Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee
Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.
“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”
Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.
Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.
Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly
Schedule:
- 12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
- 1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
- Note: get the full detailed schedule of performers here: https://www.daytonporchfest.org/lineup
- 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
- 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub
Tips for attending:
- Bring water and stay hydrated
- While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
- This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
- Please bring cash to tip the performers
For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.
Doug Hart: Doug Hart, a Dayton, OH native, discovered his passion for music early, starting with the trumpet and later teaching himself guitar. Influenced by iconic bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, Doug formed his first band post-high school and eventually immersed himself in blues, inspired by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1998, he founded the Doug Hart Band (DHB), which has become a staple in the southwest Ohio blues scene, competing in the International Blues Challenge and performing at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and B.B. King’s in Memphis. Doug released his debut album “Reckless Life” in 2005, with a follow-up in progress. The current DHB lineup includes Rob Thaxton on bass and Craig Comer on drums, promising a dynamic blues/rock experience.
Anthony Gomes: Anthony Gomes, a Canadian vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, electrifies blues and rock with his powerful performances. Known for his fret-burning guitar skills, he has topped the Billboard Blues Chart, earned endorsements from legends like B.B. King, and performed globally. His latest album, “High Voltage Blues,” showcases his unique blend of blues and rock. Gomes has shared the stage with icons such as Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
937: You have elevated those stories for sure this season. 
