Cambridge Porchfest: July 11 & 12, 2026
Cambridge Porchfest July 11 and 12, 2026
Porchfest will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, 2026.
Cambridge Porchfest is a free, walkable, community musical event. Neighbors host musicians on their porches, in their yards or driveways, with the idea that anyone can come by and check them out. A lot of nearby towns host porchfests - Somerville, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Watertown, and others. In 2025, Cambridge launched its first Porchfest in the Cambridgeport neighborhood just south of Central Square. There were more than 80 performers at 25 locations. (Reminisce about the inaugural 2025 Porchfest lineup at the bottom of this page.) This year, Cambridge Porchfest will primarily take place in Cambridgeport, the Port, and Riverside neighborhoods.
When is Cambridge Porchfest?
In 2026, Cambridge Porchfest will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. in Cambridgeport, Port, and Riverside neighborhoods. Cambridge Arts will also partner with Central Square Business Improvement District (BID) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) to host a day of Porchfest performances on Sunday, July 12, 2026, bringing live music to outdoor dining and gathering spaces in Central Square and Harvard Square. The 2026 schedule and lineup are forthcoming.
Is there a rain date?
No, Cambridge Porchfest will take place rain or shine.
How can I participate?
You can perform. All are welcome. Play solo or with a group, electric or acoustic, with instruments or a cappella. We welcome all ages and styles and hope to celebrate the broad diversity of Cambridge.
You can host. Your porch, yard, or driveway can provide the stage. You can play, or you can host other performers - or both. Porchfest organizers will help connect performers and hosts.
You can volunteer. Help on the day of the event. Distribute maps and provide information to event-goers. Or help with some of the many details leading up to the day.
What if I’m a performer and don’t live in Cambridge?
All interested performers are welcome to apply. We are excited to feature as many local and neighborhood-based performers as possible and will give priority to those applications. We will also consider performers who are not based in Cambridge and based on the availability of performances spaces and locations.
Is this a free event?
Yes, Porchfest is free! Performers donate their time. Porch owners donate their porch, lawn, driveway, or patio as a performance space.
How is Cambridge Porchfest being promoted?
Cambridge Porchfest will be promoted collaboratively by Cambridge Arts, the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association, and other City and community partners. There will be a website and social media presence. There will be a map and signage to help your audience find you on the day of the porchfest. More details to come.
Great, where do I sign up?
Registration is not yet available. More details are coming soon.
Please visit cambridgeport.org/porchfest for updates.
If I have other questions, whom do I contact?
Please email aleith@cambridgema.gov