ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE
Welcome to North Heights Porchfest! We hope this information will be helpful as you plan your day.
North Heights Porchfest is an outdoor event. As is the case with most outdoor spaces and events, it can sometimes be difficult to predict the sensory environment because of weather, natural smells, and the volume of attendees. This guide will provide an overview of sensory and mobility information for program areas and built structures within the event area. It will be updated throughout the year as we nail down details.
Questions, comments or concerns?
Email us at northheightsporchfest@gmail.com.
About The Festival
North Heights Porchfest is an open-air, vibrant, and well-attended Joplin event. The general event covers several blocks in each direction and requires considerable walking. The weather in early October can be variable, with either summer-like weather or more fall-like temperatures. It can be helpful to bring a water bottle, a foldable lightweight chair, wear comfortable shoes for walking and clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. We are also a rain or shine event, so bringing an umbrella if rain is in the forecast is a good idea. Only severe weather will stop the show!
A wide variety of food trucks are available in a central location. Please ask each food vendor about specific ingredients that are of an allergy concern and understand that some cross-contamination cannot be completely ruled out in most food truck environments.
Mobility
For those attendees with mobility issues, such as walking limitations, wheelchair or walker use, or even families using strollers for young children, the MegaBlock on the 500 Block of North Moffet offers the entire Porchfest experience on one block. There is live music hourly with seating provided, all of the artisan booths, sponsor booths, the Porchfest booth, and an accessible restroom on this one block. In addition, the food truck area is on the adjacent block and golf cart transportation is available upon request.
Options for Quieter, Calmer or Cooler Places
The main hub of activity for Porchfest is located in the park at 610 West F Street. You will likely encounter less noise and a lower concentration of attendees if you move away from that hub to the more distant porch venues throughout the event. A printed map of performance locations and times is available at the event. An online version will be posted in September so you can plan your day in advance.
The Neighborhood Lifehouse located at 516 N Wall Ave has a large front porch for shade and will be a relatively quiet spot during the day except for the one performance they host (check map for the time).
There are many large trees for shade along the west side of the food truck area where the dining tables are set up. There are also many mature trees throughout the neighborhood that provide ample shade.
There will be at least one hydration station at the event; check the event map posted here and on social media in August/September for specific locations.
Individual Sensory Considerations
SOUND
Most performances at Porchfest are amplified, which can be helpful for those with hearing deficits. For those who prefer lower volume levels, we’ll post a list of quieter performers here once the lineup is finalized over the summer. The location and time of these performers can be found on the general map, which will be posted in August or September.
The park located at 610 West F Street is a concentration of activity and sound with multiple musical performances, all of the food trucks and artisan booths, and a lot of foot traffic all day. Most of the food trucks use generators, which can be noisy. The children’s area can be loud depending on what activities are offered each year. Gas powered golf carts are used by event personnel throughout the day. The golf carts make some noise and have a faint smell of gasoline sometimes.
The Neighborhood Lifehouse at 516 N Wall will be a shady and relatively quiet place. You are welcome to chill out there if that’s helpful. There will be one performance there (check the map for time) but otherwise it’s as quiet as you can find at a music festival.
SMELL
The food truck and dining area will have food smells throughout the day. Many of the food trucks use generators which may emit an offensive smell. The children’s area will have arts & crafts and may have a smell of paint or glue. The artisan booth area may have unusual smells depending on the art medium being displayed, which can also include artisanal breads and other confections.
SIGHT
Every performance at Porchfest has a visual component so there’s something to watch at every porch venue. Dance may be included in some of the performances, adding more visual interest. The children’s area will host various children’s crafts such as rock painting or bracelet making, and may be very visually stimulating.
Pet attendance: Porchfest is a pet-friendly event where leashed dogs are welcome. Some years, a pet rescue group attends and will have both dogs and cats available for adoption. There will also be a dog obedience demonstration that may be visually stimulating.
TOUCH
The children’s area will have various arts & crafts geared toward children but are also fun for adults. These activities will provide touch and also create an item that you can take home. Some of the artisan booths may offer items that visitors can gently touch with the permission of the artists.
Questions, comments or concerns?
Email us at northheightsporchfest@gmail.com.
Volunteer
Donate
Perform
Host a Band
Sell Art
Sell Food
Map (available in September)
Music Lineup (available in September)
Food Lineup (available in September)
Art Lineup (available in September)
What’s Porchfest?
Accessibility Guide
CONTACT US
northheightsporchfest@gmail.com
Participation Waiver
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