition of the OUTLOUD Music Festival, possibly developing it into a two-day event or introducing another stage. Plans for a touring show are also in the works. Such expansions aim to bring similar experiences to cities with less visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, helping spread inclusion and celebration of queer artistry beyond metropolitan areas.
The OUTLOUD Music Festival in Boston marks a significant step in bringing LGBTQ+ artistic expressions to new communities, reinforcing the importance of representation and celebration for all individuals in the queer community. As the festival grows, it seeks to continue its mission of inclusivity and empowerment through the power of music and live performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Hosts a Diverse Range of Music and Arts Events
Outloud Music Festival Celebrates LGBTQ+ Culture in Boston
Additional Resources
- MassLive: OUTLOUD Music Festival Makes Boston Debut
- Google Search: OUTLOUD Music Festival BOSTON
- CBS News: OUTLOUD Music Festival at Suffolk Downs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: OUTLOUD Music Festival
- NBC Boston: OUTLOUD Festival News
- Google News: OUTLOUD Music Festival
- Travel and Tour World: OUTLOUD Music Festival Impact
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
