TO BRING HUNDREDS OF PERFORMERS,
THOUSANDS OF ATTENDEES TO HISTORIC ABEL BENNETT NEIGHBORHOOD
Binghamton, NY– On Sunday, August 25, Binghamton Porchfest celebrates five years of music and community on the West Side with its biggest installment yet: over seven hours, 163 musical performances will take place on 53 residential porches, stoops, and yards across the historic Abel Bennett Tract.
The free, grassroots style event borrows heavily from the format of similar festivals throughout the country; Ithaca, NY launched the first Porchfest in 2007, and the idea has since spread to over 150 cities across the nation. Last year, Binghamton Porchfest drew thousands of attendees to the neighborhood.
Organizers say they’re introducing free shuttle service this year, with the BC Transit trolley and a handicap accessible bus weaving through the neighborhood all day. Also new this year, 1500 kazoos will be handed out for free to neighborhood children.
A press conference and short musical performance will take place at 11am on Tuesday, August 20, on the porch of 90 Riverside Drive in Binghamton. Speakers will include festival organizers, city representatives, and event hosts/sponsors. All local media outlets are encouraged to attend.
Performances are staggered throughout the day, from noon to 7pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and bicycles for this free event. Restrooms are available for the public at participating businesses. Portable toilets and food vendors will be staggered along the festival route. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.
Binghamton Porchfest is sponsored by the Gorgeous Washington Street Association, Binghamton Economic Development, Davidson Fox & Company, Peterson’s Tavern, The Beef, Cavanaugh’s Grocery, Greater Binghamton Obstetrics & Gynecology, Muckles’ Ink, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Lourdes Hospital, Auchinachie, Binghamton Philharmonic, Abel’s Pub, Callahan’s Sportsmens Club, Lost Dog Cafe Binghamton, The United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton, WBDY – LP 99.5 FM Bundy Radio, 99.1 The Whale, BaBing Binghamton, Komanage, Leroy Package Store, BinghamTone Guitars & Amps, Rent A Chef Catering Services of Binghamton, Paul & Sons Pizza, and Empire Golf Cars.
Additional information can be found at binghamtonporchfest.com.