ATHENS, Ohio — The 3rd Annual Athens Porchfest will bring three days of free live music, food, art, and community celebration to neighborhoods across the city on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15–17, 2026.
The festival showcases the incredible wealth of local musical talent from Athens and the surrounding region, with more than 100 musicians and bands performing on neighborhood porches and at local businesses throughout Athens, Ohio. Hosted by neighborhood residents and local businesses, Athens Porchfest invites families and music lovers alike to explore the city while enjoying a diverse lineup of performances in an informal, walkable and bikeable festival atmosphere.
New in 2026, the event expands to fill the City, with the addition of the Westside Porchfest, bringing performances to the city’s Westside Neighborhood, the Uptown DORA Kickoff: Porchfest on the Bricks, a special Saturday evening event celebrating Athens’ outdoor refreshment season with a street stage and busking performances throughout Uptown. In addition, there will be a Friday evening Porchfest kickoff at the Athena Cinema with “You Got Gold: A Celebration Of John Prine” movie, including local musicians performing John Prine songs to introduce the event.
Music lovers can expect a vibrant weekend that includes:
- Over 100 musical performances with an emphasis on local talent
- Neighborhood porch concerts throughout Athens Westside and Near Eastside Neighborhoods
- Food trucks and local art vendor markets on Saturday and Sunday
- Dancing, disc golf, and family-friendly activities
- Participation from 30 local businesses
Attendance has grown steadily since the festival began, with the 2025 event welcoming more than 3,000 attendees.
Some quotes from attendees from previous years:
“This was the best day of the year!”
“The joyous vibe. We live in a special place, and this is all the evidence I need.”
“So many people! Streets de facto closed. Just community and music!”
“Felt like something that would truly only be possible in Athens.”
Most of the festival is free and open to the public. Exceptions are the John Prine Tribute at the Athena Cinema on Friday will be $8 a ticket, and the Saturday Night “Porchfest After Hours” performances at Casa Nueva and the Side Bar will have a $10 cover charge, with wristband valid for entry at both venues.
Event information and schedule are available at www.athensporchfest.org.
Highlights of the weekend include:
- KidZone hosted by Hughes Funeral Home: An even bigger and better KidZone (Sunday, 1-6PM), featuring the Crafty Art Bus, a bounce house, Kona Ice, kid-focused music, and games. The Crafty Art Bus will also be at StewMac on Saturday.
- Artisan Markets: Shop for local crafts, art, jewelry and more at the Saturday Westside Porchfest Artkinglot at the Tavolino and StewMac parking lots (noon-6PM), and at the Sunday Kindred Porchfest Artisan Market (noon-4PM) at Kindred Market on E. State St. with vendors, food, and live music at 1PM & 3PM.
- Food Trucks: Fuel up for Porchfest! Saturday May 16 Westside Porchfest will feature three local food vendors in the StewMac & West End MFG parking lots. Sunday, May 17, you’ll find two Food Truck Rodeo locations: the Red Cross parking lot on S. May Ave and the Merchants National Bank parking lot on Stimson Ave, featuring numerous local food trucks and other food vendors.
- Disc Golf demonstrations at 2PM both days: At the West End MFG on Saturday and the Athens Public Library on Sunday.
- Athens Hot Glass will be open from 10AM to 10PM, with glass blowing demonstrations, walk-in classes, and music at 2PM and 5PM.
- Bobcat Bikes will be open from noon to 4PM with music at 4PM. They will offer bike test rides, plus free air fill and chain lube to Porchfest attendees getting around by bike.
- Porchfest Finale at Jackie O’s Taproom, featuring the Renee Stewart Band, the Wild Honeybees, and international guitar virtuoso Mdou Moctar.
Event Details
Event: Athens Porchfest 2026
Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 15–17, 2026
Location: Neighborhoods and businesses throughout Athens, Ohio
Admission: Free and open to the public
More information will be available at: https://athensporchfest.org
About Athens Porchfest
Athens Porchfest is a free community music festival celebrating local musicians, neighborhood connections, and the creative spirit of Athens, Ohio. Now in its third year, the festival features 100+ musicians performing on neighborhood porches and at local businesses throughout the city. The three-day event includes food trucks, local art vendors, and family-friendly activities that highlight Athens’ vibrant arts and music culture.
Join our celebration of live local music and community in Athens. Athens Porchfest is free event open to the public. Most porch performing musicians will be accepting tips via cash and electronic payment platforms.
Main and Promotion Contact: Rob Delach, athensporchfest@gmail.com, 740-300-0454
