Porchfest 2026 Fast Approaching In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city’s annual PorchFest is returning on Saturday, May 9 and applications are available now online for potential concert hosts.

The citywide event is slated to include approximately 500 musical performances from locals on the porches of residences. The six-hour affair is broken up into three two-hour intervals beginning at 12 p.m. west of Willow Avenue. The second part of the event will move to the center of the city in the vicinity of Central Street. PorchFest will conclude in the area east of Central Street. Performances will include the various musical genres of electronic, indie, and punk to rock, pop, hip hop, classical, country, and jazz.

“Porchfest is one of Somerville’s most awaited events for good reason. Not only is it a sign that spring is truly here but there's nothing quite like seeing porches transform into stages and hosting a citywide jam fest," Mayor Jake Wilson said. "To keep this tradition strong, our Arts Council and public safety teams are working closely together to make sure this year's event is welcoming for everyone, and I can't wait to see it come to life.”

Applications for this year’s editions are due at the end of the day on Tuesday, April 21. Wilson emphasized that participating performance locations need to be at least eight houses apart from one another, and that specific roadways will not be eligible for performances as they are needed to remain clear for emergency response services.

Community members can also apply to be Porchfest Ambassadors, who do things such as help guide attendees around the city properly, monitor congestion, traffic, and overall safety, and answer potential questions for everyone involved. Block Party host permits are approved through Citizen Serve.

A map is available for interested parties to view where performances have already been approved.

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