Information About Hosting

• Porch hosts are entirely responsible for the show(s) they are hosting.

• Each musical act gets 60 minutes max. so that one porch doesn't dominate the block. 

• The physical boundaries for Porchfest are Cresheim Valley to Johnson Street, and from Wissahickon Avenue to Stenton Avenue.  

• As a host, you don't need to be available for the whole event (1-7pm). We only ask that you are available for as long as your musical act plays (max. 1 hour), plus set up and clean up time. Please work out the set up time together with your performer

• You can host more than one musical act on your porch, but please coordinate with your neighbors so that acts don't compete or play over each other.

• Understand that a Porchfest is an entirely free event all around. Since its inception in 2007 in Ithaca, NY part of the mission of this event is free and voluntary community engagement and paying performers changes the mission. Instead, show the hardworking musicians lots of love by stuffing their tip jar with as much as you want.

• You must secure the musicians (either on your own, with the Facebook connector group, or with a little help from us as a last resort) and introduce yourself right away so they know where they are playing for the event.  Please get their contact info and give them yours as well. 

• Get the rights/permission to use a porch if you are renting (absolutely must do this). 

• Connect with the musician(s) by September 10th and work out all logistics (including electrical outlets, instrument set up, use of bathrooms, water, securing pets…) clearly and respectfully so that everyone is on the same page the day of the event and there are no surprises for the performers.

• Let all of your neighbors know you are hosting and what to expect.

• Create a safe and welcoming space for performers and guests.

• Get permission from performers before posting any photos/video on your social media. 

Please Note: 

• Porch hosts must be comfortable with every aspect of hosting a show and being a good neighbor.

• If you are going to create an event on your socials, please start it with the name of the performers and not with the event as it will drive traffic to your house alone and isn't fair to the other event hosts.

• Performances must be visible from the front of the house and as accessible as possible for those with mobility issues.

• You do not need to set up chairs, especially if you are limited on space.

• Please also be respectful of your performer's personal COVID requirements, as they also need to respect yours. 

• Please don't pass tip jars around so people don't feel pressured to pay anything. It's ok to leave out a tip jar in a visible spot.

And don't forget: It's okay for performers to leave out a tip jar!