Rock To The Black Rock PorchFest – What To Know

Bridgeport’s thriving music scene will take on a festive groove Saturday at the Black Rock PorchFest.

For more see here and here

Know before you glow: from organizers:

Who’s ready for Saturday?! We’d like to share info on some frequently asked questions early in the week to give attendees time to prepare. Please share with your friends to have the best day at Black Rock Porchfest 2024!

SHIRTS – we will be selling shirts, tanks, hats and koozies at the St. Ann’s field starting at 10:30am until the final concert. Cash and cards accepted. If you have not picked up your pre-ordered items this is your chance to do so!

GETTING AROUND – walk, bike, roller blade, and of course dance. Attendees of all abilities are welcome to come out and enjoy the festivities! Please note that driving in the area is not recommended.
*Pro Tip: bring a bike if you want to get around quickly or if you plan on seeing bands that are far apart.

MAKE A PLAN – check out the map & schedule which is posted on our Facebook page as well as at key intersections via QR codes. Plan some time to wander and make new friends as well!

PARKING – Drop off your car at Fairfield-Black Rock Train Station (free on weekends) and walk, bike, or Uber in. This enables a quick exit at the end of the day and allows you to explore after-PorchFest shows and restaurants on “The Ave” on your way out.

We strongly advise against bringing a car south of Fairfield Avenue unless you have secured a driveway in advance AND get there before noon.

ROAD CLOSURES –
• Beacon Street will be closed. Local traffic only.
• Fayerweather Terrace, Brittin Ave and Homestead Ave will have back-to-back music all day long. Driving in this area is strongly not advised (and most likely not possible.)
• Harborview Ave has several bands as well as being a main thoroughfare for pedestrians. Driving in this area is strongly not advised (and most likely not possible.)

We strongly advise against bringing any vehicles *including golf carts* south of Fairfield Avenue. Safety is our main concern. Please be extremely cautious when attempting to drive any vehicle in this area.

SAFETY/FIRST AID – Police will be present throughout the neighborhood in case of emergency. An EMT will also be stationed at the St. Ann’s Field for the duration of the day.

STAY HYDRATED – although there will be food trucks and hydration stations, bring a cooler with beverages and snacks for yourself and your friends. Maybe a chair or a blanket too.

BATHROOMS – we have ordered several port-a-potties this year. Check out the map to see where these are located throughout the neighborhood. Accessible units are located on Beacon Street, the St Ann’s Field, and Harborview Place.

FOOD TRUCKS – we’ve lined up several amazing food vendors this year! Check out the map to see where these businesses will be located throughout the day.
*Pro Tip: Bring some snacks or head over to the St. Ann’s Field for a wide variety of food options.

ATTENDING WITH CHILDREN? This year we’ve added Kidfest at the St. Ann’s Field from 12-5pm. This programming is geared toward families with little ones. For more information please check out our Facebook page.
*Please note: all children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

LEAVE NO TRACE – please clean up after yourselves. Let’s keep up the tradition of no garbage left behind. We will have a handful of bins scattered throughout the neighborhood courtesy of Leon Galemba & Sons Carting. Additional bins will be available on the St. Ann’s Field courtesy of RipRour.
*Neighbors: please consider putting out your bins so that people can easily dispose of trash and recyclables.

THANK AND TIP THE BANDS – they are doing this for free! Venmo handles will be included on the interactive map!
THANK THE HOSTS – some are even serving beverages and food – and they are doing this for free.
THANK THE VOLUNTEERS that you see.
BE YOUR BEST SELF – please be respectful of lawns and private property. Please remember this is a wholesome, family friendly event.

FEELING CROWDED? Stroll or ride around St. Mary’s by the Sea. There are a couple of bands around that way so you can hear music as you take in the beauty of Long Island Sound.

HAVE FUN! Bring your most fun-loving self. Share the day with the people standing next to you, smile at them, fist bump them, dance with them and revel in what a wonderful day that is Black Rock PorchFest!