Swampscott Porchfest returns Saturday, Sept. 20, kicking off at noon with the Blue Big Band at Linscott Park.
From noon to 6 p.m., the town will transform into a stage for free, family-friendly performances ranging from folk and bluegrass to classic rock and more. Swampscott Town Hall will host family-friendly entertainment from 1 to 4 p.m., including a pirate-themed show.
At 1 p.m., performances expand to porches throughout the Olmsted neighborhood and beyond. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs but also be ready to dance.
A total of 26 locations will host Porchfest performances throughout the day:
Linscott Park
12-1 p.m.: Blue Big/Little Band
Swampscott Town Hall
1-2 p.m.: The King Serpent Variety Troupe
2-3 p.m. Community Drum Circle with Philip Alexander
3-4 p.m. Music with Ms. Alex
Swampscott Public Library
1:30-2 p.m.: Red Rock Ramblers
First Congregational Church of Swampscott
4-5 p.m.: One and Friends
106 Elmwood Road
1-2 p.m.: The B-Side Hustle
3-4:30 p.m. Digging for Shovels
57 Monument Avenue
2-3:30 p.m.: Colorado Bob
85 Monument Avenue
4:30-6 p.m.: Molly Pinto Madigan Band
144 Elmwood Road
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Mike Brison
3-4 p.m.: The Malingerers
15 Sheridan Road
4-6 p.m.: Atch Amour
87 Farragut Road
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Zosia
3-4 p.m.: The Five Year Plan
4-6 p.m.: Familiar Strangers
12 Banks Road
2-3 p.m.: Porch Pirates
38 Grant Road
2:30-3:30 p.m. Billy Goodrich
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Summer Pierce
68 Walker Road
2-3 p.m.: The Lucky Ducks
72 Walker Road
5-6 p.m.: The Pleasing Terrors
48 Banks Road
3-4 p.m.: Moretti Family Band
71 Walker Road
4-5 p.m. Allycats
79 Greenwood Avenue
4-4:45 p.m.: Paraphernalia
19 Greenwood Terrace
5-6 p.m. Steve Tapper and Shira Moss – Flute and Percussion Duo
64 Humphrey Street
1-3 p.m.: Tin Box Poets
33 Kings Beach Terrace
4-4:30 p.m.: John Coleman Bennet
4:30-5:30 p.m.: North Shore Revival
3 Boynton Street
5-6 p.m.: Conor Shanahan and Will Todisco
44 Duncan Terrace
1-3 p.m.: The Mayflys
86 Puritan Road
2-3 p.m.: Silent Ground
120 Puritan Road
4-6 p.m. Marc Maccini
24 Winshaw Road
2-3 p.m. Not Bothered
3-4 p.m. The Kevin Farren Band
4-5:30 p.m. Birdface
Community members can also take part, with opportunities to perform even if they’re not in a band. The Tin Box Poets will host an open mic from 1 to 3 p.m. at 64 Humphrey Street, while a community drum circle begins at 2 p.m. on the Town Hall lawn.
Started in 2019 by ReachArts, a local nonprofit arts group that closed in 2025, Swampscott Porchfest lives on thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.
Some Porchfest locations will also feature lemonade stands hosted by Grab the Bagel, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the families of the girls lost in the Mystic Camp flood. Grab the Bagel founder Dave Aldrich will provide bagel platters at each stand and donate a Grab the Bagel vacuum bagel tower for one lucky winner at each location.
The rain date is set for Sunday, Sept. 21.
