The Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC) just released the schedule for their 6th annual PorchFest music festival on September 24 October 1, and the lineup of over 50 solos, duos, and bands promises an afternoon of incredible and varied music.

PorchFest is a free outdoor music festival, placing bands on outdoor stages and in unconventional performance spaces throughout downtown Rochester. Attendees can walk around and hear a little bit of everything — from rock and folk to outlaw country, and from French Jazz to African Marimba. Various food trucks and beer gardens are scattered through at Main Stage Hubs, and a Kid’s Zone offers family-friendly music, activities, and a celebrity dunk tank. This year, RPAC is adding a Vendor Marketplace, featuring local artists, vendors, and makers.

The brainchild of RPAC founder and Opera House Executive Director Anthony Ejarque, PorchFest was created with two missions: to highlight the musical talent of local artists and to raise funds to support the RPAC scholarship fund — offering financial assistance to youth and teens for classes and lessons in music and the performing arts.

PorchFest is a free event, and open to the public. RPAC will be raising scholarship funds through the sale of ’All-Access Bracelets’ during the event. The bracelets are $10, and can be purchased online, at any Main Stage Hub, or from volunteers the day of the concert. All-Access bracelets will allow the wearer to receive discounts from business sponsors throughout the day, as well as access to the after-party held at The Garage at the Governor’s Inn.

RPAC Director of Education Jenry Towle is humbled by the support of the community. “We have over 50 bands and musicians willing to volunteer their time, and businesses opening up their parking lots and offering discounts — it is incredible to see our community come together to help support our youth and teens and to explore their musical expression and building confidence!”

Following PorchFest, an after-party for bands and attendees with an All Access Wristband will take place staying at 5 p.m. at The Garage at the Governor’s Inn. The party will feature entertainment by The World Famous Toes.

PorchFest is a free, community-wide, all-outdoor event, and is produced in partnership with Rochester Mainstreet. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Towle at rpac@rochesteroperahouse.org. A schedule of bands and musical acts are available available on RPAC’s website: www.rochesteroperahouse.com/porchfest.