AKRON, Ohio — More than 12,000 music lovers are expected to descend upon Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood this weekend, to take in the sights and sounds of the annual PorchRokr Music & Art Festival.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 across the Square.
The PorchRokr festival transforms Highland Square homes and porches into stages that feature musical ensembles of every ilk, while artists and food vendors are set up across the west-Akron neighborhood.
The event features more than 150 musical acts performing on the blocks between West Exchange and West Market streets, bordered by Rose Boulevard to the north and Bloomfield Avenue to the south.
Check the website for the entertainment lineup and times, and the event map.
More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the 10th PorchRokr Music & Art Fest in Akron. (Photo courtesy of the Highland Square Neighborhood Assoc.)
This year’s headliner is The Beyonderers, who will perform at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage at the corner of Elmore Street and North Portage Path.
The event has grown every year since its inception, said Cody Stanley, an organizer with the Highland Square Neighborhood Association, which hosts the event.
Attendees should expect the same great music, art and food PorchRokr has offered in its 10 years, but this year more of it, Stanley said.
“We are sticking to our script to help PorchRokr be as magical as it always is!” Stanley said. “I know this is also by far the biggest turnout for vendors we’ve had. We’re looking forward to another fun festival enjoyed by all.”
PorchRokr is a much-anticipated event for music lovers, and it’s exciting for area musicians, said Corey Jenkins, guitarist and vocalist with the indie-rock band Big Pop.
Bands also perform on stages set up around the Square. (Photo courtesy of the Highland Square Neighborhood Assoc.)
“It’s tons of fun,” Jenkins said. “Over the past decade, I’ve played it with different bands and as an Akron musician, it’s always one of the best days of the year.”
Big Pop, like most bands, has been notifying its fan base over the past few weeks to announce its location and time — 4 p.m. at 116 S. Rose Boulevard.
PorchRokr is also an opportunity for musicians to hear their competition, he said.
“I have a list of bands I hope to check out but who knows if I’ll see them,” he said. “That’s the one thing about that day — when you play you don’t get to see that many bands.”
Like many Akron musicians, Jenkins performs with multiple bands, but this year he’s only playing with Big Pop.
“In 2019, I played with three different bands that one day,” he said. “Usually, I’m running around from porch to stage to porch. It’s worth the sweat though!”
For more information, visit the Highland Square Neighborhood Association website.
Corey Jenkins (left) and Jeri Sapronetti of Big Pop perform at PorchRokr. (Photo courtesy of David Burdge)
Editor’s Note: The previous version of this article stated it’s the 20th year of PorchRokr. It’s been corrected to say 10th year. (Aug. 18, 2022)
