Porch Stomp Outdoor Music Festival Returning to Governors Island
Free and participatory outdoor folk and bluegrass festival celebrates
13 years of music and community
Saturday, June 20th
10 am – 6 pm
On June 20th, Governors Island will transform into an open-air venue featuring over two hundred folk bands, artists, and performing arts organizations coming together for one day of collaborative musical performances, dancing and more.
At Porch Stomp, you’ll hear traditional folk music to old-time, blues, cajun, Irish, bluegrass and Americana songs celebrated through the synergistic playing of singers and musicians wielding fiddles, banjos, mandolins, guitars and accordions.
All are welcome to join in the event, which is just a quick ferry ride from NY City and Brooklyn.
Whether you’re there to sing or play along or simply explore, there’s something for everyone as all parts of Governors island, from Nolan Park, Colonels Row, and Liggett Terrace, will host activities such as old-time, bluegrass, and Irish music jams, contra and square dances and much more.
Stage lineups will be announced on June 12th. Each “stage” or porch is curated and produced by an arts organization or local venue that supports traditional arts, and will represent a specific folk community in New York City.
Beer and cider will be available for purchase at Threes Brewing, and food and other beverages will be available for purchase courtesy of Little Eva’s, both located in Liggett Terrace. 2026 partners will include Sunny’s Bar, The Jalopy Theater and School of Music, Brooklyn Contra, Cowgirl Seahorse, The Folk Music Society of New York, Peoples’ Voice Cafe, and others.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PERFORMERS AND ATTENDEES :
“Porch Stomp is one of the highlights of our year – it’s the very best reason to cross the Buttermilk Channel from Brooklyn to Governors Island. There are always a million talented musicians, so many friendly faces, and a ton of ways to participate in a welcoming folk culture, from jamming, to singing, dancing and more! Plus the beautiful setting and great food, it’s an absolute joy for us to be as performers and attendees.” -Joe Rinehart from Brooklyn Contra
“For any lover of folk music, Porch Stomp is an unforgettable day. My favorite part is wandering from stage to stage in the summer sun, catching folk musicians from so many different styles and traditions, and stopping when one catches my ear to lay on the grass in the shade and listen. There’s no better way to spend a June Saturday.” -Alexandra Deane
“Porch Stomp! What a great event. So much music. So many venues. This is without a doubt the best expression of the “people’s music.’ Hosting a venue is a pure joy. Come to porchstomp! Stay for the feeling.” -Dr. Alexander Randall 5th
“Porch Stomp is one of my absolute favorite days of the year. Playing music barefoot in the grass, wandering around Governors Island in the sunshine, the beautiful sounds of folk and bluegrass everywhere you go. The sense of community and joy is palpable, and to me it represents the best of New York Summer.” -Gianna Masi
“Porch Stomp has been my portal to the NYC music scene! My first ever show was at Porch Stomp, and its welcoming environment and warm community was an incredible introduction. Theo and the rest of the team put in a ton of work to transform a field into a magical musical experience for musicians and audiences alike. People from all walks of life can experience a wide array of music, community, and fun for free – all in a gorgeous place! I’m super grateful for it and glad Porch Stomp exists.” -Sam Dallas
About Porch Stomp: Porch Stomp is a free, volunteer-run music celebration produced in association with Make Music New York, a not-for-profit that connects music makers, fans and the public spaces of New York City. Unlike typical music festivals, anyone can take part in Porch Stomp, and all events are free and open to the public.
