Somerville is getting loud this Saturday, May 9, when porches across the city transform into makeshift stages from noon to 6 p.m. for the annual PorchFest. Organizers say more than 530 acts are lined up, a record roster, and they are expecting tens of thousands of people to pour into the streets. City officials have added safety measures and doubled the number of temporary restrooms to keep lines moving and emergency routes clear.
How the day is organized
To keep things moving and the crowds somewhat sane, performances are split into three two-hour zones. West Somerville acts, playing west of Willow Ave, go on from 12 to 2 p.m. Central performers, from Willow to Central, run 2 to 4 p.m., and East Somerville, east of Central St, closes things out from 4 to 6 p.m., according to the Somerville Arts Council. The Arts Council is also publishing an interactive map and band listing so you can plot a route and, crucially, know where the restrooms are.
Safety and new rules
After past years drew crowds that ballooned beyond expectations, the city has tightened its playbook. Porch performances are now banned on many main thoroughfares, and sets must be spaced at least eight houses apart to keep emergency access open. Those rules are part of a broader attempt to preserve the festival’s DIY vibe while addressing public safety concerns, The Boston Globe reports. Organizers are also lining up ambassadors who will help steer attendees and calm down congestion hot spots throughout the day.
Restrooms, volunteers and getting around
In a nod to the festival’s most reliable complaint, the city is rolling out roughly 98 temporary toilets, most of them along the Somerville Community Path, with locations marked on the event map, according to WBUR. The Community Path is the recommended backbone for moving between zones, and officials are strongly discouraging driving during the event. More than 50 volunteers in blue PorchFest shirts will be on hand to pass out maps, point people to restrooms, and keep packed corners from getting too chaotic.
Music highlights to plot your route
There is a bit of everything on the schedule. West Zone highlights include Jill McCracken and Good Trouble Brass Band. In the Central Zone, you can catch indie rock from Watson Park and jazz from Quantum Moon. The East Zone closes out the day with Otis Shanty and DJ Saucy Lady, per Axios. With more than 530 acts overall, the smart move is to pick a few neighborhoods and let serendipity handle the rest. Just remember that surprise sets have drawn massive crowds in past years, so build a little wiggle room into your plans.
Quick tips before you go
The festival is scheduled to run rain or shine, and the city will offer day-of emergency text alerts for updates and safety notices. To sign up, text SOMPORCHES26 to 888777, as noted on the city’s events page. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended, and it helps to sketch out a rough route in advance using the Arts Council’s map since the site can get overloaded on the day of the event, per the Somerville Arts Council. If you get turned around, look for a volunteer in a blue PorchFest shirt or stop by the city’s information table on the Community Path.
