20 locations and 30 performers for Play Music on the Porch Day

By Paula Pyzik Scott

August 29 was an extraordinary day in Bluffton. Twenty families invited other music lovers to drop by and enjoy live music on their front porch or back deck. Shady yards and pop-up canopies provided shelter on the sultry day, while food and drink vendors offered pick-me-ups. Thirty performers from as near as the next block and as far as Nashville provided the live entertainment.

Play Music on the Porch Day was created in 2014 and now boasts participation in 70+ countries and 1,000+ cities. The Bluffton version began with Bluffton Public Library jam session participants gathering at the library's front entrance and was expanded in 2024 by organizer Erik Reneker.

The 2026 edition brought out the paparazzi, with photos and videos available for viewing on the event's Facebook page. Some audience members walked from house to house, others drove and many hopped on golf carts to get from venue to venue.

Reneker posted the following reflections on Porch Fest 2026:

"I have had a few hours to relax, recover, read posts, and reflect on PorchFest 2026. My thoughts and emotions have been all over the place for the past few weeks. First I want to sincerely thank all the wonderful host for opening your homes to a community of friends and strangers. I appreciate each and everyone for your support and generosity!

"To the Performers/Artists, I want to say that I am amazed at the amount of talent we had yesterday! I have heard nothing but praise for your performances. And I am grateful for you spending your day with us entertaining the masses for only “Tips” and applause!! You are all AWESOME!!

"To the Volunteers/friends/family that I recruited to help me fill in the gaps…I am forever thankful and thankful to call you my friends!!

"To the Spectators, thank you all for coming out and supporting this event. We have had perfect weather every year. We have grown. And I appreciate all your support and suggestions. This event has been a little bit like a wildfire!!

"For next year’s Porch Fest, we will need additional volunteers/support. The area for the event needs to be suggested. Potential Hosts have to be approached. The food vendors were a wonderful addition.

"The biggest question each year is… where are the public restrooms!! We had several host rent facilities this year. Thank you!! There are starting to be too many cogs in the gear. I’m going to need more support. Let me know if you are able and interested!!

"Thank you all for an INCREDIBLE PorchFest 2026!!!"