Top 5 Reasons You Should Attend Sanford’s Porchfest

Are you looking for a chill, laid back event? Look no further than Sanford’s Porchfest! This all-day grassroots fundraising festival offers a unique musical lineup, delicious food options and plenty of activities for all ages. If you’re a fan of live local music, and open to many genres, Porchfest is sure to keep you entertained throughout the day.

Every fourth Saturday in February, Sanford residents living in the historical district donate their ornate front porches to serve as stages for local bands. Each porch is sponsored by a local business and adorned with decorations. All you need to do is show up with a lawn chair, pop a squat and soak in the welcoming community vibes. With seventeen different porches to choose from, each hosting 3 to 4 bands, you are sure to find some tunes to enjoy.

Here are my five reasons why everyone should be at this amazing event in Sanford.

Porchfest is completely free!

That’s right – you can experience all the amazing live local acts without spending a single penny. Instead of charging admission, Porchfest welcomes donations to fund performing art summer camp tuitions for select children in their community. It’s an amazing grassroots community festival, so bring some cash and donate to this worthy cause. You’ll see organizers walking around with buckets for donation, just flag them down or donate online here.

There’s a ton of music to choose from.

This year there was 17 porches and over 70 bands playing this all day event. Genres included folk, jazz, instrumental, pop, indie, reggae, blues and more. Upon entering, you are provided a map and schedule so you can plan your day. The porches are spread out over the Historic district with ample room to gather around of reach show. The event ends with a grand finale show in Centennial Park with a headlining band.

Foodies can rejoice at the food truck scene.

Not only does the event feature a wide range of musical acts from local bands, but it also offers an array of food trucks. Attendees get to enjoy delicious dishes such as hot dogs, BBQ and even vegan options. There are also plenty of sweet treats like ice cream, churros and other desserts. Don’t eat too much, because after the event you should stick around Sanford and head to Hollerbachs German Restaurant for some grub or explore the awesome craft beer scene.

It’s Kid and Pet Friendly!

Porchfest is truly an event for everyone. There are even activities for the little ones set up in front of each porch like sandboxes, hula hoops and sidewalk chalk. Feel free to bring your furry kids too! Plenty of water stations are set up to keep your pets happy. Protip: Pack a wagon with a couple lawn chairs, sunblock, a cooler with drinks and snacks for the kids, maybe some dog treats too. Oh, and just incase Mother Nature decides to sprinkle, you may want umbrellas and ponchos too.

Explore Historic Sanford!

At Porchfest, attendees have the chance to explore Historic Sanford, a beautiful district just NorthEast of downtown Orlando. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic streets and admire the architecture, including Victorian-style homes and historic churches. The brick streets are closed off to car traffic so you have the ability to get your steps in and visit this really highly sought after neighborhood.

Listen, Porchfest is a such an amazing opportunity to get out, enjoy yourself and mingle with like-minded music loving community members. Plus all of the donations go to a great cause and stay locally here in the Central Florida. So, put Porchfest on your calendar and I’ll see you next year.

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