2026 PorchFest
Sunday, September 20, 2026
1pm - 5pm
Music Throughout the Central Neighborhood
(for our 8th year !!!)
What is PorchFest??
Since 2019, the Central Neighborhood Association has hosted a free afternoon event showcasing local musicians and talent performances played on front porches throughout the neighborhood.
Join in the camaraderie
as the community strolls from house to house!
We would like to thank the following local businesses for their support:
Stay tuned for 2026 sponsors
FAQ
I don't get it...a Porch festival??
While we love porches and they certainly play a role in this event, we are not merely celebrating porches. Homeowners throughout the neighborhood have generously offered their porches as temporary stages for our local performers. Think of the neighborhood as the festival grounds and the various participating porches as different stages, each with a different lineup. This is a music festival in a community setting.
How do I find the right porch?
We will have a schedule posted on this website, as well as an interactive map to help you navigate the neighborhood during the event!
Why is it free? What's the catch?
No catch! The homeowners donate their porches, the organizers donate their time and energy, and the musicians donate their talents, all so we can have a lovely, music-filled afternoon of entertainment and camaraderie in the neighborhood!
Will the streets be closed off?
Nope, traffic will flow through the neighborhood as usual. We ask, however, that you take public transit or walk or bike to the neighborhood if possible to prevent a surplus of parked vehicles. If you do need to arrive in a car, please try to carpool and aim to park in a nearby city parking deck.
How will I get around?
By confining the event to a single neighborhood, it is extremely walkable! Bring your wagons to tote around the little ones, and mosey from one stage to the next throughout the afternoon. Bikes are a great way to zip between venues as well! But of course, when walking or biking throughout the afternoon remember to stay safe, be respectful of private property, and watch for little humans.
I'm hungry .... will there be food?
Some food options so far for you and your crew:
Bee Hive Cafe Treat yourself to an expresso drink, an acai bowl and some homemade pastries Check back for the exact location!
Central Grade School lawn snacks and beverages - location TBD due to the upcoming school construction (Proceeds will benefit the PTO)
Anywhere Ice Cream truck will be circulating thru the neighborhood to satisfy that sweet craving.
And of course, feel free to pack and bring your own snacks and beverages to enjoy while listening to the tunes!
So I did a good job staying hydrated, but now...
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Say no more! There will be restrooms available at The FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Crooked Tree Arts Center 322 Sixth Street
Redeemer Presbyterian Church @ 9th and Wadsworth
Friends Meeting House @ 206 S. Oak
2026 LINEUP
Featuring a dynamic male and female vocal blend, Perfect Parity delivers a captivating, stripped-down take on the music you love. From nostalgic 80s anthems to today’s popular hits, this acoustic duo pairs rich harmonies with crisp guitar work for the ultimate crowd-pleasing performance.
Fun, upbeat classic rock
For over 25 years, Timothy Michael Thayer has been playing the hits from the 80s, 90s, and more! From The Nest in Bellaire to The Score in Grand Rapids and many spots in between, Timothy brings an interactive event where the audience can easily look at a song list on their phone and request a certain artist or song. A prize is given out for the audience member who qualifies for any given promotion during the performance. So come out and sing along with the songs you’ve known for years!
Roche Limit is a new band formed by singer/songwriter Ben Davila, multi instrumentalist Jim Cooley, and drummer Jay Carroll. Together they form a high energy rock band with pop sensibilities, strong melodies, driving rhythms, and clever lyrics...just a few middle aged dads working through some feelings.
Agnes Su, a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and aspiring Folklorist, lives in the forests of northern Michigan. Her music draws from traditional American music and 90's indie rock- a cross between old Country and Mazzy Star.
Charlie Arnett is a singer/songwriter based in Traverse City. He performs on guitars and harmonica at multiple venues throughout the Grand Traverse area as well as in Grand Rapids and Port Austin. His repertoire is a mix of originals and feel-good covers form artists such as Cat Stevens, John Prine, James Taylor and Jimmy Buffet. Audiences have been enjoying Charlie’s performances at wineries, distilleries, brew pubs, restaurants and community events.
Tommy McKinney (fiddle) and John Baylor (guitar) playing traditional and contemporary music from America, Canada, and Ireland.
Johannah Epple is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, performing as a one-woman band. She'll present a diverse set of original compositions alongside popular tunes from various genres. Utilizing a looper, she skillfully layers and mixes her instruments, including guitar, handpan, and vocals.
I play only covers of great songs by great artists.
Navigate
Map coming soon...
Schedule Correction:
STRUM 3:30 - 5pm
@ 310 W. 11th
2025 Schedule
Participate
Want to attend?
Just Show Up!
2026
Sunday, September 20 1pm - 5pm
