Responsible PorchFesting
PorchFest is not a conventional music festival. Everything is volunteer-based, making every person involved (whether you’re performing, hosting or attending) a de facto co-creator of the event. The intent is to showcase local and regional musical talent and build community by sharing the love of playing and listening to live music.
Some basic courtesies and common sense will ensure that the event will be joyful and without complaint.
Attendees
All normal rules of law and order apply. Everyone remains responsible for their own behavior and welfare. Wander around, keep yourself safe, and watch out for others.
You’ll be “camping out” on neighborhood lawns for 30-40 minutes at a time, so bring chairs or a blanket to sit on.
Be sure to pick up a printed schedule and map for the day, buy t-shirts (it’s how we fund this free event), and learn about Saranac Lake neighborhoods at our info tent in Berkeley Green.
No public consumption of alcohol in the streets
No smoking in front of venues
Please do not block streets - stay on sidewalks and areas of the road that will allow cars to pass
Public restrooms are available at the Berkeley Green parking lot, Riverside Park, and the boat launch
Pack-it-IN | Pack-it-OUT - leave only your footprints!
Hosts
Please, please, be respectful of your neighbors and the event around you. Inform your neighbors you will be hosting a band before the day of the event!
Be available to assist the musicians in setting up
Arrange to have a PorchHost at your venue at all times during the event even if a band is not currently performing
If you’ll be performing, we recommend you have a non-performing friend available to monitor your guests and property
Be prepared for rain or shine
Please check the Porchfest Map to see if there are other hosts nearby. If multiple bands are performing on your street, reach out to the other hosts to determine:
How can bands perform in a manner so guests can hear them but noise doesn’t disrupt nearby performances?
Should you arrange alternating sets to limit competing performances?
How can you be mindful of neighbors who might not like loud music? For example, could you arrange quiet time when young children are taking naps?
Children are encouraged to set up lemonade, popcorn, or other stands. Please make sure they set up on your property unless they have permission from your neighbors.
Please help us spread the word through social media and tag #SaranacLakePorchFest.
Bands
Your band should perform in an acoustic, unplugged, or low amplified manner
You can/should put out a tip jar and/or let attendees know where they can purchase your music or make donations
No excessively loud music - please respect neighbors in the area where you’re performing
Register your band with the event committee by July 23. Make full use of the PorchFest website to promote your band by sending us a high-resolution image of the band, a bio, and any other info you’d like on the Bands page.
Please help us spread the word through social media and tag #SaranacLakePorchFest