Bands & Musicians - Virginia Highland Porchfest Application

About the Event

Virginia Highland Porchfest is BACK for its 6th year on May 16, 2026. Local bands will be jammin' and porches will be hoppin' as music fills the neighborhood.

We are selecting a lineup of top bands & musicians to participate in the event. Apply to be one of them! We accept all genres of music, and we prioritize family friendly tunes.

Application Timeline

• Applications are due by March 15
• Bands will be notififed by April 1
• The volunteer Porchfest Committee will match bands with porch hosts and share the schedule prior to the event.

Awareness & Promotion:

Participating bands will be featured across multiple channels to ensure strong visibility, including:

• Listing and link on the event webpage, which receives an average of 150k views
• Inclusion Spotify and Apple Music playlists
• Mentions in social media announcements and promotional content
• Placement on the official digital and printed event map
• Recognition on day-of event signage and merchandise 

What's New in 2026:

We’ve made a few thoughtful upgrades this year to improve safety, flow, and the overall experience for everyone participating:

• Expanded restroom access and trash services
• Dedicated crossing guards at key intersections to help keep pedestrians moving safely
• Clearer parking guidance to support safer, less congested streets outside the festival
• A decentralized footprint, with the festival opening up on Barnett St to ease crowding
• More wayfinding signage to help guests navigate with ease
• Bike valet service to encourage alternative transportation

• Nominal ticketing to support expanded event infrastructure, accessibility, and neighborhood initiatives

Please read the terms and conditions before applying.

• Applicants certify that all information provided is true and accurate.
• Application does not ensure acceptance, and acceptance notifications will be sent out by April 1.
• Performance in a previous years of Porchfest does not guarantee acceptance into this year.
• Band/musicians who request hosts will only be honored if that porch has applied to the host application. We recommend that you have the same host request you as well.
• Musicians playing in more than one band or act are not guaranteed a spot on the same porch.
• Bands/musicians must provide their own sound equipment and extension cords to connect to the porch's electricity.
• Bands/musicians are responsible for their own load in.
• Festival streets will be closed off between 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 16.
• Bands/musicians are not paid to perform. However, we recommend putting out tip jars and/or QR codes for Venmo, CashApp, etc. Selling merchandise is also encouraged.