Sweep the steps and move the rocking chairs: Neighborhood porches will transform into music venues at the annual RappArts PorchFest this weekend.
The event, fashioned after similar neighborhood-centered festivals across the country, showcases a diverse lineup of musical styles for a full day of performances in a Fredericksburg neighborhood.
This year’s event takes place Saturday in the 300-400 block of Bunker Hill Street and the 2000 block of Charles Street. Cross streets will be blocked off from traffic at Fall Hill Avenue and Princess Anne Street for the Bunker Hill locations, and Charles Street will be blocked off at Virginia Avenue.
Above, RappArts board president Cathy Walker talks about the organization and PorchFest.
Brian Lyra Brown, a musician who has been performing at PorchFest for over five years, will again take a “stage” Saturday.
“I just like the sense of community as a musician and… it’s so cool because you’re literally playing on people’s porches,” he said.
This lineup includes both novice and veteran performers as well as a variety of musical genres from country and bluegrass, to soul, jazz, rock and roll and pop.
The first set begins at 11 a.m. with The Wellbellies playing country music at 416 Bunker Hill and Peter Mealy, Laurie R. Griffith and the Toll Booth Buskers over at 319 Bunker Hill.
Jon Tyler Wiley, Lady Bass and Brittany Frompovich, Heaven Hall, Harry Wilson and Friends, Sandra Magura and Paper Hearts, Brian Lyra Brown, Brother Reggie Carreker, BST Band, Timbre, Alpha Jerk and Ladia round out the lineup.
The final performances begin at 4 p.m. Portable toilets and food trucks will be on site, and no alcohol or coolers are permitted. Wristbands will be provided for guests who wish to leave and return throughout the day.
Brown said he enjoys meeting all the homeowners and everyone involved: “They’re just always the nicest people. It is a nurturing community of people and it’s an incredible opportunity to perform.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 11-17, and under 10 are free. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, water bottles, sunscreen and protective clothing.
See the full lineup with times and locations here: 2025RAPPARTS PORCHFEST MUSICAL LINEUP.
