Porch Host FAQ:

When is Porchfest?
Porchfest is ALWAY scheduled for the Saturday after Labor Day.  This year that is September 6th.  Train date is September 7th .

The Do I need to own my property to sign up as a porch owner?
Tenants are welcome to host the event, but the property owner must complete the town waiver and the Porchfest registration. This is an insurance hoop and your attention to this detail is important. Your porch will not be listed until the property owner completes the town registration waiver.

How long will the performance be on my porch?
Porches host from 30 minutes to 2 hours. We aim for there to be a good flow in your neighborhood. To ensure all porches are represented some performance times will be shorter than requested. Remember, this is about community, not an individual party.

Do I need to live in Belmont to be a host?
The property must be in Belmont, the registering property owner can live anywhere.

Do I have to find performers to play on my porch?
Not at all. Register your porch and we will find Performers for your porch.

I’m a performer! Can I play on my own porch?
That would be awesome! Register your porch first and then select your address from the dropdown menu when you register as a performer.

Can my friend’s band play on my porch?
Yes. Your friends will need to select your address after you register your porch. Fortunately, hosts tend to register before performers so this generally works out but if you know your performers already registered, let us know on the registration form ("Anything else we should know about anything?").

If I asked to be matched, how will I know who will be playing on my porch?
Once the registration is closed and all the performers and porches have been matched, we’ll contact you to connect you with your performers if we are matching you with performers so together you can plan for the day. Expect an email from us in mid-August.

Do I have to provide water, refreshments, and/or food?
Other than water and a bathroom for your performers, any provisions are up to you! Many hosts make the extra effort to make sure their performers and audience are comfortable. In the past, some organizers have put out food and beverages, but do what feels right for you. Chairs and blankets can be a nice touch. Whatever you do is appreciated!

Do I provide parking for the performers?
No, but discuss parking with the performers. They may need to drop off equipment then park at a different location. Please recommend locations where they can park.

How will folks know that my porch is hosting performances?
You will have a “Porchfest Here” sign in your yard but also tell your friends and neighbors! Post on social media and tag Belmont Porchfest FB & Instagram sites. Our website will have a map and schedule in early September.

Can I decorate? Can my kids set up a lemonade stand?
Absolutely!

Accessibility:
Please let us know if there is anything that makes your venue difficult for anyone to access so we can share that information with the audience. The questions on our form are to help individuals identify venues that are appropriate to visit. As much as we would love to hear about how wonderful your porch and viewing area are, only providepertinent information about accessibility and comfort.

What about rain?
Light rain will not shut us down! Talk with your performers about where they will beperforming and who can provide a canopy for sun or rain, if needed. Often, someone has a canopy - or has a friend with a canopy. 

The rain date is September  7th . A switch to the rain date will be communicated on the website's HOME page by 10 a.m. September 6th. Once Porchfest begins, we will not have a rain date option.

If there is an adverse weather event, we urge you to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.

An adverse weather event marks the end of Belmont Porchfest 2025.