If you need a reminder, it falls on the same weekend as the Forest Park Balloon Race.
Last year, 50 bands performed on porches and in front yards across Skinker DeBaliviere and neighboring Parkview. This year’s event is on track to be even bigger with between 60 and 70 bands. The beauty of PorchFest as a music festival is its diversity — you might hear a jazz band on one block, then turn the corner for a punk group, followed by a choral ensemble in the next time slot just a few doors down.
As bands sign up, they describe their sound in their own words. While Americana and singer-songwriter are the most common styles, this year’s lineup includes groups promising to play “glam soul,” “New Orleans rhumba,” “sorrow-driven alt country,” “mom rock,” “doom metal” and “dream pop shoegaze.” This year’s headline act is the Steve Ewing Duo, formerly of The Urge, whose music is at the intersection of reggae, hip hop and ska.
Victoria Headrick, project manager for Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council and one of the organizers, says, “The event continues to grow bigger and better every year. Skinker-DeBaliviere is made up of people from all walks of life, and I think PorchFest celebrates that diversity through sound.”
Some hosts have built ongoing relationships with specific bands, while others enjoy offering a platform to musicians they have not yet met. In a few cases, PorchFest has been a way for an emerging musician to perform a full concert for the very first time. For hosts, it is a memorable way to give back to the community and an opportunity to invite friends and family to experience the neighborhood at its best.
The full schedule will be released about a week before the event and can be found at porchfeststl.com.
To support the event, PorchFest invites sponsors to help cover upfront costs and establish a strong financial foundation for future festivals. At the top level, there are three sponsorship tiers — Presenting, Main Stage and Rock Star — geared primarily toward local businesses.
New this year is the $100 Superfan level, designed for friends and neighbors who want to show appreciation for past PorchFests and to support upcoming ones. Think of it this way: tickets for two people to see a touring band can easily exceed $100 — here, that same amount supports a full afternoon of live music while helping sustain a quirky community event that benefits hundreds of music fans and provides exposure for dozens of local musicians.
The names of Superfan donors will be listed on a large sign designed by local Skinker DeBaliviere artist Andy Cross. The sign will be displayed prominently near the Greg Freeman Park Main Stage and names can be added in the preceding weeks or even on the day of the event.
For more information about PorchFest STL 2026, visit www.porchfeststl.com or contact the organizers at porchfeststl@gmail.com.
Mark it on your calendar: Sunday, 20 September 2026.
