WAKEFIELD — Save the date! Wakefield Porchfest is returning for a second year on Saturday, September 6. Following 2024’s widely successful inaugural Porchfest event, the Wakefield Porchfest Committee is excited to bring back this town-wide celebration of live local music.
Wakefield Porchfest 2025 will take place on September 6 from 12 to 6 p.m. in neighborhoods across town. Just like last year’s Porchfest event in which 105 bands played at 50 host locations; musical acts will perform free-of-charge on porches, decks and yards made available by gracious local hosts.
Official registration will open on June 1 for Wakefield residents who are interested in being hosts and musical artists from all areas who are interested in performing.
The Wakefield Porchfest Committee encourages everyone to visit wakefieldporchfest.com where they can sign up to receive emails about key Porchfest updates including exclusive tips for participants, interactive tools like a digital map of hosts and locations and helpful resources for hosts and performers.
“Live local music is the spark for bringing people together,” said John Natale, Wakefield Porchfest Committee member. “During last year’s Wakefield Porchfest, we could feel the positive energy all over town as residents walked together, checking out bands, meeting new people and experiencing Wakefield in the best possible context: as neighbors. Wakefield Porchfest is coming back because folks in our town get it and they’re ready to rock.”
Residents are encouraged to follow Wakefield Porchfest on Facebook and Instagram for updates and helpful information. Following are some frequently asked questions for those who’d like to learn more. You can see the full FAQ list on the committee’s website at wakefieldporchfest.com/faq.
What is Porchfest? Porchfest is a musical event that brings neighbors together to celebrate and create a sense of community through performances on front porches and lawns of homes. Bands, singers and instrumentalists share their music and bring a variety of music genres to our community. Local residents volunteer their porches and/or lawns as a way to support the local music scene and interact with their neighbors.
When is Wakefield Porchfest? Saturday, September 6 from 12 to 6 p.m. Performers are assigned time slots within this window. The last performance would end at 6 p.m.
Do I need a ticket for Wakefield Porchfest? No. Wakefield Porchfest is FREE to all supporters of local live music.
Is Porchfest walkable? Yes, you can walk, ride bikes or scooters and push strollers as you move from porch to porch. Please use sidewalks when moving from house to house and enjoy music on lawns and walkways at each location. Please do not stand in the street at participating Porchfest locations.
What should I bring with me? Bring your own folding chair, water and an umbrella just in case we get sprinkles or to block the sun. Wear comfortable shoes. Please remember open containers of alcohol are prohibited in public.
What type of music is played at Porchfest? Music is diverse based on the participants. The music may range from country to pop, classical, reggae, blues, rock, jazz, Latino, R&B, folk and many other genres.
Do the artists get paid? No. All Porchfest musicians, administrators and event day assistants are volunteers. Admission is FREE and open to the entire community. Performers are welcome to sell their merchandise or accept tips at the event if their host allows.
Are you closing the streets during this event? We will not be closing any streets, so please do not stand in the streets and impede the flow of traffic. If YOU decide to get permits for a block party on the day of Porchfest, that would be wonderful; please let us know if you do!
Is there a rain date? Yes, but let’s hope we don’t need it. Should there be a safety concern, we will move the fun to Sunday, September 7. Any change in date or time will be announced on the committee’s website.