Know Before You Go
What is Porchfest? Arlington Porchfest is a grassroots community music festival. Musicians play on front porches, and attendees enjoy lots of free music and local color as they walk and bike around the neighborhoods. It’s a great opportunity for local musicians to share their talents with their neighbors, and for residents to discover their neighborhoods anew!
Where does it take place? Arlington Porchfest will take place on the porches of generous hosts, who are sharing their porches and lawns with neighbors and the community!
Who’s performing? Anyone who wants! Last time around, we had over 250 performances, from home grown to nationally-recognized, performing everything from Folk to Techno to Polka. We welcome non-musical performers as well. Check out our listings ahead of time to plan your route, or start at your favorite performer and wander from there.
Who should come? Anyone and everyone! Arlington Porchfest is family-friendly and features a wide variety of music – so there’s sure to be a band or performance that sparks your interest.
Do I need a ticket? No. Attending the event is completely free of charge. Check out one band or twenty! Stay for 20 minutes or all afternoon!
Is there a map or some kind of schedule? An event map and schedule is available as an interactive map here, and we also have print maps available around town leading up to the event. Check our listings for the most up-to-date information, as new bands and porches are joining each day. We will also have print out maps available at our Arlington Porchfest Headquarters at Whittemore Park at the corner of 611 Mass Ave and Mystic St.
How does COVID-19 impact this year’s event? In light of COVID-19, ACA strongly encourages all participants in Arlington Porchfest to practice social distancing and to be respectful of our fellow community members who choose to wear a mask during the event.
What about eating and drinking? Feel free to bring your own food and beverages. If you need to pick up some snacks, please consider the local businesses spread throughout town! Just remember that each venue is someone’s porch, so please be sure that you are respectful and clean up after yourself.
What about beer and wine? Arlington Porchfest does not have a contained festival area and will not be selling alcohol (or any food and drink). When in public, you are subject to the usual laws regarding alcohol consumption.
Are dogs allowed? Rules for dogs and other pets are the same as they would be at any other time on the street or sidewalk. Please be aware and respectful of any homeowners’ preferences while on their property as different hosts will likely have different preferences when it comes to dogs.
Is there a hashtag? Yes – please use #arlingtonporchfest on Facebook and Instagram! Tell your friends and thanks for helping to promote the event and the bands!
Where do I park? There is plenty of on-street parking in Arlington. We also encourage walking and biking for those who are able – it’s the best way to soak up as much music as possible!
What about transit? MBTA buses 77, 87, and 350 all serve East Arlington on Saturday. You can also walk (about 25 minutes) from Alewife or Davis T stop. View bus schedules at mbta.com.
Will there be bathrooms? Public restrooms are available at Magnolia Field, Thorndike Field, Spy Pond Park, and Crosby Field, all of which are located in East Arlington. Please note that porch hosts will not provide restrooms.
What do I need to bring? You won’t need much of anything to stroll around town and enjoy the music. However, if you plan to settle in for particular a performance, you might bring chairs, a blanket to sit on, or a picnic lunch. Alternatively, if you are concert-hopping, you might want to bring your bike.
Do the musicians get paid? Organizers, performers, and porch hosts are all giving freely of their time and talents. If you would like to support a band, you are welcome to make a donation at the performance.
Is there a rain plan? The rain date for Arlington Porchfest will be Sunday, June 16, 2024. If we use the rain date, we will announce that no later than 8am on Saturday morning, June 15 (on this site as well as via social media and emails to all registered participants). Each host indicates as part of their registration if their performance(s) will still occur if we use the rain date, and we will update the website accordingly.
I’ve still got questions. Email us at info@arlingtonporchfest.org
Who’s organizing this? Arlington Center of the Arts and a fantastic team of energetic community volunteers.