Have you ever spent a warm midsummer evening relaxing on your porch or in your yard — holding a cold sweet tea in one hand, while watching the kids play and listening to music playing in the distance?

Porchfest creates a perfect summer day and transports you back to a different time, when the minutes ticked by a little slower as family, friends and neighbors gathered to chat with one another and maybe play a song or two.

Each year in Grants Pass, Porchfest strengthens the social fabric of the community by bringing together neighbors, musicians, artisans and vendors — all with the goal of enjoying an afternoon of music and supporting local organizations that help at-risk youth.

A day of music and fun

Porchfest events are music festivals which take place on people’s front porches in towns and cities across the nation.

Porchfest started in Grants Pass in 2017, said Janie Duewel, an account executive with KOBI-TV NBC5. At the time, a new Grants Pass resident who had moved to the area thought the family-friendly event would do well in Southern Oregon.

“There was nothing else like Porchfest here at the time,” she said, “and it was a great way to build community and get to know your neighbors.”

The annual event features local musicians performing a variety of music on the front porches of historic Grants Pass houses. Porchfest takes place in the NW Washington Boulevard area of Grants Pass, with the participating streets closed to vehicle traffic during the festival.   

In addition to live music, Porchfest has offerings from local artisans and crafters, and several different food trucks on site. Duewel advises people to come ready to shop, eat and listen to some great music.

“Be prepared to do a little walking,” she said with a chuckle, “or ride your bicycle. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to relax on while you listen to the music. It’s going to be a wonderful day!”

A community gathering

Initially, Duewel handled the social media for Porchfest and served in that capacity for a couple of years. Then, the person leading Porchfest had to step away due to an illness in her family.

Also a member of Rogue Gateway Rotary, Duewel saw an opportunity for the rotary club to jump in and run Porchfest, which they have done since 2019.

To prepare for Porchfest, Duewel said she must find musicians who will donate their time and play at the event. Word goes out on social media and volunteers talk to people in the community; however, finding musicians is never a problem.

“Porchfest is such a fun and cool event,” said Duewel. “Once people experience it, they come back year after year.”

In fact, they often have more musicians ready to play than porches to put them on. The rotary sometimes has to put musicians on a waiting list until a porch becomes available.

“I suppose that’s a good problem to have!”

To find people to offer their porches as stages, volunteers go through the neighborhood, talk to the homeowners, get their permission to close down the street for the day of the event, then ask if they would allow a band to play on their front yard or porch.

“The neighborhood is full of generous, incredible people who love to participate,” she said, “and lend out their porches each year.”

There is no charge to attend Porchfest, and that is because of the generous event sponsors.

Southern Oregon Subaru is a main sponsor for Porchfest this year, and has been since 2019, according to Duewel. When her rotary club took over the event a few years ago, it fell to them to find and secure sponsors.

“I knew Subaru’s history of generously sponsoring events,” she said. “I appreciate them as a longtime sponsor. We know that every year when we ask them to participate, they’ll say yes.”

A strong sense of togetherness

In addition to providing a day of wholesome family fun, all of the proceeds from Porchfest benefit local youth organizations, including CASA, Family Solutions, Growing Together, Maslow Project and Project Youth+.

Many of the organizations also have booths at the festival, so they have a chance to personally connect with community members and educate people about how they help local youth.

“I know the receiving organizations deeply appreciate the donations that come from Porchfest,” said Duewel.

In 2022, Porchfest raised just over $25,000 and more than 4,000 people attended the event.

Porchfest started as a way to bring the community together, create connections and form lasting memories for everyone.

Duewel acknowledged it’s a lot of work to put on the event, but she loves to be part of something so special.

“When you run into your friends or see families enjoying each other’s company, that’s priceless. I’m personally thrilled to be part of Porchfest and grateful to the sponsors and volunteers who make it happen.”

A taste of classic summer fun is on the menu this year, with Porchfest serving up a good time for people of all ages — from young kids to grandparents, and every age in between.

Porchfest will be held on June 17, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Grants Pass. For more information, visit www.porchfestgrantspass.org.