Somerville PorchFest returns Saturday May 10

On May 6, 2025, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

~Photo courtesy of Melodymatters

New event safety services include real-time alerts, a mobile emergency operations center, and more

Somerville residents are once again readying their porches for a citywide day of homemade concerts for the city’s annual Porchfest. Hosted by the City’s Somerville Arts Council, PorchFest 2025 takes place on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 6 p.m., transforming porches and stoops across Somerville into mini music venues that showcase the city’s incredible talent and creative spirit.

With just under 500 bands and musicians set to perform, participants can simply stroll from house to house to enjoy the open-air entertainment. There’s something for everyone, with music styles ranging from electronic, indie, and punk to rock, pop, hip hop, classical, country, jazz, and more. In the event of inclement weather, PorchFest will be held on Sunday, May 11. New safety initiatives this year include the option to sign up for safety alerts. And as always, visitors are encouraged to keep the event courteous, safe, and to leave to no trace.

Event Schedule

PorchFest takes place in three city zones in 2-hour time blocks traveling from west to east:

12–2 p.m. West – performances west of Willow Ave.
2–4 p.m. Central – performances in central area of City from Central St. to Willow Ave.
4–6 p.m. East – performances east of Central St.

PorchFest 2025 Resources

Performance Map: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-map/
Participating Bands: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/porchfest-listing/

Help keep PorchFest safe and fun for all (including neighbors not participating):

Be considerate to porch hosts, neighbors, and residents.
Avoid loitering on non-PorchFest yards or driveways.
Plan travel in advance, take public transport to lessen traffic/parking congestion.
Use sidewalks, not streets, so cars can pass.
Take advantage of the porta-johns installed for Porchfest if nature calls.
Leave no trace. Dispose of trash in public or host trash cans — or be prepared pack it out.

Safety and Event Updates for 2025: New this year, Sign up for event safety alerts

Sign up for Event Safety Alerts:

Text SOMPORCHFEST to 888777 to receive day-of emergency text alerts. This new service is only for event-related emergency information such as a severe weather or safety alert.

Emergency Team:

A coordinated team will be on hand to monitor and respond to safety concerns. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) will be stationed outside City Hall. The MEOC will be staffed by the Somerville Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works, 311, Emergency Management, Communications, and the Arts Council, as well as state emergency staff.

PorchFest Ambassadors:

Ambassadors will be located at key hubs — including Davis Square’s Statue Park, Cedar St. and the bike path, and Union Square Plaza — to provide information and assist attendees.