What is PorchFest?
PorchFest is a free event held in Historic Springfield, a community just north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida on the first Saturday of November. During the afternoon, dozens of bands perform on porches throughout this beautiful neighborhood, followed by an evening concert in Klutho Park. Food trucks are plentiful and a variety of craft beer and wine is available for purchase. Proceeds of PorchFest support arts related activities in Jacksonville’s urban core.
Is PorchFest really free?
Yes – thanks to numerous sponsors and hundreds of volunteers, we are able to present this event at no cost to our guests. To help keep this event free, please consider purchasing a t-shirt and beverages to help support PorchFest. Donations are always welcome.
Is PorchFest walkable? And is it pet and child friendly?
Yes – our route is only a few blocks long, and the streets where bands are performing are closed to make this event especially pedestrian, bicycle, child and pet friendly. We offer a bike parking station near the bandstand for guests to park and lock their bikes. (Please note, Jacksonville PorchFest accepts no responsibility for bicycles.) Friendly dogs on leashes are more than welcome, and we have partnered with Bark Pet Boutique to provide a dog area on 3rd Street in Klutho Park. We love kids and kids love PorchFest – all of our music is family friendly, and Klutho Park has plenty of room for a little running around and frisbee tossing. There will also be a Kid’s Zone sponsored by VyStar Credit Union on 3rd Street.
If the streets are closed, where do I park?
PorchFest is held just north of Florida State College at Jacksonville and Bethel Baptist Church. Our friends at FSCJ and Bethel have opened their parking lots, with hundreds of spaces, to our guests. NOTE: Do not park at Bethel Baptist until after 12:00pm as they have an event in the morning. Please be respectful of both FSCJ’s and Bethel Baptist Church’s generosity by not leaving trash behind. Also, their bathrooms are NOT open to the public.
Our event is also just west of Main Street. There is plenty of on-street parking.
Is alcohol allowed? How can I purchase beverages?
PorchFest is an event permitted by the City of Jacksonville. We have obtained all the necessary licenses to sell alcohol in Klutho Park and at 4th St and Silver St. You may consume alcohol in plastic cups in the park and within the road closures.
The State of Florida will not allow alcohol consumption outside of those boundaries. Everyone consuming alcoholic beverages must obtain and wear an official PorchFest wristband – these are available after i.d. check at the drink ticket sales tents in our Beer Garden located in Klutho Park. You must purchase tickets before ordering beer. Cash is not accepted at the tap lines.
PLEASE NOTE: The City of Jacksonville prohibits any outside alcohol (not purchased from official PorchFest vendors) within the festival area.
Please help support PorchFest by purchasing your food and beverages from our vendors.
What should I bring with me? What should I leave at home?
We advise you to bring folding chairs and blankets for seating in Klutho Park and in front of porches.
As noted above, NO alcohol (except what is being sold in the park) is allowed by the City of Jacksonville.
Most of our vendors accept both cash and credit cards, so bring one or both for food and merchandise purchases.
If you bring a pet it must be on a leash.
What about restroom facilities?
Restroom facilities are located under the bandstand in Klutho Park, on W 3rd Street to the left of the food trucks, and in the parking area at 2nd Street and Boulevard.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, found items may be delivered to our Welcome Tent located near the Main Stage in Klutho Park.