Please note the information below is in regards to the 2019 Jacksonville PorchFest. Certain details, like parking information, will be updated for 2021.
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. 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.
If the streets are closed, where do I park?
PorchFest 2020 will be held just east of Main Street between 3rd and 8th Streets. 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.
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 Sesquicentennial Park and the satellite beer tents. 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 the boundaries of the festival. 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 location TBA. 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 front of porches.
As noted above, NO alcohol (except what is being sold by SPAR) 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 information TBA.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, found items may be delivered to our Welcome Tent location TBA.
