Somerville's Porchfest Returns Saturday, May 9: Applications Now Open

Porchfest returns to Somerville on Saturday, May 9, and applications are now open for participants. The annual event organized by the City’s Somerville Arts Council features mini concerts hosted by residents on their porches, yards – and even on stoops – across the city. All musical genres are welcome from alt rock to zither quartets, and hosts are invited to apply by the April 21 deadline to participate. Volunteers are also invited to apply to be Porchfest ambassadors to assist visitors.

“Porchfest is one of Somerville’s most awaited events for good reason. Not only is it a sign that spring is truly here but there's nothing quite like seeing porches transform into stages and hosting a citywide jam fest," said Mayor Jake Wilson. "To keep this tradition strong, our Arts Council and public safety teams are working closely together to make sure this year's event is welcoming for everyone, and I can't wait to see it come to life.”

In addition to hosting or performing, community members can get involved by volunteering to be a Porchfest Ambassador. Volunteers will orient visitors, answer questions, monitor safety, and serve as points of contact. It’s a great way to help make the event a success, and ambassadors get a cool, limited edition Porchfest T-shirt. 

Key Updates & Changes for 2026:

Porchfest has become popular, so the City needs all hosts and participants to help keep the event organized and safe. Please review and follow the information and guidance below as you plan to host, perform, volunteer, or attend: 

Locations & Timing

• To bring music to a range of neighborhoods – and to keep the noise impacts in any one area to just two hours – Porchfest is held in 2-hour blocks in three City zones.
• This year, Porchfest will move across Somerville in these three timed zones:
  • West Zone (West of Willow Avenue): 12–2 p.m.
  • Central Zone (between Willow and Central Streets): 2–4 p.m.
  • East Zone (East of Central Street):  4–6 p.m.
• To ease congestion on streets and sidewalks, attendees are encouraged to use Somerville’s Community Path to travel between zones.
• If nature calls, there will be additional porta-a-johns available to help keep Somerville clean and safe for everyone. Please use them!

Street Limitations for Safety:

• To ensure firetrucks and ambulances are not impeded, and to keep pedestrians safe, the Somerville Fire and Engineering Departments identify key safety routes for us, and performances are not allowed on those streets.
• In some cases, we also need to restrict areas at the ends of the side streets that form intersections with safety routes.
• But you still have options even if you are on a restricted street or corner.
• Residents on ineligible streets or corners are encouraged to partner with a neighbor on a nearby designated street. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors while helping keep Porchfest safe.

Spacing Between Performances:

• Imagine if you could hear, say, eight concerts at once. That’s not a great way to enjoy music, so performances have to be spread out.
• Participating performance locations need to be at least 8 houses apart from another approved PorchFest performance location.
• Participants are responsible for managing their volume so each show nearby can be heard.
• Use the map to see where performances have already been approved to know if where bands are already playing. 

Apply to Host a Porch Concert:

• Applications are due April 21 at 11:59 p.m. Applying does not guarantee participation.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by Public Safety officials and the Arts Council.
• A map of approved locations will be published online as applications are approved.
• Apply at somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest. 

Apply to Host a Block Party:

• Block parties must apply separately through Citizen Serve (somervillema.gov/citizenserve) to request a block party permit.
• Applications are open March 17 – April 20 and will be reviewed based on the same street safety restrictions above.

Apply to be an Ambassador Volunteer:

• This is an excellent opportunity for community members who love PorchFest, have seen this event grow, and are interested in keeping it safe, accessible, organized, and neighborly.
• Apply to be an ambassador at somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-ambassador.

Be sure to note the deadlines! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we can’t make any exceptions to the deadlines. All information and the application link are available at somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov. 

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.