On what was forecast to be a gloomy Sunday afternoon, Ithaca’s residential streets were crowded and filled with lively music. This past weekend, Porchfest celebrated its 20th anniversary, bringing together local singers, musicians, food trucks and even businesses for a six-hour celebration of music.
The first Porchfest hosted in 2007 featured 20 performers. This year, it welcomed 174 performers and hosted shows on 109 porches across Fall Creek and Northside. Since 2007, the festival has expanded to 280 new cities, and even two countries.
Ithaca residents Gretchen Hildreth and Lesley Greene first founded Porchfest in 2007, inspired by their passion for outdoor music. The team has since expanded to include nearly 100 volunteers. Andy Adelewitz joined the organizing team in 2013, as did her husband, Robbert, and later Katie Foley became a food truck organizer in 2018.
The festival features an “open-band” policy, meaning that anyone who chooses to sign up can play, regardless of age or experience. Performers are encouraged to secure a porch to play on themselves, typically setting up camp in friends’ front yards.
Sarah Brylinksy, former assistant director of sustainability at Cornell, performed as a member of The FMs.
“Everyone can come, everyone can rock out, and as a result it felt amazing to perform with everyone in our community,” Brylinsky said. “It felt like Ithaca's backyard — people brought their kids, their aging parents, and that’s not always the case at every show.”
This policy allows for an incredibly diverse lineup of bands. The traditional Filipino ensemble 14! Strings performed on bandurrias, lauds and octavinas, while Cobra Cadaver played heavy rock on another porch.
The FMs also made their Porchfest debut — featuring musicians Matte Namer, Bubba Crumrine and Nick Scollard and Sarah Brylinsky. The group was previously hosted by Cornell Concert Commission for a performance at Willard Straight Hall March 2025.
“I love an intergenerational crowd, especially one that’s moving and engaged,” Brylinsky said.
Many young children, college students from both Cornell and Ithaca College, parents and grandparents came together to attend Porchfest.
Crumrine and Scollard said many performers have played at Porchfest as part of different bands over the years.
“I played in a band called BRYAN! with an amplified bassoonist,” said Crumrine.
Porchfest also spotlights several local businesses, which organize pop-ups along the streets. The event features a “Makers Market” in Auburn Park, showcasing goods from local artists and artisans.
Jane Whiting, owner of JaneRockzz, and her friend Josie, a fine silversmith, collaborated on a yard sale featuring handmade earrings.
“We got four couples and families together, and we all collected a series of items to sell together,” Whiting explained. “We’re just hanging out with each other, having a good time — and also making a little bit of money.”
Though this was their first Porchfest, they added that they plan on turning the sale into a family tradition.
Porchfest presents a rare opportunity for students, neighbors and different communities to come together.
Crumine described Porchfest as a “merging” of the town.
“This is a very small town — come hang out,” Crumine said. “The music scene is very friendly and welcoming.”
Francesca Wesley is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a contributor for the news department and can be reached at fjw48@cornell.edu.
