San Rafael returns free community led event

A popular event organized by San Rafael residents is returning this September.

PorchFest is an experience that originated in Ithaca, New York. The festival focuses on the community, no matter where it’s set. The porches and front lawns of homes in town transform into stages/backdrops for local musicians as they perform for attendees who stroll through the streets. Tim Obletz is the force behind the city’s edition of the event, drawing inspiration from his time spent at the Napa PorchFest. With help from the city and the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, the event ran for the first time in 2018. The 2024 edition will be the fifth run for San Rafael.

The list of performers is extensive, with acts spanning genres. Some of the talent includes Ukulele Friends Ohana, Sun Hunter, Tuesday Guild, Blue Monday, Nyte Skye, Danny Click, and Sara Rodenburg.

Attending PorchFest is free. Dogs are welcome too as long as they wear a leash. Parking lots in the downtown area will have a free shuttle service. Guests of any age can enjoy the afternoon of togetherness and tunes. Alcohol is not permitted. Attendees can help the party continue on with a donation, a purchase of merchandise which features the event logo, volunteering their time, a sponsorship, or giving the performers a tip. PorchFest will run in the Gerstle Park neighborhood on September 15th, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.