By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
What began as a small, quickly organized music experiment is returning this spring with more performers, more locations and a growing sense of momentum.
North Attleborough Porchfest 2026 will take place Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring eight acts performing simultaneously at homes, driveways and local businesses across town. The free, family-friendly event invites residents to bring lawn chairs, explore different neighborhoods and enjoy live music in an informal, walkable setting.
Town councilor and organizer Kevin McCarthy said the event has evolved significantly since its debut last year, both in scale and in planning.
“Last year came together in about three weeks,” McCarthy said. “This year, having a full year to plan it out, it’s much more organized. There’s more interest, and it feels like there’s more of a buzz around it.”
Growth and expansion
This year’s lineup includes eight performers spread across different locations, spanning genres from classic rock and country to hip-hop and indie pop. Attendees are encouraged to move between locations at their own pace.
Scheduled performers include:
- Steve Fritzsche, Jukebox Gold, classic rock and covers, at 182 S. Washington St.
- Rich Murphy, classic rock and covers, at 4 North Pond Terrace.
- The Hive, a live DJ set featuring hip-hop, at 110 Richards Ave. (White’s Music parking lot).
- Steve Hodgeman, classic and current rock hits, at 112 Rosewood Lane.
- Toxic Earth, heavy metal and punk rock, at 147 Westside Ave.
- Bernie Allain, country covers and hits, at 4 Bulfinch St.
- MELT, indie soul, pop and rock, at Angle Tree Brewery.
- Zach McCarthy, performing classic rock and Beatles covers, at 4 Metcalf Circle.
For returning performer Steve Fritzsche, a North Attleborough native, the appeal of Porchfest lies in its unique setting.
“There is something very special about playing in non-traditional spaces — like porches and driveways,” Fritzsche said. “There’s so many big hits about small towns, so reconnecting with that vibe in that atmosphere brings out something raw and passionate and reminds me why I love doing what I do.”
McCarthy said the eighth act was added late in the planning process after an additional host site became available, reflecting growing interest from both performers and residents.
The inaugural event in 2025 had a smaller footprint and was partially tied to the Miles for Mental Health 5K, which is again scheduled for the same day. Organizers moved away from that format this year after struggling to recruit performers for an early morning start.
“It was tough getting people to come out at 9 a.m. to perform for free,” McCarthy said. “We decided to focus on the afternoon and make it more accessible for both musicians and attendees.”
Community atmosphere
In addition to live music, this year’s event will include a small local vendor component.
Mario Ferro and Jennifer Howe, owners of Sip Sip Hooray and Eat Eat Hooray, will be set up at their South Bulfinch Street home, serving mocktails from a mobile bar trailer and offering bread and baked goods from their home bakery.
Fritzsche said he is excited to see the event continue to grow as part of the town’s cultural landscape.
“I am really looking forward to seeing people come out and enjoy another great investment in North Attleborough town culture and unity,” he said. “Kevin McCarthy has done a wonderful job to make it all happen, and I’m thrilled to be part of it again.”
McCarthy said the long-term goal is to continue expanding both the number of performers and the overall experience.
“I’d love to get to the point where you could cordon off a neighborhood and have music on both sides of the street, where people can just walk from porch to porch,” he said. “We’re slowly building toward that.”
While McCarthy hopes to bring on a dozen performers next year – and many more in the future — for now, he encourages residents to experience the event however they choose.
“You can pick one spot and stay, or spend 10 minutes at one and then drive or walk to another,” McCarthy said. “It’s really about getting out, enjoying the music and connecting with the community.”