For its 14th year, Porchfest returns to Somerville, Massachusetts, this weekend, promising a vibrant celebration of local music and community spirit. What began in 2011 with just 60 bands has blossomed into a citywide event featuring performances across 443 porches, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging musicians.
This year’s Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. Despite the threat of rain, organizers and participants remain optimistic. "PorchFest always has a way for the sun to come out just at the right time," said Jeff Shwom, a PorchFest participant and performer. "It's just going to be a great event."
However, the festival will see some changes this year. In response to safety concerns raised during last year’s event, when the indie rock band Guster attracted tens of thousands of attendees, organizers have decided to implement a badge system for participating porches. This new measure aims to discourage crowds from gathering on private properties and to manage the flow of attendees more effectively.
Somerville City Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. expressed the need for these changes, noting that last year’s event created an "unsafe environment" due to the overwhelming number of people. "I got to see the tens of thousands of people clog the streets, clog driveways and sidewalks, and unfortunately, it created a slightly unsafe environment for everyone involved," Burnley said. "Last year, around the Guster performance, an ambulance was needed."
To further enhance safety, 13 major roads that are typically high-traffic areas will be off-limits for performances this year. Streets such as Broadway, Cedar Street, Central Street, and others will not host any activities, allowing emergency vehicles to navigate the city more freely. Burnley reassured attendees that while many streets will still allow performances, the focus is on maintaining safety and accessibility.
This year’s event will feature performances organized into three distinct zones. The West Zone will showcase acts from noon to 2 p.m., the Central Zone from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the East Zone from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the festival to guide attendees to the nearly 500 performances spread across the city’s porches and sidewalks.
As the day unfolds, meteorologists predict a mixed bag of weather. While rain is expected in the morning, conditions should improve by afternoon, providing a perfect backdrop for the festivities. Attendees are advised to bring rain gear and dancing shoes, ready to enjoy the music, regardless of the weather. "I think Somerville is a beautiful place with beautiful people that know how to have a good time in the right way," Shwom added.
After a dreary start to the weekend, the forecast for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, 2025, looks promising, with sunny skies expected across most of New England. High pressure is set to build, bringing wall-to-wall sunshine for central and southern areas, including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Hartford. Morning temperatures will start in the 50s, rising to the mid to upper 60s in the afternoon. Boston may even flirt with 70 degrees, making it a perfect day for families to celebrate the occasion.
For those planning to attend Porchfest, the event not only highlights local talent but also fosters a sense of community. As Porchfest Event Manager Iaritza Menjivar stated, "The spirit of Porchfest is to support local musicians and to highlight people who don't necessarily have a real band or they don't book venues all the time." This inclusive approach ensures that a diverse range of performers can share their music and connect with the community.
As Porchfest kicks off this Saturday, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and a celebration of local culture. With the adjustments made for safety and the spirit of community at its heart, this year’s Porchfest promises to be a memorable experience for all involved.
In conclusion, Porchfest continues to evolve while staying true to its roots of community engagement and support for local musicians. As the event unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, even amid the challenges posed by weather and crowd management.
