Athens Porchfest Attracts Crowds Larger Than Ever Before

The annual local Athens music event, Historic Athens Porchfest, is set to make its return on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024  from noon to 8 p.m. in Athens, Georgia,  featuring 209 local artists on 209 local porches.

In the heart of Athens, lies a special group of music lovers who have gathered together for the past six years to join in a time of fellowship to celebrate the community and heritage within the Athens Historic District. This year's Porchfest is expected to be the biggest and best yet. 

“This year will be the biggest and most exciting event yet,” said Denise Sunta, the engagement coordinator for Historic Athens. 

Porchfest is sponsored by companies Cafe Racer, Athens Trolley Tours, SoundCloud and Athentic Brewing Company, all of which are helping to provide services to attendees. This year, a new feature is the Athens Trolley Tours. They are providing free trolley rides during the event for attendees' transportation.

 The 209 porches are in seven different neighborhoods- Buena Vista Heights, Boulevard, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, Pulaski Heights and Reese-Hancock. The free trolley rides will make reaching multiple porches easier and allows for more exposure to different areas, not just the ones within walking distance. Here is a link to the map. 

Prior to the trolleys, the main source of transportation was walking and biking. In 2022, Porchfest created a bike path, similar to the trolley path they have this year. 

One of the most overlooked aspects of the event is the porches themselves. The history behind each one of the houses that help host this event is vast. Many of these homes were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and have had multiple previous owners. 

“That's the really fun thing about owning a historic house is that you’re just one chapter in the house's life,” says Alison Miller, Porchfest host and Athens Historic district resident. 

Due to its range of neighborhoods and rich history in each house, this event attracts crowds of all ages and demographics. Miller even brings her 10-year-old daughter, Avery, who enjoys helping host and like many others, meeting new people and enlarging her community. 

Hosts such as Miller have come back time and time again to engage in their community through this event. Miller has now been a host for Porchfest since moving to Athens in 2018 and never has thought twice about doing it again. The community aspect of Porchfest is what keeps it alive and attracts many locals to attend.  

“Porchfest feels different because it's outside, and people 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 Usrey, a musician who will be performing in multiple bands on Sunday. 

In order for Porchfest to remain free, the artists do not get paid, it is all by a volunteer basis. Although, there is a donation bucket outside of each porch. This is provided by Porchfest. 

Due to the convenience and cost, the event is expected to have the largest crowd in Porchfest history. This family-friendly, welcoming environment will begin at noon on Sunday and is free to all. All residents are welcome and even encouraged to come and listen to the 209 local artists. For more information follow this link.