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 we are able to present this event at no cost to our guests. We do pay all of our performers, so please consider purchasing a t-shirt and beverages to help support PorchFest. Donations are always welcome.
How do I know what bands are performing and where to find them?
We distribute free maps at our welcome tent, located near the corner of West Third and Silver Streets. Maps and performance schedules for PorchFest 2017 will be published later this year. A link to our 2016 map is here. Our 2016 performance schedule is here.
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 free bicycle valet near the corner of West Third and Silver Streets. Friendly dogs on leashes are more than welcome, and our Springfield Pet Rescue Group will offer a dog comfort station on West Third Street between Silver and Laura Streets. 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.
If the streets are closed, where do I park?
PorchFest is held just north of Florida State College at Jacksonville. Our friends at FSCJ have opened their student parking lots to our guests. For a map of their downtown campus, including parking, click HERE. Our event is also just west of Main Street. There is plenty of on-street parking and several private lots are available for PorchFest visitors. Park between 1st and 5th streets for the best access to PorchFest.
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 you may consume alcohol in plastic cups along the PorchFest route. Everyone consuming alcoholic beverages must obtain and wear an official PorchFest wristband – these are available after i.d. check at the welcome tent and drink ticket sales areas. You must purchase tickets before ordering beer.
PLEASE NOTE: The City of Jacksonville prohibits any outside alcohol (not purchased from official PorchFest vendors) in Klutho Park.
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?
Please feel free to bring folding chairs and blankets for seating in Klutho Park and in front of porches.
You may bring a picnic, although we encourage you to purchase food and beverages from our vendors.
As noted above, NO alcohol (except what is being sold in the park) is allowed by the City of Jacksonville.
If you bring a pet it must be on a leash.
Most of our vendors accept both cash and credit cards, so bring one or both for food and merchandise purchases.
The weather is expected to be beautiful – high just above 70 with plenty of sunshine, so bring some sunscreen too.
What about restroom facilities?
Restroom facilities are located under the bandstand in Klutho Park and adjacent to our foodtruck alleys. There are no facilities outside of the Park; however, none of our bands are located more than two blocks away from Klutho.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, found items may be delivered to our Welcome Tent at the corner of West Third and Silver Streets.