Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
- Note: get the full detailed schedule of performers here: https://www.daytonporchfest.org/lineup
7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

Bring water and stay hydrated
While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.