About Rhinebeck PORCHFEST
Rhinebeck PORCHFEST is a free, volunteer-organized community music festival that celebrates local musicians, brings neighbors together, and showcases the unique character of our Village.
For one Saturday each September, front porches, lawns, and outdoor spaces become small neighborhood stages where musicians of all ages and genres perform throughout the day.
Thousands of residents and visitors stroll from performance to performance, enjoying live music while supporting local businesses and experiencing everything that makes Rhinebeck special.
What began as a simple community celebration has grown into one of Rhinebeck’s signature events—while remaining true to its original purpose: creating connection through music.
Organized by Volunteers
Rhinebeck PORCHFEST is planned and produced entirely by volunteers. Months of work go into coordinating musicians, recruiting host locations, obtaining permits, arranging insurance, working with the Village and Police Department, coordinating volunteers, producing maps and schedules, and ensuring the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
No one involved is paid.
Supporting Our Community
Rhinebeck PORCHFEST was founded in 2017 with two simple goals: celebrate the extraordinary musical talent throughout the Hudson Valley and give back to the community we love.
From the beginning, the founders committed to raising $100,000 over five years for the Tommy Thompson–Sally Mazzarella Park Fund. While the pandemic temporarily interrupted both the event and that timeline, we proudly reached that goal in 2024.
Beginning in 2026, any funds raised beyond the cost of producing the event will be shared between the Park Fund and the Starr Library, supporting two organizations that help make Rhinebeck such a special place to live.
We recognize that PORCHFEST creates inconveniences for some residents.
Road closures, increased foot traffic, and the activity that comes with a large community event affect those who live within the event area—whether or not they choose to participate. We are committed to listening to our neighbors and continually improving the event. Each year we evaluate feedback from residents, musicians, volunteers, businesses, and Village officials to make PORCHFEST a better experience for everyone.
We also want to make the day as easy as possible for our neighbors. Throughout the event, volunteers operating PORCHFEST utility carts are available to transport residents to and from their parked vehicles if road closures make access difficult. If moving your vehicle before the event creates a challenge, we’re also happy to help with transportation on Friday so you can return home safely and conveniently.
If there is anything we can do to make the weekend easier, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will do our very best to help.
We ask all visitors to help by:
Respecting private property.
Remaining on sidewalks and public spaces unless invited onto a participating property.
Properly disposing of trash and recycling.
Supporting our local businesses.
Treating our Village with the same care and respect they would their own neighborhood.