Ash-Hop Porchfest
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Porchfest?

Porchfests occur in over 100 locations around the US and Canada. Ash Hop Porchfest is a grassroots community music festival set in two lovely towns (Ashland and Hopkinton) in the Boston Metrowest area.

Musicians play on front porches or partnering community sites, and attendees enjoy lots of free music and local character as they walk and bike around the neighborhoods. It’s a great opportunity for local musicians to share their talents with their neighbors, and for residents to re-discover their neighborhoods.

Why are Ashland & Hopkinton together?

Most towns that host Porchfests are double the size of Hopkinton or Ashland alone. By combining the two towns, we can achieve the size needed to recruit the number of porches & bands needed to achieve an annual success. Route 135 unites the two towns. 

My band isn’t local to Ashland or Hopkinton, can we still play?

Absolutely! We strive to create a welcoming environment for musicians next door and from further afield.

Can my band play if we don’t have a porch lined up?

Yes! We encourage people with porches but no bands and people with bands but no porch to sign up separately. The organizers will play matchmaker.

What if my band already has a porch?

Great! Please tell your porch host to register their porch first on this website. Then, when you register your band, select your intended porch at the prompt. 

I’d love to host! What do I need to do?

Sign up to host on this website. We open submissions several months before the event. We limit locations to the town centers to promote ease of music hopping for attendees and prevent crowd dilution for musicians.

When and where does it take place?

The date and time of Ash Hop Porchfest is posted on the top of the on the porches of generous hosts throughout Ashland and Hopkinton town centers. A community-wide finale will be held at Ashland’s Corner Spot at 6:30 pm.

Is there a rain plan?

There will not be a rain date.

Who’s performing?

We value our diverse group of musicians ranging from amateur to nationally- recognized musicians performing everything from Americana to shoegaze and more.

Who should come?

Anyone & everyone! Ash Hop Porchfest is family-friendly and features a wide variety of music so there’s sure to be a band or performance that sparks your interest.

Do I need a ticket?

No. Attending the event is completely free of charge. Check out one band or twenty! Stay for 20 minutes or all afternoon!

Is there a map or some kind of schedule?

An event map & schedule will be available on this website with a mobile-friendly version available as we near the event date.

What about eating & drinking?

If you need to pick up some snacks, please consider the local businesses in the area! Feel free to bring your own food & beverages. Just remember that each venue is someone’s home, so please show respect by cleaning up after yourself. Remember that in public, laws surrounding alcohol consumption and open container laws still apply. Please observe these laws and be safe.

We have arranged for food, beer and wine vendors at the Corner Spot.

Is there a hashtag? Social media?

Please post your photos and videos using this hashtag: #ashhopporchfest2024
Facebook: facebook.com/AshHopPorchfest/
Instagram: instagram.com/ashhop_porchfest/

Are dogs allowed?

Please be aware and respectful of any homeowners’ preferences while on their property as different hosts will likely have different preferences when it comes to dogs. Public laws regarding dogs continue to apply during Ash Hop Porchfest.

Where do I park?

There is plenty of on-street parking in Ashland & Hopkinton. There are public parking lots in both central Ashland and Hopkinton as well.

Will there be bathrooms?

No. Please note that porch hosts will not provide restrooms.

What do I need to bring?

You won’t need much of anything to stroll around town & enjoy the music. However, if you are planning on settling in for a particular performance, you might bring chairs, a blanket, or a picnic lunch. Alternatively, if you are planning a schedule of concert hopping between Ashland and Hopkinton, you might want to have a means of transportation.

Do the musicians get paid?

Organizers, performers & porch hosts are all freely giving their time and talents. If you would like to support a band, you are welcome to donate. We encourage musicians to feel free to busk with a hat, the classical guitar case or by posting a Venmo code for direct donations. Musicians are also welcome to sell any recordings or merchandise.

I’d love to sponsor this event. How do I do it?

Please reach out to the organizers by emailing AshHopPorchfest@gmail.com

Who’s organizing this?

A fantastic team of energetic community volunteers. Volunteers wanting to join our Admin Team are encouraged to email: AshHopPorchfest@gmail.com.

I’ve still got questions.

Email us at: AshHopPorchfest@gmail.com.