This year’s Porchfest takes place on Saturday, May 11, at a neighborhood near you.

Somerville’s porches, yards, and stoops are once again set to host free mini-concerts across the city as part of the city’s annual Porchfest hosted by the Somerville Arts Council. This celebration of local, live, homegrown music offers something for everyone at drop-in home-based shows. Participants can simply stroll from house to house to enjoy the open-air entertainment.

More than 300 bands are set to participate across wide-ranging musical genres from youth playing classical music to electronica groups, karaoke, and – a first this year – stand-up comedy. The 2024 Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, and music sites and times can be found via the online Porchfest 24 map at somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest.  

Somerville Porchfest takes place in three 2-hour blocks on Saturday, May 11. 

In the event of inclement weather, Porchest will be held on Sunday, May 12.

• West of Willow Street, performances from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
• Willow to Central, performances from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• East of Central, performances from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

“We’re proud that so many musicians and visitors participate in our Porchfest,” says Gregory Jenkins, Executive Director for Somerville Arts Council. “As the event has grown, we’ve been so impressed by the talent and neighborhood spirit in our community. Likewise, we’ve also deepened our efforts to remind musicians, porch hosts, neighbors, and visitors alike to keep our Porchfest positive and be mindful of Porchfest rules to ensure a safe and fun event.”

“The community spirit and incredible creativity on display at Porchfest is always inspiring. You just can’t beat the unique joy of wandering the neighborhood to discover good music and to connect with neighbors,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. I want to thank all the musicians and hosts participating and all the attendees who keep it safe and respectful for the neighborhoods that open up to us all for this community event.” 

To help ensure 2024’s Porchfest is a safe and fun event for all participants, as well as the larger community, the city is encouraging everyone to: 

• Be considerate to porch hosts, neighbors, and residents.
• Avoid loitering on non-porchfest yards or driveways.
• Plan travel in advance, take public transport to lessen traffic/parking congestion.
• Use sidewalks, not streets, so cars can pass.
• Take advantage of the portajohns installed for Porchfest if nature calls (a map of portajohn locations can be found below).
• Tip the bands on site (cash or digital).
• Additionally, any public consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

Porchfest 2024 Map and Resources

• Band Map: beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-map/ 
• Participating Bands: beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-listing/ 
• Portajohn map: beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-map/
• Tip and Porchfest information: beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-2024/

About Somerville Arts Council

The Somerville Arts Council (SAC) is a City Department that serves as the local cultural council (LCC) for the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, and serves to celebrate the arts and community. Our board is appointed by the Mayor, Katjana Ballantyne. SAC is located at 50 Evergreen Avenue, Somerville, MA 02145. 617-625-6600 ext. 2985. somervilleartscouncil.org.

For questions about the festival, contact Arts Council Executive Director, Gregory Jenkins at 617-625-6600 ext. 2985.