PRINCETON PORCHFEST: The annual will bring more than 75 performances to local front porches on Saturday, April 25. This celebration of live, local music is hosted by the Arts Council of Princeton and is free and open to all. (Photo by Matt Raspanti, Office of Communications, Princeton University)
Princeton Porchfest, the town’s largest music festival, is back for the fifth year on Saturday, April 25. This celebration of local talent brings friends, neighbors, and visitors together to listen, dance, and stroll their way through town. The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP), coordinator of Porchfest, runs this walkable event from 12-6 p.m.
Porchfest transforms everyday front porches into DIY concert stages, setting the scene for more than 75 musical acts to showcase their skills. The genres span Americana, R&B, country, pop, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, folk, and more. A total of 18 porches, both around town and the University campus, will each feature five 45-minute sets of live music between 12-5 p.m. Returning acts include Ruby West, The Shaxe, Sourland Mountain String Band, and Ride or Die. Newcomers to Princeton Porchfest include Briz & the Revival, The Band Palm, and many more.
From 12-1:45 p.m, the Hinds Plaza stage will feature Story & Verse, a poetic and storytelling open mic. Attendees can listen to spoken word performances by local and regional artists, or throw their own name in the hat to be called to the stage and present a five-minute piece. Host Brass Rabbit will moderate. Following the open mic, a Live Set with DJs from WPRB Princeton will perform. Other new additions include a “porch” at the Princeton University Art Museum, serving as a second location for student performers to show off their talents. Maclean House will return as the original campus location.
From 5:15-6 p.m., the day will culminate with a closing concert on Hinds Plaza. Triumph Brewery will offer beer from a tent while Tony & the Trees’ signature blues/rock/Americana band performs.
“Porchfest isn’t your typical community event,” said ACP Director of Programing + Events Melissa Kuscin. “It relies completely on neighbors in town volunteering their own homes, on musicians donating their time and talent. That total trust and buy-in — and enthusiasm! — is what makes it so special. We’re all coming together to make something cool happen. It’s boots-on-the-ground community happening right in front of our eyes.”
To help visitors plan their day, ACP releases an interactive map and full performer lineup ahead of the event, allowing attendees to browse porches and sets by location. Limited printed maps will also be available at the Arts Council’s front desk at 102 Witherspoon Street and the ACP tent on Hinds Plaza. Porchfest is free and open to all, and held rain or shine. Visitors are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and lawn chairs or blankets if desired. Porchfest is the perfect opportunity to “come for lunch, stay for dinner”; Princeton’s local cafés, restaurants, and small businesses are open throughout the day.
Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for updates.