2026 PorchFest
Sunday, September 20, 2026
1pm - 5pm
Music Throughout the Central Neighborhood
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?
Don't worry! We will have some food options for you and your crew.
In 2025, we had the following food options, and hope to have something similar for 2026:
Central Grade School lawn snacks and beverages will be available at 7th & Wadsworth. (Proceeds will benefit the PTO)
Ludovikos Cocina Mexicana food truck will be in the parking lot at 9th & Wadsworth. Serving homemade tacos and quesadillas.
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:
Redeemer Presbyterian Church @ 9th and Wadsworth
Friends Meeting House @ 206 S. Oak
2026 LINEUP
Solo guitar performing classic folk/rock music from the heart!
Jesse Jefferson brings a raw, soulful edge to the stage—blending acoustic roots with electric energy to reinvent songs you know and love. With a loop-based setup and a genre-spanning setlist (rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and beyond), he builds a full-band sound as a solo performer. From chill vibes to high-energy singalongs, Jesse keeps crowds hooked while weaving in his own original music for a sound that’s entirely his own.
Reverb soaked sounds of the sea…and lake.
The West Senior High Drumline is a part of the award winning Traverse City West Band Program. Members of this ensemble perform as members of the Titan Marching Band, as well as independently throughout the year at school and community events. Today, the drumline will perform several traditional drum cadences, as well as excerpts from their fall marching show. The band program is led by Chad Mielens, with percussion instruction from Doug Downer and assistance from Dawson Peek.
MI Sane Asylum is a Northern Michigan band whose shows consist of a mix of classic rock covers and original music.
I play only covers of great songs by great artists.
Just some friends covering our favorite tunes—bringing energy, fun, and a little something for everyone. From classics to newer hits, we bounce across genres and decades and love every minute of it.
Raw, grit-rock with just the right amount of funky chaos
Kewdi is a three-piece band that formed in Traverse City in 2022. With a guitar, bass, and drum kit, they play a mix of dreamy indie pop originals and alt/indie rock covers.
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
