What is Porchfest?
A free choose-your-own-adventure music festival with a little something for everyone.
Ithica, New York threw the first-ever Porchfest in 2007, and since then the format has spread to over 200 cities across the world. Each one looks a little different, but the underlying idea is simple: local musicians of all genres play right on the front porches of a cozy, historic neighborhood.
Our Porchfest was started in 2017 on a whim by a rag-tag group of neighbors hoping to build community. At the time they weren’t even sure it would survive more than a year — but it has become one of Joplin’s biggest events and most beloved traditions.
The Music
Name a genre and we’ve probably had it at Porchfest: folk, rock, country, blues, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, classical.... Even a 10-piece marimba ensemble called Kufara (they’re incredible). Porchfest musicians range from gifted young amateurs to seasoned professionals with connections to ZZ Top and Young the Giant.
Each band plays on their host’s front porch, deck, yard, balcony, etc. and is staggered in one-hour time slots throughout the day. You can hang out in one place and you’ll probably catch a full day of music, or you can grab our event map (available on paper at the event or on our website starting in August/September) and plan out which bands you want to see.
PERFORM AT PORCHFEST MUSIC LINEUP
The FOOD
In the park at the center of the event (610 West F Street), we’ll have a full lineup of local entreé, snack, drink, and dessert trucks, as well as booths by artisan bakers for stuff to take home. Some of the names that often appear at Porchfest: Ghetto Tacos, Driveway Diner Barbecue, Kings Kettle Corn, Loaded AF Burgers, Tombstone Beverages, and Mitchell’z Munchiez.
SELL FOOD AT PORCHFEST FOOD LINEUP
The ART
Also located at the park (610 West F Street) is the Art Market, a slice of Joplin’s thriving visual arts scene. Browse handmade ceramics, paintings, fiber arts, home goods, décor, and more from the region’s most talented creators.
SELL ART ART LINEUP
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILy
There’s something for every generation at Porchfest! All performers at Porchfest play family-friendly content. Kids’ activities, including games, collaborative and solo arts and crafts, and children’s author readings, will be stationed near the center of the event (610 West F Street).
The park area is also designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. You can hang out in that area all day and experience a full day of music, food, and art. Read our accessibility guide for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best old-timey baseball player name?
Sloppy Thurston. Next question.
Are there tickets for Porchfest? How much do they cost? And how do I get in?
Slow down, cowboy, that’s three questions. Porchfest is free to attend, and there are no tickets. All you have to do is show up!
Is Porchfest kid-friendly?
Yes! We’ll have lots of kids’ activities near the center of the event (610 West F Street), and all performers will be reasonably family-friendly. Check our Facebook or Instagram closer to the event for more details.
What if it rains?
Bring an umbrella! Porchfest is a rain-or-shine event, and we’ve had successful Porchfests on rainy days. It’ll be cancelled in the event of thunderstorms, blizzards, or haboobs, though.
Where should I park?
The best way to get to Porchfest is to use your car as little as possible. Carpooling, biking, and walking are ideal.
Anyway, if you’ll be driving a car to Porchfest, PLAN AHEAD! North Heights is a residential area, and a very old one, so there are no big parking lots, no shuttles, and very few signs or people to guide you through parking like you might get at, say, Red Rocks. There will be a lot of cars parked on the streets and a lot of people walking around. Especially if you arrive later in the day, be prepared to be patient. (It’ll be worth it!)
We suggest parking on Main Street, Dover Hill, Landreth Park, C Street, or Byers Avenue. Whatever you do, please don’t try to drive around to each performance or through crowds. It’s extremely dangerous and, even worse, incredibly lame.
What safety measures will be in place?
Police are notified of the event and will provide on-duty police officers if staffing allows. There is a first aid station at the information booth (610 West F Street) and a medically trained volunteer on-call throughout the event.
What should I bring to Porchfest?
Things you’d need for being outside: A water bottle. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Extra layers (if it’s chilly). Comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella (for shade or rain protection).
Things that will enhance your experience: Your telephone. Your printed event map (available on this site starting in August/September, or on event day at our booth at 610 West F Street). Foldable camp chairs or blankets for sittin’. Hand sanitizer for eatin’.
Extra special non-essential things: Small bills for tipping musicians. Cool hats.
What should I NOT bring to Porchfest?
Alcohol and other substances should be left at home; per city laws, consuming those things on the street is a misdemeanor. Otherwise, y’know... the usual stuff you wouldn’t bring while you’re out and about in public.
Can I bring my dog/cat/iguana?
Yes, IF he’s friendly and leashed at all times. Please bring bags to pick up after him.
Is Porchfest accessible for people with disabilities?
Read our accessibility guide for the full scoop. We design the center of the event (in the park at 610 West F Street and the block or two surrounding) to be as accessible as possible; you can hang out in that area and experience a full day of music, food, and art. We’d strongly recommend carpooling and having someone drop you off near that area.
The outer rings of the event are less friendly for people with mobility limitations because the North Heights is somewhat hilly and many of the sidewalks in North Heights are... well, bad.
Who runs Porchfest?
A small but feisty group of volunteers and a nonprofit called North Heights Neighborhood Group (NHNG), which is dedicated to building community in our beautiful little neighborhood.
My question isn’t answered here. Should I just ask my mom?
Moms know most things, so there’s a pretty good chance she’ll know. If not, email us your question at northheightsporchfest@gmail.com. We’ll probably ask your mom first too just to be safe.
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
Privacy Policy