Though outdoor music festivals almost instinctively bring to mind warm summer air and crisp beer, that tide just may be turning due to a little event called Porchfest. New to the Ottawa music scene, Porchfest debuts this Saturday, October 24, in Hintonburg. Music festivals are about to mean hot Pumpkin Spice Lattés and colorful fallen leaves.
Admittedly, I’ve never heard of a ‘porchfest’ but a quick Google search proved to me that it’s a trend gaining traction fast across North America. The first official Porchfest took place in 2007 in Ithaca, New York, with 20 musicians. Eight years later, Ithaca’s annual music festival brings the tunes of over 100 musicians to the area and the idea has spread across the continent. Porchfests can now be found in places including, but not limited to, Montreal, Belleville, Salt Lake City, and Napa. Each year, the list of participating locations grows.
Attendees will be treated to the musical stylings of Ottawa’s finest talent, performed exclusively on Hintonburg porches. The limits of Porchfest are from the OTrain tracks to Parkdale and then from the Highway 417 to Scott St. The completely acoustic sets will last 45 minutes and each performance is guaranteed to be family-friendly. (Please note that smoking or alcohol consumption will be prohibited during the sets.) Detailed information on performers and a set schedule and map will be released on the Porchfest website on October 22.
In many cities, the Porchfests have evolved into truly impressive community events. Many cities have incorporated food stands and a few even boast local art vendors.
Ottawa’s rendition of Porchfest is graciously brought to the area by Ken McKay, Stephanie Halin, and family. McKay will also be performing on a porch near you under his stage name, Ken Halin. McKay told Ottawa Community News that his ultimate dream for the festival would be to see it expand citywide, or at least to include other neighborhoods. However, for its inaugural year, he simply hopes performers and attendees alike have fun and to let the event grow organically over the coming years.
Here’s to many Porchfests to come!
For more information on Porchfest, please check out the website.
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