What is a porchfest?

A porchfest is a free community music festival featuring musical acts from a variety of genres playing shows on porches (or driveways or lawns) throughout the neighborhood. Hosts and artists are all volunteering to help bring music to the community.

When is it? Is there a Rain Date?

Providence Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is a rain-or-shine event held entirely outside. There is no rain date, so please plan accordingly (umbrellas, sunscreen, sufficient water, etc). We ask each host and artist to use their best judgement should there be inclement weather.

How do I register a performance? When is the deadline to register?

Find registration information at this page.

We will close registration no later than May 2, 2026, but should we reach a large number of performances — we may close registration before then.

We are a band — what can we expect?

At this time, there are no funds available to compensate bands. However, you may collect tips, and/or sell merchandise/music.

We ask that artists plan to play for about 30 minutes in locations where neighbors are trying to accommodate several nearby acts. We hope you’ll help us prevent musicians from playing over each other.

Once you’re confirmed on our schedule, you will be listed on our website with a link to your music. Note: we only list each musical act once on our schedule.

What can I expect if I’m a host?

You provide a porch, driveway, or front yard for your musical performers. Hosts provide access to electrical power and general hospitality for musicians, but are NOT expected to accommodate spectators inside your home.

We hope you’ll help the event by informing (and inviting!) your neighbors about your participation. We’ll suggest artists playing in congested areas play within 30-minute blocks. 

Also, per request of both the Providence Police and Fire departments, it is important that you help keep streets clear in case of an emergency.

Once you and your band/musician have been scheduled, you’ll get:
(1) A listing of the performer(s) and time(s) on our website and other promotional materials, and (2) Inclusion of your location in our permit for this event from the City of Providence.

so there’s no cost to attend, but can’t I do something to contribute?

First off, just coming out to see the musicians is a great help — we hope you can get to as many as possible! If you enjoy the music, do consider supporting the bands — some will collect tips or sell merchandise, others have upcoming shows you can check out. You can also help the host keep the neighborhood tidy and free of street congestion.

Occasionally we host fundraising events, so consider following us on social media for updates about those opportunities.

If you want to support the mission of Providence Porchfest directly, you can make a contribution here.

What about Food? Drinks? bathrooms? Are those available at Porchfest?

Host locations are for music only.

For food, we will coordinate with a few food trucks and publish their locations. Please consider visiting the many coffee shops, bakeries, and take-out restaurants on the East Side.

For restrooms, we will provide access to portable restrooms at a few places near host locations — specific locations TBA.

Note: Providence Porchfest is an alcohol-free event — we do not sell nor serve alcohol.

Is there a map?

A map of performances, locations of food trucks, and portable restrooms will be published closer to the event. Stay tuned!

Who’s organizing this event?

Providence Porchfest has been coordinated by a small volunteer group of neighborhood residents. We appreciate all of your support and patience as we do our best to keep this event running smoothly. We can’t wait to get out and enjoy some music with everyone! You can reach us at providenceporchfest@gmail.com.