Below you'll find the answers to many of your questions regarding Guilford Porchfest 2024. Have a question not answered below? Email us at guilfordporchfest@gmail.com!

Want to help us spread the word about Guilford Porchfest 2024? Download the event flyer here! 

WHAT IS GUILFORD PORCHFEST?
Guilford Porchfest 2024 is a FREE hyperlocal community-building event celebrating the musical talent and creativity of those who live and work in Guilford, Connecticut: young to old, novice to professional, singers, instrumentalists…and everyone in between! 

PERFORMERS
How can I apply to perform at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Are you a singer, musician or band member who lives or works in Guilford? Sign up to perform at Guilford Porchfest 2024! Application is open now!

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes! Performers must bring all of their equipment. Hosts will provide electrical outlets, a place to play, and hospitality!

How long can I perform at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest 2024 sets will last 1 hour total, including time needed for setup and breakdown.

How loud can I play at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest is a community event filled with amazing music and mutual respect! All performances should be acoustic or amplified at a very low level, so that you can be heard by folks gathered on the lawn, but not down the street!

How will people know about my performance?
Performer names and schedules will be included on our website and on both our printed and online maps. Guilford Porchfest 2024 organizers will be spreading the word through our website, social media channels, our sponsors, and local media outlets! All performers and hosts will be asked to promote performances to their neighbors, friends, and family, so that every performer has an audience! And starting in May, we'll provide a link to Guilford Porchfest flyers and graphics that you can print and distribute, as you see fit! 

Will I be paid to perform at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest is a FREE, volunteer-organized event. Performers donate their talent. Homeowners donate their porches, patios, lawns, and driveways. Volunteers donate their time. While performers are not paid, all are permitted and encouraged to sell their merchandise (t-shirts, CDs, etc), set up a tip jar, and advertise their future performances during their set!

I registered my band. What happens next? 
After registration closes in July, we will start arranging the day-of-event schedule and connecting performers with their hosts, so that they can work out the details for their performance. The final performance schedule is generally published one week before the event.

Will Guilford Porchfest 2024 be canceled if it rains?
If it’s a light rain, drizzle or passing shower, Guilford Porchfest will be on! If torrential rain or a thunderstorm is in the forecast, we might use our rain date of Sunday, September 8, 2024.  

HOSTS
How can I apply to be a Guilford Porchfest 2024 host?
Are you a Guilford homeowner with a porch, a positive attitude, and an accessible power supply, in the Guilford Green area? Apply to be a host for Guilford Porchfest 2024! To keep things walkable, we'll be accepting host applications for addresses within an approximately 10-minute walk from the Guilford Green. Application is open NOW! 

Do I need a porch to be a Guilford Porchfest host?
While covered front porches are the norm, any outdoor space located on your property can be a possible Guilford Porchfest option: decks, gazebos, tents, driveways…even barns, as long as the space is accessible and able to accommodate performers and attendees! Please note that all Guilford sidewalks and streets must operate without traffic/pedestrian interference during Guilford Porchfest 2024.

Will I be paid to be a host for Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest is a FREE, volunteer-organized event. Performers donate their talent. Homeowners donate their porches, patios, lawns, and driveways. Volunteers donate their time.

Do I need to be home to be a Guilford Porchfest host?
Yes! You'll need to be home for the duration of time you're hosting on that day, to provide support to performers and to welcome attendees!

Do I have to host for the entire length of Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest 2024 will run from 12 to 5 pm. Hosts can choose to have at total of 1 to 3 performers on that day. All performances will start on the hour.

Do I need to feed or provide parking for performers?
No and no. We do ask that hosts provide water (and hosts are more than welcome to provide any other food/refreshments, if they so choose) and a restroom to performers, and allow performers to park at their house to drop off their equipment before the start of the event that day.

Can I decorate my porch for Guilford Porchfest 2024 and/or sell or offer refreshments to attendees?
Yes and yes! Guilford Porchfest 2024 is a FREE and FUN community-building event. Anything you'd like to do to make it more festive and welcoming, would be great! A suggestion: If you decide to sell refreshments to attendees, please consider donating monies raised directly to the performers or to a charity of your choice!

I registered my porch. What happens next? 
After registration closes in July, we'll start arranging the day-of-event schedule and connecting hosts with their performers, so that they can work out the details for Guilford Porchfest. The final performance schedule is generally published one week before the event.

If my porch is chosen as a Guilford Porchfest 2024 venue, how will people be made aware?
If your porch is chosen, your address (but not your name) will be included on our website and on both our printed and online maps. Guilford Porchfest 2024 organizers will be spreading the word through our website, social media channels, our sponsors, and local media outlets! All performers and hosts will be asked to promote performances to their neighbors, friends, and family, so that every performer has an audience! In May, we'll provide a link to Guilford Porchfest flyers and graphics you can print and distribute, as you see fit! And closer to the event, we'll be hosting a painting party to create “Guilford Porchfest 2024” signs that will be displayed on each host property for the two weeks leading up to Guilford Porchfest!

Will Guilford Porchfest 2024 be canceled if it rains?
If it’s a light rain, drizzle or passing shower, Guilford Porchfest will be on! If torrential rain or a thunderstorm is in the forecast, we might use our rain date of Sunday, September 8, 2024. When registering, all hosts will be asked to provide a rain plan (i.e., tent will be used, covered porch, garage), just in case! 

VOLUNTEERS
I love the idea of Guilford Porchfest but I’m not a performer. How can I get involved?
Guilford Porchfest is all about building and strengthening our community, and volunteers make the world go round! We need 15-20 volunteers to help out on the day of Guilford Porchfest 2024. Some will be stationed on porches, to help hosts and bands; some, answering questions at info tables; others strolling the sidewalks answering questions, keeping attendees out of the street and cleaning up during and after the event. Application is open NOW! Questions? Email guilfordporchfest@gmail.com. 

LOCAL BUSINESSES
I own a business in town. How can I support Guilford Porchfest 2024?
We encourage local businesses to hold sidewalk sales or provide Guilford Porchfest-themed food and drink samples to engage Guilford Porchfest attendees on the day of the event. While we don’t have direct business sponsorship opportunities for our inaugural event, next year we hope to have business sponsors for each porch…and many other opportunities for local businesses to get involved in the fun! In the meantime, we hope you’ll consider posting Guilford Porchfest flyers in your business window; promoting the event to your customers via email, social media and/or newsletters; signing up to provide access to your business restroom on the day of the event; or signing up to host performers at your business, in the event of torrential rain! Interested? Questions? Ideas? Email guilfordporchfest@gmail.com!

ATTENDEES
How much does it cost to attend Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest 2024 performancces are FREE and open to the public!

Who is performing, when and where, at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Once hosts and performers have been confirmed, a digital map containing times, addresses, and performer names will help you determine where you want to go and who you want to hear! In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook for ongoing information about performers and venues!

Are dogs or other animals allowed at Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Because the event takes place on private property throughout town, we ask that you abide by homeowner requests.

What should I bring with me to Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Bring your own folding chair, water, blanket, courtesy….and good vibes! Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Just remember that each venue is someone's home, so be sure to clean up after yourself! We encourage all attendees to park their car and walk, stroll, dance or bike between venues on the day of the event.

Can I bring alcohol to Guilford Porchfest 2024?
Guilford Porchfest 2024 is an all-ages family-friendly community event that takes place on private property throughout Guilford and does not have an officially contained festival area. When in public, you are subject to the usual laws regarding alcohol consumption. 

How can I find a restroom at Guilford Porchfest?
Designated public restrooms at local businesses will be included on our Guilford Porchfest event map.

Where can I park for Guilford Porchfest?
Designated parking places will be included on our Guilford Porchfest event map. Because performances will take place within a square-mile radius, we encourage attendees to park their cars and walk or bike between venues!

What happens if it rains?
If it’s a light rain, drizzle or passing shower, Guilford Porchfest will be on! If torrential rain or a thunderstorm is in the forecast, we might use our rain date of Sunday, September 8, 2024. You’ll find the latest day-of news on our website and on our social media channels.