Fresh off a European tour, Indie rock favorite Vundabar leads this year’s lineup as Mad Love returns to Hingham on October 11
September 8, 2026 Submitted By Mad Love Musical Festival
Now in its 12th year, the Mad Love Music Festival returns to the South Shore Conservatory on Sunday, October 11, 2026, for another day filled with live music, local food and drinks, family-friendly fun and, of course, plenty of Mad Love.
The annual festival will take place from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at South Shore Conservatory’s Jane Carr Outdoor Amphitheater in Hingham. Each year, Mad Love brings the South Shore community together while raising funds to support young musicians and students as they pursue their passion for music.
2026 Music Line-up
Headlining this year’s festival is Vundabar, the Boston-based indie rock band with roots right here on the South Shore. Founding members Brandon Hagen and Drew McDonald grew up in Scituate and began making music together as teenagers before finding their place in Boston’s thriving indie music scene. Known for a distinctive sound that blends indie rock, post-punk, surf rock and infectious pop hooks, Vundabar has built an international following through years of recording and touring.
Joining Vundabar on the Mad Love stage will be Aldous Collins Band, My Mom is Here, Kate Loraine, the Mad Love High School Scholarship Band and DJ Deacon Dave, creating the best vibes and rounding out a full day of live music that celebrates both established performers and the next generation of local musicians.
Mad Love Foundation Roots
Since its inception in 2015, Mad Love has grown from a grassroots idea into a powerful force for good. The festival itself is powered by an incredible team of local volunteers, including more than 100 teens who help bring the event to life each year. Mad Love also gives aspiring photographers, videographers, lighting directors and other young creatives the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining hands-on, real-world festival production experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Today, the Mad Love Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and community members through music, inclusion and love.
Mad Love was founded by the Jodka family after Dave Jodka, a devoted father and musician, passed away from cancer at the age of 44. The festival was created to celebrate Dave’s life and build a lasting legacy centered around his love of music, family and community.
Mad Love continues to fund South Shore Conservatory’s Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers, which provides high school students with the opportunity to perform in a coached, gigging rock band at no cost. The scholarship covers expenses associated with participating in the band, including coaching, recording time and marketing support. Past recipients have gone on to pursue their musical dreams at institutions including Berklee College of Music and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Beyond the scholarship, Mad Love supports community rock stars through partnerships, student volunteer opportunities and future scholarships, all with a mission to inspire people to work hard, be kind, have fun and spread Mad Love.
Coffee, Pizza, Tacos, Ice Cream & More – Come Hungry!
This year’s festival will once again feature an incredible selection of local food trucks and vendors, with something for just about everyone:
Shorebreak Coffee
Nona’s Ice Cream
Mom on the Go
Mullaney’s Raw Bar
Temperance Pizza
Sarcastic Swine BBQ
South Shore Taco Guy
Bar provided by Galley
In addition to a full day of live music, food and drinks, families can enjoy activities for rockers of all ages throughout the festival.
Festival Details & Tickets
Mad Love is designed to be a festival for the whole family, with plenty to keep younger rockers entertained throughout the day. The popular Kids Zone will return with a variety of family-friendly activities, games and creative experiences, giving kids a chance to get in on the festival fun between sets. From hands-on activities and opportunities to show off their inner rock star to plenty of space to dance and enjoy the music, Mad Love offers something for festivalgoers of all ages, making it an easy way for families to spend a fall Sunday together while supporting a great cause.
TICKETS: Tickets are available now. For ticket purchases, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information and the latest festival details, visit the Mad Love Music Festival website.
WHEN: Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
WHERE:
South Shore Conservatory
One Conservatory Drive
Hingham, MA 02043