You know D.C. is coming alive again when Porchfest season hits. Petworth Porchfest is this Saturday, Adams Morgan’s is May 3. It’s a great time to discover local bands, hang out with neighbors, and soak in the warm weather. And it’s all free! We’re porchfest regulars, here’s how to make the most of them.
Should I go to Adams Morgan or Petworth Porchfest?
It depends on your vibe! Petworth is much larger (130 stages!) and more spread out. The result is a more relaxed family-friendly vibe that includes much more walking between stages. Adams Morgan is more like a big rowdy street party that’s all concentrated within a few blocks. Adams Morgan also issues free bracelets that get you discounts at local businesses during the festival. Both have a great variety of genres and local bands.
What To Bring
Some absolute essentials are water, sunscreen, and snacks (especially for Petworth). But the pros know to bring blankets, foldable chairs, and a selection of your favorite beers and seltzers.
⚠️ Careful with beverage consumption though; bathrooms are few and far between!
Tips For Doing Porchfest With Kids
Petworth Porchfest is ideal for kids, they even have a stage specifically for kids’ music. But once you’re out there, it’s hard to find food and water, so be sure to pack for a full day before you leave. And don’t forget the stroller; the walking adds up, even for me.
Petworth Porchfest 2024. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Who To See
The bands run the gamut from alternative accordion and contemporary percussion to go-go and funk, from professional musicians to basement dad bands who perform once a year. Adams Morgan hasn’t released its full schedule yet, but here are a few porchfest standbys we are really looking forward to seeing:
Ari Voxx (Petworth):
D.C. born and raised, Ari Voxx brings dreamy indie-pop to another level with ethereal vocals and the occasional flare of theatrics.
Gangstagrass (Adams Morgan):
Headlining for Adams Morgan Porchfest, this self described “genre-demolishing American supergroup” has been topping bluegrass and rap charts, combining the two into a new genre.
Bongo District (Petworth):
A mix of reggae, Latin, funk, and ska, Bongo District has become one of D.C.’s most sought-after bands, even performing at the Kennedy Center a few weeks ago. Perfect for dancing.
The Messthetics (Petworth):
Music by the Messthetics is entirely instrumental and is often described as "jazz punk jam." The group was founded by Fugazi’s bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty.
