Because PorchFest now draws tens of thousands of attendees, some additional planning may be required for participants. These guidelines help keep the event safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Severe weather and other emergencies can happen. PorchFest attendees can sign up for day-of emergency text alerts for this year’s event: text SOMPORCHES26 to 888777.
Porch Host Responsibilities
Porch hosts are responsible for organizing activity at their location.
Hosts should:
- Inform neighbors about the performance
- Receive approval from their landlord (if applicable)
- Help ensure sidewalks and streets remain accessible
Porch Monitor
Each performance must have a Porch Monitor. The Porch Monitor:
- Cannot be a performer
- Helps manage crowds near the performance
- Helps ensure pedestrian pathways and emergency vehicle access remain clear
Band Member Responsibilities
- Keep sound respectful: Play at a reasonable volume and coordinate with nearby bands to avoid overlap.
- Stick to your time slot: Perform only during your assigned window to help the event run smoothly.
- Help keep it safe & respectful: Encourage your audience to stay out of the street, use restrooms, and respect neighbors and property.
- Be a good guest: Respect your host and help clean up after yourselves.
- Promote your bands, sell your merch and have a QR code printed for tips!
Spacing Between Performances
To help reduce crowd congestion and sound overlap, participating performance locations should be at least 8 houses apart from another approved PorchFest performance location.
The responsibility for worrying about sound bleed and clashing sets falls on to the participants. Utilize the map to see where performances have already been approved to know if where bands are already playing. City staff do not get involved with these conflicts.
Applications may be denied if there are safety concerns about too many performances in a single location.
PorchFest works best when neighbors coordinate with one another.
Street Restrictions
To maintain access for emergency vehicles and manage crowd safety, certain streets are not eligible to host PorchFest performances.
Restricted Streets
Addresses located on the following streets are not eligible to host PorchFest performances:
- Broadway
- Cedar St
- Central St
- College Ave
- Elm St
- Highland Ave
- Lowell St
- Powder House Blvd
- School St
- Somerville Ave
- Summer St
- Walnut St
- Willow Ave
Intersections with Restricted Streets
Properties located on side streets directly at intersections with restricted streets may be denied participation due to safety and access concerns.
For example, a home located on Craigie St directly adjacent to its intersection with Summer St may not be eligible to host a PorchFest performance.
These guidelines help maintain visibility, pedestrian safety, and access for emergency vehicles at busy intersections.
Application Review
Applications will be reviewed regularly, with approved applications appearing on the map.
Applications may be denied for safety concerns. It does not mean your band cannot participate, you may need to find an alternative location to perform. Applicants will receive a notice if they are approved or denied.