Music fills the streets as Porchfest returns to Reading
(3-minute read)
Families line the street at 10 Margan Park to take in the music. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Reading came alive with music on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as PorchFest returned for another year, filling porches, lawns, and open spaces across town from noon until 6 pm in most locations. This year’s event featured 48 host locations and 110 groups and individuals performing, drawing residents out to walk the neighborhoods, discover new acts, and enjoy the day together.
It was a hot one, with temperatures peaking in the 80s and feeling even warmer thanks to the humidity, but neighbors turned out anyway to soak up the sound.
A town-wide stage
Acts filled every corner of Reading. Father-daughter duo Blakey’s Girl performed acoustic covers, while The Neighbors offered a mix of acoustic Celtic and popular styles. Several churches opened their doors as hosts, including First Baptist Church, First Congregational Church, Unitarian Universalist Church, and Good Shepherd, as well as the Reading Public Library, the American Legion, and the Quannapowitt Playhouse.
The Residences at Pearl Street hosted Philip Corcoran and the Bobcat One-Man Band in the rear of the building, where they played to a crowd of residents and staff. Local businesses got in on the fun as well, with Public Kitchen, Post 1917, Cain Oil Stadium, and Willow Dental all hosting acts throughout the day.
Dozens of homes rounded out the lineup, with families opening their lawns and driveways and offering hospitality to neighbors looking to listen to good music. At 34 Pine Ridge Road, people settled into lawn chairs and spread out on the grass while kids ran along the side yard and played with a colorful parachute. Homeowners at 97 and 91 Pleasant Street co-hosted bands throughout the day, including Tokyo Tramps, So-matic, and Jasmine Im. At 10 Morgan Park, the Vices, Inc., and Mike Barrasso performed while two youngsters sold lemonade to raise money for the Reading Food Pantry. And at 67 Pondmeadow, off Newcrossing Road, several high school bands took the stage with classic rock.
A mom and daughter enjoy the music of Generation Knot at 121 Wilow Street. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
A tradition that keeps going
Porchfest began in Reading in 2019 as part of the Town’s 375th anniversary celebration and has since grown into an annual event that continues to expand. The concept has even started popping up in surrounding towns. This year, an interactive map on the Porchfest website made it easier than ever for residents to plan their routes ahead of the day.
Those who missed a favorite act or want to relive the day can watch dozens of performances on the RCTV Youtube page. The full day’s schedule remains available for reference.
Get involved next year
Interested in hosting a location or performing next year? Visit the Reading Porchfest website or reach out to the organizers, Ace and Alan Foulds, for more information.
A huge thank you to the Foulds and all the volunteers who made Porchfest possible, to the hosts who opened their yards, and to the performers who livened the Town throughout the afternoon. Thanks to the Reading Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, whose grant funding helped make the day possible.
