Sunday, September 14, 2025
1pm - 5pm
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!
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.
So I did a good job staying hydrated, but now...
Say no more! There will be restrooms available at The FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Redeemer Presbyterian Church @ 9th and Wadsworth
Friends Meeting House @ 206 S. Oak
2025 LINEUP
The Traverse City West Drumline is made up of students from the award winning West Senior High Band Program. The drumline performs as a part of our marching band, and on their own throughout the year at sporting and community events. The drumline rehearses all summer and fall to prepare for their performances. The drumline will perform their "series" which is made up of drum cadences written by TCAPS students over the last several decades.
Protea is a Michigan-based alternative rock band formed in 2020 by Kelly Mitchell, Josh Mitchell, and Jonny Tornga. Their performances are energetic, raw, and dynamic, infusing their personalities into a chaotic mix of originals and covers. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2022, brings a genuine mix of intensity and introspection. Protea’s music leans into real life—the tension, the growth, the nonsense, and the moments worth celebrating—the songs speak for themselves.
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.
Music drawn from the great traditions of jazz, blues, country, and soul with a spirit of originality.
Classic and original instrumental surf with plenty of reverb!
Foot-tapping jazz standards for all ages featuring a family full of New-Orleans Dixieland instrumentalists.
Local classic rock band. We play a mix of covers and originals.
John Richard Paul is a Northern Michigan-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist specializing in heartfelt, deeply personal lyrics ruminating on life, love and loss, all filtered through a timeless Americana lens
Pop favorites and Originals - Local Community Ukulele group. Come play or sing along.
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Schedule
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Want to attend?
Just Show Up!
Sunday, September 14 1pm - 5pm