Music lovers gather ’round because you’re in for a treat! The town of Bristol is celebrating its second annual PorchFest on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 3-6 p.m. on High Street. This year, nine porches will host 18 local bands who will focus on pop, classic rock, bluegrass and original works.

Bristol’s PorchFest serves to celebrate not just music, but the local community. Several musicians include a local picture framer, jeweler, teacher and high school students who are all choosing to share their music skills with their neighbors. RWU even has its own jazz trio playing at the event.

Students, feel free to bring chairs to sit down and enjoy the music. Seats can be set up on the lawn in front of the sidewalk. High Street will also be closed to traffic from Walley Street to Constitution Street, to allow people to stroll down the street while they listen to different tunes.

For transportation, students living in downtown Bristol are encouraged to walk or bicycle to the event. Those who want to drive can find parking along side streets such as Wood Street or by the town common. The campus shuttle will also stop at the corner of Constitution and High Street, so students using school transportation should take either the 2:35 p.m. or 3:35 p.m. shuttle from main campus.

Local restaurants have partnered with PorchFest and are offering discounts on Sept. 15 if customers mention ‘Bristol PorchFest.’ These businesses include Judge Roy Bean, Lobster Pot, Le Central, Quito’s Restaurant and Portside Tavern. William’s Grant Inn on High Street will be providing free lemonade and cookies during the event. Students choosing to bring their own food and drinks should be aware that alcohol is prohibited.

Come on out this weekend and support local bands as they hit the stage, or in this case… porches. PorchFest is a great way to engage with the Bristol community, learn more about the area we’re all living in and spend time listening to a variety of music. Last year’s PorchFest exceeded expectations, so it would be a shame to miss out on such a fun and unique event!