What if you took the idea for a block party and elevated it to a whole new experience? The Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood is finding out.

The second annual PorchFest brings neighbors and communities together through music, art, story, and food on Saturday, June 3. 

Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., four homes in the neighborhood will host musicians on their porches while two others will have artists. Also, one is dedicated to a Kid Fest, one for storytimes, and four will offer garden tours.

And when you start feeling a bit hungry, food trucks are stationed in the neighborhood.

Let’s do it again

After being in lockdown during the pandemic, the neighborhood wanted to create something new that was outdoors so everyone could attend. 

After the success of last year’s event, what was originally thought to be a one-time thing has become annual. 

“2022 PorchFest was such a success,” neighborhood association board member Hunter Schubert said, noting a portion of the proceeds were donated to Healthier Moms and Babies. “We really weren’t sure if the community would respond to this new idea, but immediately we discovered the community was itching to get outdoors, support local bands and other community partners, and enjoy the outdoors with their family. 

“We had over 400 people attend, and our hope is to increase that number this year.” 

Last year, 12 porches featured 11 local bands, four artists, and six storytellers. Out of all those artists, 14 were from the neighborhood. 

Something new

Not only does PorchFest bring neighbors together, it also invites anyone to come and check out local talent and meet new faces. 

A new feature for this year is the History Walking Tour. 

“There will be an architecture and home walking tour starting at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. where we will lead people down Taber Street and they will be able to listen to interesting architectural facts about various homes and fun historical facts/events that occurred in some of the homes,” Schubert said. “This portion of PorchFest is a bit of a teaser of what they could expect if they were to come to our annual Holiday Home Tour that will be the first weekend of December.”

What to expect

This year’s event will cost $15, with kids 10 and under getting in free. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit/charity. 

Musicians performing this year include Adam Baker, Atrium Quartet, Cowboy Abhyasi, Dead Man’s Dance, Howlin’ Hounds, Kevin Pifer, Middle Names, Sexy and The Succulent, and Waiting for Daisy. 

“We also will be highlighting two local artists,” Schubert said. “Becky Stockert whose work explores our world through narrative illustration. Topics that interest her include feminism, sustainability, environmentalism, and the lives of cats. She often uses nature imagery as a springboard for exploring these ideas, especially the natural flora and fauna of the Midwest. As well, Becky enjoys using imagery from popular culture for reference and for the sake of humor. 

“And Nicole Capriglione, owner of Capriglione Creations Pottery and Clay Classes, she creates pieces that are beautiful and functional,” he added. “Her serving bowls, planters, pitchers, earrings, and other creations are beautiful to look at and fun to use.” 

Do you have kiddos who love storytime? Judy Summers has you covered at KidsFest.

Summers loves children’s stories and activities that relate back to the story itself. 

Where to go

The Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood is part of a historical district that represents the early layout for planned neighborhoods in the downtown area. 

PorchFest will take place on Woodland Avenue and Webster Street with the entrance at Suttenfeld Street. A full map of the locations and events can be found online at williamswoodlandpark.com/porchfest. 

Hoping to try a local food vendor? At the corner of the two streets listed above will be food from Ziffles, Same City, and Whip ’n Chill food trucks. 

Get you tickets today and go enjoy your local talent!