Porch host and band applications
Now Open!
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ABOUT
Mapleton Hill PorchFest—founded in 2011—is a free neighborhood walkabout where dozens of local musicians play and sing on the beautiful porches of historic Mapleton Hill. It’s Free! Come celebrate the arts and community.
KUDOS
“Today’s PorchFest was the perfect way to spend a lovely fall afternoon strolling the neighborhood! Thanks to the committee! Look forward to it next year.”
"When live music is enjoyed under the shade of changing silver maples, in one of Boulder’s most picturesque neighborhoods, it just sounds better." Boulder Daily Camera, Sept 7, 2022
LOCATION
Mapleton Hill
(Between 4th and 9th)
Boulder, CO
Mapleton Hill PorchFest
FAQ
What is the Mapleton Hill PorchFest?
Mapleton Hill PorchFest is a FREE community music event that features 50+ bands playing at historic Mapleton Hill homes. Residents turn their porches, yards, and driveways into impromptu stages.
When is the Mapleton Hill PorchFest?
Typically the third Sunday in September, from noon to 4:00 pm, with a kick-off concert and KGNU live-stream centrally located in the community. The food trucks will be serving food starting at noon at 4th and Mapleton (the Academy). The main event starts at 12:30 pm with three sets of music, each lasting about an hour (to 90 minutes) each.
Is it really free? Can I tip the bands/musicians?
YES, it is free and YES, please feel free to tip the bands! The musicians are playing for free, so they'd appreciate any tips! Tip buckets will be stationed at all porches. Bring some spending cash. (Or if you are Coach Prime or Jared Polis, bring a roll of $100's).
Is there seating?
While some houses may put out a few chairs, it is best to bring a portable lawn chair or picnic blanket.
Is there a map?
There will be—we will have a PDF link here closer to the event.
I've never attended before? Where do I start?
First, relax. This is a fun, walkabout event—sample several bands. Start with the map to get oriented. The full schedule will be linked here.
What kind of musicians will be playing?
All kinds! You’ll find bluegrass, jazz, classic rock, blues, and more. See our Facebook page for info on all the bands!
Will there be food?
YES, we have food trucks! Enjoy tacos and pizza from Los Dos Bros, ice cream from Sweet Cow plus treats and more food from Passport! The food trucks are located at a parking lot just east of the Academy (2435 4th St, near Mapleton).
Where do I park?
While there is no official parking, you can park anywhere in the neighborhood—but if you can bike or walk over, even better. Remember that lots of folks will be walking about, so please drive carefully! It is best to park at the edge of the neighborhood and walk in.
Is the Mapleton Hill PorchFest family-friendly?
YES, this is a mostly acoustic music event that is fun for all ages. Some kiddos will set up lemonade stands, so brings some change for treats.
Is the Mapleton Hill PorchFest pet-friendly?
Well, that depends on how much your pet likes people. Hundreds of folks will be walking about, listening to music and having fun—so if your dog is not happy with large crowds, be aware. Yes, this is Boulder so folks will bring their dogs!
What should I bring?
Water, lawn chair/blanket, sunscreen, hat, spending cash, dancing shoes, snacks, and a sense of musical adventure. A bicycle is a good way to get around—there are lots of bands to see!
Are there bathrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms and porta potties—both at the church at 4th and Mapleton and in the alley between Mapleton and Maxwell on 8th.
I’m a musician and want to play. How do I apply?
Awesome! See our PorchFest Band Application Process for details! To stay in the know, join our subscriber list for updates.
I have a porch and I'd love to have a band play. How do I sign up my porch?
How do I volunteer to help with Mapleton Hill PorchFest?
We'd love to have you! Send us an email —either as a volunteer, musician, porch host or sponsor! The event is organized by the Mapleton Hill PorchFest Committee, who are all volunteers.
Band Application Process
Want to Play at PorchFest?
Mapleton Hill PorchFest is typically held on the third Sunday in September. (For 2026, it will be Sunday September 20). Applications for Bands to apply to perform at the event open in March. If you are interested in being contacted about PorchFest details, please consider joining our subscriber list.
Here’s what you'll want to know about performing at PorchFest:
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The event will run from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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Bands can submit to play in one of three time slots. The Set times are as follows:
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Set 1 (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm) - 60 minutes
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Set 2 (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) - 90 minutes
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Set 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) - 60 minutes
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To accommodate set-up and breakdown times, Porch Hosts hosting two bands will ONLY be scheduled for Set 1 and Set 3. This will provide a 90 minute break between bands so that bands have enough time to properly breakdown and set-up.
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We kindly ask that you stick to your Set format - starting and ending on time, out of respect to other performers.
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If you are a band playing on your own porch, we ask that you sign up as both a Porch Host and a Band. This helps us for planning purposes.
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The Committee makes every effort to place bands in locations that provide the best musical and listening experience for you and the crowd.
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This is primarily an acoustic event.
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We encourage all bands to perform acoustically. This allows us to maximize the number of groups that can perform within Mapleton Hill, keeping this a walkable and enjoyable event for all. We understand that some performers will require electricity and some amplification (especially with solo-artists, keyboards, etc.) and are happy to accommodate as needed.
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We greatly appreciate your efforts to manage sound control and for being considerate of other performers during the event - complying with requests to reduce sound if asked.
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Mapleton Hill PorchFest does NOT pay bands. This is a community event where everyone donates their time, talents, and porches, to make the event possible.
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Tip jars will be provided and we encourage you to offer merchandise for sale.
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Be sure to bring everything you’ll need to perform, including power cords.
All questions related to the event can be sent to info@mapletonhillporchfest.com
Thank you in advance for your interest and participation - we can't do this without your support!
Sound good? Sign up below when applications are open!
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Porch Host Application Process
Want to host a Musician/Band at your home for PorchFest?
Mapleton Hill PorchFest is typically held on the third Sunday in September. (For 2026, it will be Sunday September 20). Applications for Porch Hosts to apply to host at the event open in March. If you are interested in being contacted about PorchFest details, please consider joining our subscriber list.
Here are some guidelines that explain the benefits and expectations of Porch Hosts as well as the role the Committee plays in assigning and scheduling porches.
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The event will run from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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If a Porch Host opts to host only one band, they can give a preference for which Set they would like to host.
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If a Porch Host opts to host two bands, the bands will be assigned to Set one and Set three, allowing adequate set-up and breakdown times for both bands.
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The Committee will do its best to accommodate all Porch Host requests. Please understand that in making assignments the Committee may need to adjust your Set preference to ensure proper placement of bands throughout Mapleton Hill. We will communicate directly with you as planning progresses.
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The Set format is as follows:
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Set 1 (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm) - 60 minutes
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Set 2 (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) - 90 minutes
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Set 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) - 60 minutes
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If a Porch Host has a band that they would like to have play on their porch, that band must also fill out the band application form on the Mapleton Hill PorchFest website. Doing so makes sure the band is accurately recognized on the event day map.
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If you are a band playing on your own porch, we ask that you sign up as both a Porch Host and a band. This helps us for planning purposes.
All questions related to the event can be sent to info@mapletonhillporchfest.com
Thanks so much for considering hosting a band on your porch!
Sound good? Sign up below when applications are open!
Who's playing Mapleton Porchfest 2024?
(Listed by set time)
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Who's playing Mapleton Porchfest 2024!
Musician Sign Up Wait List
Sign up here for to be on the wait list for 2025 Mapleton Hill Porchfest
Porch Host Sign Up
Read the FAQ above before signing up!