A schedule with map and schedule with addresses are below

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton PorchFest '25, is an August 30 event that coincides with an international celebration of live music, Play Music on The Porch Day. Organizers have worked with performers since last year’s event to find a host porch or other "stage" in Bluffton. Several open mic opportunities are also scheduled.

Lead organizer Erik Reneker advises attendees to bring chairs and hydration. He also encourages you to  tip the performers, who are not getting paid to play: "Tips are nice for gas money and guitar strings." He also says, "Make sure the hosts, neighborhoods and other guests will want to do it again next year." 

The number of acts is almost double the number who performed in 2024. A whole mix of genres from dulcimers, a capella vocals, psychedelic rock, Christian and country music are part of the event.

Reneker notes that locations are more consolidated this year. They are mostly focused on the east side of town. Each location will have a QR code sending you to the Facebook page where two versions of the schedule are available. Bluffton Public Library will have some copies of the map.

A 10:00 a.m. Hummin' & Strummin' song circle is scheduled at Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main St., where library jam session participants have been recognizing Play Music on the Porch Day for several years.

The following individual and group acts are scheduled to perform from 12:00-7:45 p.m., with some performing more than once. The attached, color coded schedule lists 27 performers and 13 venues. Food trucks will be located on Vine and Huber streets.

Spectator guidelines

• This is a neighborhood event, so there are some expectations for all participants to follow. Be respectful and kind, use common sense and don’t do anything illegal.
• Do not gather in the street; stick to yards and sidewalks
• Be respectful of host and neighborhood property and vehicles
• Do not litter. Each porch host will have trash and recycling receptacles. Or take it with you!
• If you are parking, do not block driveways or fire hydrants.
• Public restrooms are located at Town Hall, Bluffton Public Library and Buckeye Park. Porta toilet on Huber.