This weekend, step into the heart of Fresno’s Tower District neighborhoods filled with beautiful craftsman style homes for a one-of-a-kind celebration of music, community, and local culture at Tower Porchfest, happening Saturday, April 27th. If you’re new to the event or considering joining the festivities for the first time, here’s your guide to enjoying this wonderfully eclectic day.
What is Tower Porchfest?
Tower Porchfest isn’t your typical music festival. It’s a grassroots community event where the front porches and yards of Fresno’s historic Tower District transform into stages for a day. This festival spreads across 3 square miles, turning the neighborhood into a live concert venue where generosity, great talent, and a shared enjoyment of beautiful weather are the themes of the day.
How It Works
Tower Porchfest is the epitome of community collaboration. Neighbors offer up their porches as stages, and musicians volunteer their talents to fill the district with diverse sounds. The process is simple: neighbors find performers to host and performers find porches that will welcome them. This entire event is coordinated by Creative Fresno along with the Tower Porchfest Organizing Committee, which handles the logistics, from promoting the event to ensuring safety.
Plan Your Day
To make the most out of Porchfest, planning is key. You can explore the event by following a list of performers sorted by start time or simply wander through the district and let the music guide you. A detailed map is available on the Tower Porchfest website to help you navigate the event.
Free parking (parking rules will be relaxed for the day) is available at Fresno City College, but if you’re from the area, walking or biking is encouraged if possible to keep the event as car-free as possible. A free Porchfest Trolley will also be available, transporting event goers all around the area and running every ten minutes. The starting stop is Me n Ed’s on the corner of Olive & Wishon. You’ll want to bring your own picnic blankets or lawn chairs, too – and don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and water.
Be a Good Neighbor
As a community-driven event, attendees are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings. Since Tower residents are being kind enough to share their homes for the event, please remember to pack out what you pack in, and while enjoying the performances, consider tipping the volunteer musicians who are all volunteering their time for Porchfest.
Food and Merchandise
Not only will there be music, but many porches will also offer food options. (To see which ones, click the food map link here.) The Tower District’s local restaurants are also great spots to explore. Don’t forget to check out the merch store at the event’s info booth (which will also be located near the first Trolley Stop at Me n Ed’s) to grab some memorabilia—proceeds go back into supporting this annual festival.
Join the Community
For those looking to perform next year or host a porch, keep an eye on the Friends of Tower Porchfest Facebook group. It’s a great resource for connecting with the community and preparing for next year’s event.
Why Attend?
Tower Porchfest is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of Fresno’s community spirit, artistic talents, and the charming Tower District neighborhood. It’s a day where music, art, and community intersect in the best way.
This Saturday, come out to enjoy the music, meet new friends, and experience the vibrant culture of one of Fresno’s most beloved neighborhoods. No tickets are required—just show up and enjoy!
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