Planning on attending the West End Porchfest? Here’s what you need to know…
We are grateful to the performers and hosts for donating their time and homes for this event!
Don’t forget your lawn chairs or wagons. You can walk, bike, or drive to any of the locations on the map, find a place on the lawn or sidewalk and enjoy the music!
Make sure to stop by our information booth at Noah Webster MicroSociety school (corner of Whitney & Cone Streets) for information, childrens’ activities, and to purchase a Porchfest T-shirt. Noah Webster is in the center of our Porchfest map so if you are driving, parking near the school will put you in walking distance to a number of performances.
Volunteers in tangerine colored T-shirts will be available throughout the neighborhood to answer questions and provide printed programs.
As you visit each porch and performance, please watch out for plantings in front of homes and plan to sit or stand on lawns, walkways,and sidewalks. Please avoid standing in the street as traffic is not blocked off during this event.
Here are some additional FAQs:
WHAT IS PORCHFEST?
Porchfest is a free music festival held on neighborhood porches.
HOW LONG HAS PORCHFEST BEEN AROUND?
The first Porchfest was started in Ithaca, NY in 2007. Now there are more than 130 communities throughout North America participating. This first Porchfest for Hartford’s West End was held in 2019 and had over 20 bands at over 20 locations throughout the West End.
WHAT MUSIC WILL BE PERFORMED AT PORCHFEST?
We have bands and solo artists of all ages who will be performing various genres including: folk, jazz, rock, blues, reggae, R&B, rap, Bluegrass and pop.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS?
Go to our Program of Events page to find out more about the performers.
WHERE IS PORCHFEST LOCATED?
There are multiple porches hosting artists for Porchfest throughout much of the West End neighborhood of Hartford. A good first stop is Noah Webster MicroSociety School (corner of Whitney & Cone Streets) where you can find our information booth and volunteers who can help direct you. You can also view the schedule of artists and venues on the map on our Program of Events page (coming soon)
SHOULD I WALK, PARK, DRIVE?
This event is designed for walking or biking. If you need to drive to the West End, please find a convenient parking spot and walk from there. Please adhere to posted signs in parking lots that prohibit non-customer parking.
WHERE CAN I FIND A BATHROOM?
Porta-johns, including an accessible one, will be located at Noah Webster MicroSociety School (Corner of Whitney & Cone Streets). You can also use the porta-john in Elizabeth Park near the playground (corner of Elizabeth & Whitney Streets).
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
Porchfest will take place rain or shine so plan ahead and dress appropriately.
WHERE CAN I FIND FOOD?
Visit the following food trucks at Noah Webster MicroSociety School (Corner of Whitney & Cone Streets) and WestSide Square on Farmington Ave:
Food Trucks at Noah Webster:
- Muncher’s Jamaican cuisine
- Lion’s Den vegetarian
- Crave
- Storytime ice cream
Food Trucks at WestSide Square:
- Just Fish
- Tacos Locos and More
- Agave Grill Bar
IS THIS A CHILD-FRIENDLY EVENT?
Yes! People of all ages are encouraged to attend Porchfest. Visit participating porches at your own pace. Feel free to bring strollers, wagons and chairs. Children’s activities will be offered at Noah Webster MicroSociety School (corner of Whitney & Cone Streets), including coloring, temporary tattoos, balloon animals, a playground and performances. Also visit the Ana Grace playground in Elizabeth Park (corner of Whitney & Elizabeth Streets).
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A PORCHFEST T-SHIRT?
Visit the information booth at Noah Webster MicroSociety School (Corner of Whitney & Cone Streets). T-Shirts are available with a $20 donation via cash or PayPal.
You can also make a donation and receive a T-shirt using our online form on our Donations page.
NEW FOR 2022 – Limited Edition Porchfest T shirt from a local artist – Click here to view and reserve now!
HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THIS EVENT KEEPS GOING?
Donate! Donations can be made at the information booth at Noah Webster MicroSociety School or online. All donations are welcome.
Any other questions?
Please contact us at porchfest@wecahartford.org or through our Facebook Event page