FOURTH ANNUAL PORCHFEST: This year’s version of what has become an annual tradition in Princeton brings more bands, on more porches and public spaces, to town for a day of free music and community activities. Pictured is a view from last year’s event. (Photo by Matt Raspanti)

By Anne Levin

When the Arts Council of Princeton issued a call for musical acts interested in performing at this year’s Porchfest, applications poured in from 130 bands. After some culling, 80 were selected to appear in the fourth annual event, taking place on front porches and public spaces throughout Princeton on Saturday, April 26 from 12 to 6 p.m.

“We’ve got 15 porches, which is a little bit up from last year,” said Adam Welch, executive director of the Arts Council. “And we’re activating both Hinds Plaza and Palmer Square, which is where the closing gig will be. I’ve got to tell you, the quality of these musicians is incredible.”

Bands are being hosted at porches on Witherspoon Street, Moore Street, Chestnut Street, Nassau Street, Birch Avenue, Jefferson Road, Markham Road, Murray Place, Queenston Place, Linden Lane, and at Maclean House on the Princeton University campus. Each location will host five live performances from 12 to 5 p.m.

Porchfest is held rain or shine. In past years, nasty weather has not been much of a deterrent.

“The second year it was rainy and cold, and we still had huge crowds,” said Welch. “Especially at the final event, which was then held at the Arts Council. The police closed the road and there were crowds everywhere. It was absolutely amazing to see.”

But the crowds at the daylong music festival do not approach the 30,000 people who used to descend on Princeton’s central business district for Communiversity, an annual street fair that ran for five decades. Porchfest, which replaced it in 2022, is smaller and focused mostly on music. Visual art is the theme of the annual Art Bazaar, scheduled for the following Saturday, May 3.

New this year and in partnership with Princeton Public Library and the Princeton University Art Museum, Hinds Plaza will host a Porchfest edition of Story & Verse, the Arts Council’s monthly open mic event, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

At 3:30, poet and artist Roberto Lugo will take the mic. Three sets are scheduled for the Palmer Square stage, starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending with the after-party from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. The Shakes, a fan favorite in its 25th year of performing with the Arts Council, are the closing act.

Also planned are lawn games, bubbles, wine, beer, and snacks from Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar.

The Graduate by Hilton Princeton hotel will celebrate Porchfest with live music in the lobby from about 7-11 p.m.

“I love Porchfest. It’s such a fun day,” said Michael Monarca, general manager of the hotel. “It’s a real community event, really for the people who live here.”

Welch is particularly pleased to have the municipality as a main sponsor of this year’s event, along with Graduate Hotels, Glenmede, and several others. “The town is the biggest news,” he said. “They have been really helpful, and I think the Council and the mayor, all of whom have attended, see the value in it.”

A tent will be set up outside the Arts Council (102 Witherspoon Street) with maps. Limited edition T- shirts will be available. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for more information.

“Porchfest is walkable, and it’s bike-able, and we encourage that,” said Welch. “Bring chairs and blankets. You can’t hit all the porches — choose three or four. This is a community event, and we want people to enjoy it. I think we’ve really landed on something good.”