PORCH-TO-PORCH MUSIC: Applications are now available from the Arts Council of Princeton for the third annual Princeton Porchfest on April 27. Community members can apply to perform or host performances on their porch. (Photo by Denise Applewhite, Princeton University)

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced that the third annual Princeton Porchfest will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 12-6 p.m. Applications for performers and porch hosts are available now.

Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues. Talented local performers play rotating sets throughout the neighborhood during this day-long celebration of music, art, and the community. Attendees are invited to stroll from porch to porch to sample live, local talent.

Princeton’s first Porchfest was held in 2022, where 11 porches hosted over 50 performers throughout the day. Last year’s event grew to feature 18 porches and nearly 100 performers in a wide range of genres and age levels. More than 2,000 attendees enjoyed non-stop entertainment despite the rainy weather.

Porchfest organizer and ACP’s Programming/Marketing Manager Melissa Kuscin said,  “Porchfest is a newer event for our community, but was immediately embraced as an event that really flexes our homegrown talent and Princeton hospitality. We look forward to welcoming back returning favorites and getting to know many new musicians through this open call.”

In addition to seeking interested musicians, the Arts Council is also recruiting Princeton residents to offer their porches as temporary concert venues for the day. ACP is looking for porches within walking distance to Princeton’s Central Business District, about a 15-minute walk. “While the role of our Porch Hosts is incredibly important and necessary to making our event a reality, it might be easier to participate than you think”, Kuscin said. “If you have a porch with easy access to electricity, love live music, and want to help spread the word, you’re eligible.”

Performers and hosts can apply at artscouncilofprinceton.org/porchfest. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 29.