West Bayfront PorchFest Returns in 2023

Dave Tamulonis

The porches of homes and businesses throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood will transform into stages to host local musical performers of all genres for Our West Bayfront's annual Porch Fest.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Our West Bayfront is getting the band and the neighbors back together this year for PorchFest 2023. The event, which originally began in 2014, was the brainchild of Tom Maggio, grants manager at the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, and his wife. As the name suggests, residential porches and small business storefronts throughout the neighborhood become makeshift stages for the afternoon, playing host to some of Erie's finest musicians.

"We're going to have over 20 bands this year with the finale being Familiar Spirit at 5 p.m. at the Hagen History Center," said Chuck Nelson, Erie City Council president and co-organizer of the event. Phunkademic, This American Song, Saturn to Brazil, and the Elle Taylor Band are among the local bands on the schedule. Nelson and David Tamulonis, events and marketing manager for Erie Downtown Partnership, relaunched the event after a few years' hiatus during the pandemic, bringing PorchFest back on a much larger scale and with the help of neighborhood group Our West Bayfront.

PorchFest is a family-friendly, walkable event filled with local music and great food. To participate this year, just grab a chair or a blanket and head to the participating addresses (a map is available at the Our West Bayfront office, 404 W. Eighth St., or on their website, ourwestbayfront.org) to enjoy live music all afternoon from the beautiful porches in the West Bayfront. The event represents a fantastic opportunity to admire some of Erie's best historic architecture, get to know your neighbors, and discover our talented local musicians.

"Our signature sponsor is Federal Resources Corporation. New this year, we'll have the Gridley Park Grub Area, which will be active all day. It will feature local food and drink vendors, including Erie Ale Works, whose brewery is located in the West Bayfront," said Marissa Litzenberg of Our West Bayfront.

Our West Bayfront will provide a form for interested bands, hosts, and sponsors early next year for 2024 PorchFest. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page if you are interested in participating, either as a performer or as a host-porch. 

Noon to 6:30 p.m. // Various addresses throughout the West Bayfront Neighborhood // Free // For more information and a full schedule of events visit: ourwestbayfront.org