Porchfest began in 2007, inspired by some outdoor ukulele playing and a conversation between neighbors Gretchen Hildreth and Lesley Greene. They came up with the idea for it that day and gathered 20 bands to make it happen in September of that year. The number of bands has increased every year since then, with 185 in 2016. Porchfest is a music festival held on the porches of the Fall Creek and Northside neighborhoods of Ithaca, NY. Porchfest is free and open for anyone to attend or perform. Performances take place on porches, and in yards and driveways, in a celebration of our vibrant creative community.