2024 Map
(Google Maps Version)
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?
The 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?
Sunday Sept 21 from noon to 4pm. The kick-off concert and KGNU live-stream is at noon at 541 Highland. The food trucks will be serving food starting at noon at 4th and Mapleton (the Academy). The main event starts at 1pm with three sets of music, each lasting about an hour 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! 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?
Yes, there is! Download a PDF here.
Is there a Google Maps version of the Porchfest map?
Funny you should ask. This year, we’ve added a google map as well!
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 and map is here.
What kind of musicians will be playing?
All kinds! You’ll find bluegrass, jazz, classic rock, blues and more. Click here to see who's playing. This lists all the musicians with details on their background, social media and more.
Will there be food?
YES, we have food trucks! Enjoy tacos from Los Dos Bros, ice cream from Sweet Cow plus treats and more food from the Post and 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. See the map here.
I’m a musician and want to play. How do I apply?
How do I volunteer to help at the Mapleton 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.
FOLLOW US
PorchFest Band and Porch Host sign-ups for the 2025 PorchFest event are now open!
On behalf of the Mapleton Hill PorchFest Committee, we are very excited to announce that we are in full planning mode and currently taking band submissions for this year’s event! PorchFest will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025!
Here’s what you'll want to know:
-
Musician submissions will be accepted form April 1 to May 6.
-
The event will run from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
-
Bands can sign up to play in one of three time slots. The Set times are as follows and are slightly different this year:
-
Set 1 (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm) - 60 minutes
-
Set 2 (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) - 90 minutes
-
Set 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) - 60 minutes
-
-
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.
-
We kindly ask that you stick to your Set format - starting and ending on time, out of respect to other performers.
-
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.
-
The Committee makes every effort to place bands in locations that provide the best musical and listening experience for you and the crowd.
-
This is primarily an acoustic event.
-
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.
○ We ask that you please be considerate of other performers during the event, complying with requests to reduce sound if asked.
-
-
Mapleton Hill PorchFest does not pay bands.
-
Tip jars will be provided and we encourage you to offer merchandise for sale.
-
Be sure to bring everything you’ll need to perform, including power cords.
Thank you in advance for your interest and participation - we can't do this without your support!
Sound good? Sign up below!
Musician Sign Up
Sign up here for the 2025 Mapleton Hill Porchfest
I want to be a Porch Host! A quick FAQ . . . and sign up here to host a band/musician at the Mapleton Hill PorchFest!
Thanks so much for considering hosting a band on your porch!
Porch submissions will be accepted form April 1 to May 6.
Here are guidelines to explain the benefits and expectations of Porch Hosts as
well as the role the Committee plays in assigning and scheduling porches.
The date for PorchFest is Sunday, September 21, 2025. We will follow a three-set format with the event running from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. This year, Porch Hosts can sign up to host one or two bands.
-
If a Porch Host opts for one band, they can give a preference to which Set they would like to host.
-
If a Porch Host opts for two bands, the bands will be assigned to Set one and Set three, allowing adequate set-up and breakdown times for both bands.
-
We will have a new Set format this year:
-
Set 1 (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm) - 60 minutes
-
Set 2 (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) - 90 minutes
-
Set 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) - 60 minutes
-
-
If a Porch Host has a band that they would like to have play on their porch, that band must fill out the band form on the Mapleton Hill PorchFest website here. Doing so makes sure the band is accurately recognized on the event day map.
-
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.
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.
Thanks so much for considering hosting a band on your porch!
Sounds good? Sign up with the form below. Questions? Send us an email by clicking here.
Porch Host Sign Up
Read the FAQ above before signing up!
2024 SPONSORS
GOLD LEVEL
SILVER LEVEL
Who's playing Mapleton Porchfest 2024?
(Listed by set time)