Event Preview Story

Historic Athens Porchfest returns Sunday for the largest edition of the event yet. More than 200 local artists will perform in seven neighborhoods in Athens.

 

Porchfest is a free, family-friendly event that will take place from noon-8 p.m. in the Boulevard, Buena Vista Heights, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, Pulaski Heights and Reese-Hancock Area neighborhoods.

 

Historic Athens has partnered with Athens Trolley Tours for this year’s Porchfest to provide attendees with free trolley rides, making it easier to catch as many performances as possible across the neighborhoods.

 

“We will have tour guides on each trolley to guide attendees through each neighborhood and learn more about their past, present and future. It’s a fun way to connect with Athens’ history while making the event more accessible and enjoyable,” said Denise Sunta, Porchfest staff liaison and the engagement coordinator for Historic Athens.

 

This year’s partnership with Indie South will offer a vendor market with handmade goods from local artisans and small businesses. A new partnership with SoundCloud will offer free swag and insights about local artists at their Soundcloud Zone. Cafe Racer returns as the Presenting Sponsor of 2024 Historic Athens Porchfest.

 

Athentic Brewing Company is the official brewing company of Historic Athens Porchfest and will have beer available for purchase at their location in Buena Vista Heights.

 

Tommy Valentine, the executive director of the non-profit, says Porchfest was created as part of its mission to develop a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods and heritage.

 

Historic Athens Porchfest has grown since its start in 2019, which showcased just 69 bands in four neighborhoods. Valentine said the 2021 Porchfest event drew crowds of over 6,500.

 

“When we decided to do a Porchfest here in Athens, it was an effort to bridge our incredible music scene and that community heritage with the built environment to celebrate our music scene,” Valentine said.

 

Porchfest host, Alison Miller, said this event has “created more community within the community.”

 

This is Miller’s fourth year as a host for the event and says hosting is an effortless way to get involved and meet people.

 

“This event celebrates Athens' rich musical talent, but also brings our community together in new and meaningful ways,” said Sunta.

 

One goal of the event is to connect audiences with bands unknown to them by showcasing the diverse genres and styles of music that are present in Athens. This year's Porchfest will have local artists across many genres including classic rock, bluegrass, indie, alternative pop, acoustic folk, hip hop, jazz, metal and more.

 

Each hour there are around 30-40 concerts within walking distance of each other.

 

Local musician, SJ Ursrey, says this event feels different from any other music festival.

 

“It’s really cool to go from porch to porch instead of stage to stage in a big dusty field with porta potties,” Ursrey said.

 

Ursrey will be performing as Honeychild at 3 p.m. and with Dragana at 6 p.m. in the Boulevard neighborhood.