One glance at this year’s Kenmore Porchfest schedule and map, and it’s clear: The 2024 event on Sunday, June 23 will be bigger and better than ever. (Er, make that “totally tubular!” given the 1980s-themed posters and t-shirts.)
Now in its fourth year, Kenmore Porchfest has 105 local bands and musicians lined up to play 52 porches across the 1.5-square-mile village along Buffalo’s northern border. That’s almost double the number of musical acts from last year. Rock, folk, country, jazz, blues, Broadway, hip hop, rockabilly, alternative, punk, psychedelic, surf, DJs, acoustic, electric, brass, originals, covers — name it and you can hear it live at some point throughout the day.
“It’s not only a celebration of Buffalo’s vibrant local music scene, but also a symbol of the strength we have in our communities here,” says organizer Eric Nagel. “Here in Kenmore and across other neighborhoods, so many people, businesses, and organizations come together to support events like Porchfest and make them special. You can see it throughout the summer, especially. It’s such a beautiful time to get outside, mingle with friends and meet new ones, experience live music, and just enjoy living in this area.”
In addition to music on Kenmore’s homey porches, you’ll find bands playing in Kenmore businesses like Fattey Beer, HONEY Dispensary, Straight Up Wine & Liquor, Bella Dulce Cafe, and Made for Good Handmade Gifts.
Here’s how to make the most of this year’s Kenmore Porchfest — an adventure you can start right now:
- Check out the Kenmore Porchfest website in advance to peruse the schedule and map. The schedule and map are grouped by region to make plotting your journey for the day easy.
- Listen to the Kenmore Porchfest Spotify Playlist to enjoy its diverse array of local talent and find some new faves.
- Stay up to date through Instagram and Facebook.
- Pre-game on Thursday, June 20 from 5-10 p.m. at Fattey Beer Kenmore (3116 Delaware Ave.) for the official Kenmore Porchfest Preview Party with live bands, while $1 of every pint goes to support the event.
- DAY OF — LET’S GO! Music starts across the village at 11 a.m. and goes through 9 p.m. Nagel recommends biking to the event (or parking and bringing your bike) if possible, which will allow you to maximize your coverage, keep cars off the street, and enjoy the highly bikeable and walkable village.
- To satisfy your munchy cravings between sets, as well as your pre- and post-event meal needs, the Griffon Gastropub will have a food truck on hand and purveyors like Surge, Amici, Macy’s Place Pizza, Mike’s Subs, Greek on the Street, and others have you covered.
- Fattey Beer will once again host the official After-Party from 6 to 9 p.m., with Gimme Gimme tearing it up with sped-up, punked-out covers.
- Again, this year’s artistic theme for posters and t-shirts is the 1980s. Dress the part, man! And if you’re in the right place at the right time, you may even be able to score some free era-accurate sunglasses provided by Reach Yoga.
Kenmore Porchfest promises to be a most excellent way to kick off summer. Party on!
