LOWELL

Lowell is the Merrimack Valley's largest city and a former mill town that has built a notable cultural calendar around its industrial heritage. The city's national historical park and downtown revitalization anchor a music scene that ranges from arena shows to outdoor summer concerts.

Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is the arena-scale venue with a 7,000-seat capacity, hosting major tours and events. Boarding House Park, nestled within Lowell National Historical Park, hosts the Lowell Summer Music Series — a nonprofit concert series now in its 35th year that brings touring acts to an outdoor stage. Lowell Memorial Auditorium programs mid-size concerts and events. Taffeta offers a smaller room for live music. Merrimack Repertory Theatre runs professional theater productions.

Lowell's summer series is the highlight — an outdoor concert in a historic park setting that you will not find replicated elsewhere in the Merrimack Valley. Year-round, the Tsongas Center and Memorial Auditorium keep the calendar active.

Tip: Boarding House Park concerts are general admission — bring a blanket and arrive early for the best spots. Downtown Lowell is walkable between all major venues.

Neighborhoods: Downtown • Acre • Centralville • Pawtucketville