Old Wethersfield Porchfest Returns With 55-Plus Bands, 100 Vendors

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Historic Main Street will trade vehicle traffic for live music, vendors and thousands of visitors Saturday as Old Wethersfield Porchfest returns for its seventh year.

The free, family-friendly festival is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, with festivities beginning at 9:15 a.m. Organizers said more than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

More than 55 local bands and musicians are scheduled to perform throughout the day, turning porches, lawns, and pop-up stages along Main Street into performance spaces featuring a variety of musical genres.

The day will begin at 9:15 a.m. with Yoga on Main Street, a free community yoga session accompanied by live music and hosted by Soulshine Yoga.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., creating a pedestrian-oriented festival area. Shops, restaurants and museums along Main Street will remain open during the event.

More than 100 local vendors are also expected, offering art, crafts, handmade goods and other items.

A Kids Zone will be available at First Church, which will also provide accessible parking.

Organizers are encouraging visitors to walk, bike or use ride-sharing services when possible because parking on nearby side streets and in municipal lots could be limited.

Free bicycle valet parking will be offered at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.

A free shuttle will operate between the Pitkin Community Center and Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visitors will also be able to pick up free souvenir water bottles and refills from the Metropolitan District Commission water truck stationed at Wethersfield Fire Department Company 1.

Porchfest is organized by the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes local businesses, history, services, and entertainment while supporting the Old Wethersfield community.

What To Know Before You Go:

• What: 7th Annual Old Wethersfield Porchfest
• When: Saturday, Aug. 29; festivities begin at 9:15 a.m.
• Where: Main Street and surrounding areas in Old Wethersfield
• Admission: Free
• Music: More than 55 local bands and musicians
• Vendors: More than 100
• Road closure: Main Street, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Free shuttle: Pitkin Community Center to Main Street, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Bike parking: Free bicycle valet at the Keeney Center
• Kids Zone: First Church
• Accessible parking: First Church