Fenway Porchfest FAQ
Who is Fenway Porchfest?
Fenway Porchfest was founded in 2018 as a collaborative partnership among three Fenway organizations - Fenway Community Development Organization, Fenway Civic Association, and the Fenway Alliance. In June 2019, Fenway Porchfest hosted 36 locations throughout Fenway and over 85 performers! Due to the Covid pandemic, a music video celebrating the Fenway was organized in 2020 in lieu of an in-person event.
Porchfest returned in 2022 and brought on the Fenway Community Center as an organizing partner in 2023.
Please see here for
Fenway Porchfest 2023 location and performer list. We are very excited to bring back Porchfest in 2024 with Fenway Community Development Corporation and the Fenway Community Center as the organizing partners.
What is Porchfest?
Porchfest is an afternoon of free music performed outside of people’s homes and in other public spaces. Over 100 cities across the country hold Porchfests. Fenway Porchfest 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 15th. All musicians, professionals, amateurs, and everything in between, perform voluntarily at a designated time and location. Attendees stroll from venue to venue, in order to hear the music of their choice.
Where will this take place?
Fenway Porchfest will take place across a wide variety of residential, institutional, and park sites throughout the Fenway Neighborhood. This year, the porch sites will be arranged along a suggested route crossing the neighborhood so attendees can hit all of our great sites!
Will there be a rain date?
Fenway Porchfest 2024 will be a rain or shine event! We’ll provide tents to musicians to cover equipment in case of rain and communicate via social media if any sites have to close due to weather.
What kind of musical groups can perform?
Any and all groups are welcome! You can play an instrument, sign, play solo or part of a group. All types of music are welcome too!
Do I need to be from the Fenway to perform?
Not necessarily. If the demand for performance slots exceeds the number we have available, we will prioritize performers who live, work, and study in the Fenway. That said, groups from all around the greater Boston area are welcome to apply!
Can musicians sell CDs or other merch?
Sales are not permitted, but can be made available with a suggested donation or with the porch owner’s permission.
How long should I play for?
Sign up to play for one 1.5 hour time slot. Some of that time will be used for set up and breakdown. If you do not expect to be able to perform for 1.5 hours, let us know and we will work to accommodate you.
How loud can I play?
Performances should be acoustic or near acoustic or not excessively amplified. Think stripped down sound and equipment needs. The goal is to be heard to the sidewalk, but not down the street.
Should I bring my own water or other refreshments?
Yes, we’ll ask Porch owners to provide water but it won’t be required. See below for more info about what is and isn’t required by porch owners.
Should I bring my own equipment?
Absolutely! Organizers and porch owners will not provide equipment. Porch owners will provide electrical outlets, if they are available. You’ll need to talk logistics with porch owners before the performance date. The organizers will be sure to put you in touch.
Will I be performing on a porch?
“Porch” is a loosely defined term in the Fenway ☺ We plan to utilize any suitable outdoor spaces, including porches, but not limited to patios, stoops, green spaces, or nooks and crannies where we can fit a band.
How will I know where I’m performing?
Once sign-up is complete, we’ll be contacting you to let you know where you’ll be performing and connect you with the porch owner so logistics for the day can be worked out directly with them.
Who will advertise my performance?
The Fenway Community Center and the Fenway Community Development Corporation will be promoting Porchfest and its performers leading up to the event. We’ll be active on social media, and reach out to local news outlets for coverage. Providing links to your web or FB page will help us get the word out. We’ll request porch owners promote performances to neighbors, friends, and coworkers. You should do the same. Anything you can do to promote your performance is recommended!
What about parking?
Parking may be difficult, depending on the porch location. Arrive early and be prepared to walk. You can drop equipment, but depending on where the porch is located, you may need to park elsewhere.
I have other questions, who do I contact?
Please email us at info@fenwayporchfest.org.