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August 16, 2025
A town wide celebration in honor of International Play Music on the Porch Day
Join us as we Explore Stafford and enjoy music on porches, in parks, and throughout town. Experience a day-long lineup of multi-genre performances from a variety of bands and artists, bringing their unique sounds to the streets. Stafford Porchfest (Gather & Groove) is a nod to “International Play Music on the Porch Day,” a global movement celebrating music, community, and creativity.
Bands, singers, and instrumentalists participate in the festival for no other reason than to showcase their talents and entertain the community. From strumming guitars to digeridoos and a “80s” Dance Party in the Park, a wide variety of sounds will make Stafford groovier than ever! Performers voluntarily take to the "stage" at their designated times and perform for the public. Artists' names and performance times are posted on this “Groove Map” and displayed in-person on lawn signs in front of respective concert locations.
Join us on on porches, in parks, at local businesses, and outside across town
as we share music, and song!
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: 80s Party in the Park
Haymarket Common, 47 Main Street
Bust a Move at Our Totally Rad 80s Dance Party!
Rock your best 80s attire and get ready for a night of neon, beats, and big hair! Join us for an 80s-inspired dance party, complete with friendship bracelet making, throwback activities, and more. It's gonna be, like, totally awesome!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Ice Cream Social Summer Reading 2025
Stafford Library, 10 Levinthal Run
Sponsored by Stafford Library
Celebrate the End of Summer Reading with a Sweet Treat!
Join us for a fun-filled celebration as we wrap up our Summer Reading Program with free ice cream for all! Whether you’re 5 or 95, everyone’s welcome to enjoy a cool treat and a job well done.
12:00 PM -9:00 PM: 50's Doo-Wop Music
Ice Cream Depot, 8 Main Street
Beat the heat with a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream at Stafford's Downtown Ice Cream Spot — and let the sweet sounds of iconic and classic Doo-Wop set the vibe. It’s the perfect blend of cool treats and timeless tunes. Don’t miss out!
1:00 PM -1:45 PM: Connecticut Valley Field Music
Haymarket Common, 47 Main Street
Experience the Spirit of History in Every Note! Members of the Connecticut Valley Field Music (CVFM) bring history to life with powerful performances of traditional fife and drum music. Formed in 1988 under the direction of Jim Clark, this Civil War-era corps honors America’s musical heritage with every beat and melody. Don’t miss this stirring tribute to our past!
1:00 PM -2:00 PM: Andrew Prete
43 High Street
Join us for a cozy residential porch concert featuring the soulful sounds of Andrew Prete as he performs a heartfelt collection of old folk songs—from the traditional tunes of the British Isles to the rugged ballads of the Canadian Maritimes and timeless Americana classics.
Bring a chair, relax, and enjoy an evening of music that spans generations and continents.
1:00 PM -2:30 PM: Surely Steven
Cafe De' Flore, 72 Main Street
Stop by Café De' Flore and enjoy an incredible performance by Surely Steven, delivering soulful solo acoustic covers of your favorite songs.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Drum Circle
Haymarket Commons, 47 Main Street
Sponsored by Let's Get Wired (64 Main Street)
Feel the Rhythm, Join the Celebration! Experience the power of rhythmic beats and community in an interactive musical celebration that will move your body and lift your spirit! Then, head across the street to Let’s Get Wired at 64 Main St to explore sound healing, unique musical offerings, and connect with fellow music lovers. It’s more than music—it’s a vibe.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Vinduo
28 Prospect Street
Kick back and enjoy a laid-back evening of live music with Vinduo, a talented local band bringing their unique sound to a cozy residential porch concert.
Great tunes, good vibes, and community spirit—don’t miss it!
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Doc & Scott duo.
Off the Rails Brewery, 86 Main Street
Sponsored by Off the Rails Brewery
Get ready for a great time as the Doc & Scott Duo takes the stage at the brewery taproom, performing a wide variety of popular, energetic, and fun tunes that’ll have you singing along all night.
Come for the music, stay for the vibes—and of course, the beer!
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Joe Hollay's Acoustic Duo
11 Morton Street
Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music with Joe Hollay’s Acoustic Duo at this intimate residential porch concert. Expect smooth vocals, acoustic charm, and great community vibes—all in a cozy, front-porch setting.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: The Core
62 High Street
Join us for a lively residential porch concert featuring a Stafford-based band, The Core, known for their musical exploration, infectious grooves, and genre-defying sound that will keep you hooked from the first note to the last. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fresh beats and good vibes!
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Robin, Finley and Friends
Stillwater Grill, 328 East Street
Robin, Finlay, & Friends are bringing their soulful acoustic sound to Stillwater Grill, and you won’t want to miss it! This talented duo puts a fresh spin on the songs you know and love — from the heartfelt grooves of Bill Withers and Van Morrison, to the rockin’ vibes of Tom Petty, The Band, and the Grateful Dead
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Backlash
Sun Valley/Four Seasons by the Lake, 51 Old Springfield Rd
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Backlash rocks the stage with killer tunes, ice-cold drinks, and nonstop good vibes. Best part? No cover charge! Bring your friends, bring your energy — this is one party you don’t want to miss!
You can also participate by just going outside to play music! You can invite friends or play alone, make the day as big or as small as you want! Then share a video on any social media with #playmusicontheporchday. Follow the hashtag #playmusicontheporchday to see musicians from around the world participating!