Athens PorchFest
Guido Hrovat, a member of the Athens band Beast Mode, plays drums outside Pulaski Heights BBQ during the 2023 Athens Porchfest. (Photo/Andrea Hudson)
PorchFest Event Preview
Kira Doppel
From Normaltown to Newtown, the Historic Athens Porchfest is back and better than ever with over 200 performances.
The Historic Athens Porchfest is an annual festival that actively celebrates the Classic City’s rich culture and diversity through music, community engagement and history. On Sunday, Oct. 20, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Athens will be crawling with music, dance, and family-friendly fun. The Historic Athens Porchfest, presented by Cafe Racer, is on for its sixth-year and spans over several neighborhoods.
As one of the most prolific music cities in the country, it only seems right that the Historic Athens Porchfest seeks to advance local artists and create new history each year.
Porchfest is organized by Historic Athens, a non-profit organization that strives to promote and preserve the lasting heritage of Athens culture.
“Historic Athens Porchfest is truly a celebration of community creativity and history, and it's all thanks to the incredible performers, sponsors, porch hosts and volunteers who come together to make this again, free, family friendly event possible year to year,”said Denise Sunta, Engagement Coordinator for Historic Athens.
Athens Porchfest is made possible by the work of volunteers, sponsors and partners.
A sparkling new sponsor of this music festival is SoundCloud, a musical streaming service. This partnership will bring a SoundCloud Zone that features free merch and insight into featured local musicians.
Athentic Brewing Company, in partnership with Historic Athens, is set to release a specialty beer, On The Rails, for Porchfest that will be available at the Brewing Co.
Athens Trolly Tours will be providing free trolly rides for easy and safe access through neighborhoods.
Sunta discussed these partnerships creating a wonderful evolution of the Historic Athens Porchfest.
During Porchfest, members of the Athens community voluntarily open their porches and yards for this festival.
“You don’t even have to clean your house,” said Alison Miller, one of the many opening up the front of their homes for Porchfest this year.
Miller stated that Porchfest is one of her favorite days of the year.
During an interview, Miller spoke on her home's alleged history with legendary bands from Athens. Miller, expressed that she loves being one chapter in her home’s life.
Miller will be hosting, In Sonitus Lux, a free improv ambient jazz group at 3 p.m. at their home, located at 399 Buena Vista Ave.
For many in Athens, this festival is more than just music, it's about connecting with the community.
“It's really nice because it's outside, and one of my favorite things, and people just get to go from house to house, and it keeps it very real. It feels like it's a very down to earth festival,” said SJ Ursrey, lead instructor at Nuçi’s Space Camp Amped and local musician who has performed with notable bands R.E.M and Dark Meat.
Historic Athens Porchfest will last for eight hours and is sure to be a day filled with music, new history and fun.
Why I wrote this story?
I wrote this story because Athens Porchfest is one of the biggest music festivals of the year in Athens. I reported on the Business Beat when writing this story and I thought as though this brought in lots of business for food truck owners to restaurants.
