Porch Stomp is a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music and dance, set on Governors Island off the lower tip of Manhattan, against the iconic backdrop of the city skyline. The free annual festival brings together an eclectic lineup of musicians, who perform on charming porches and pop-stages scattered throughout the island. Attendees can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of folk music styles, from bluegrass to Americana, while soaking in the laid-back, community atmosphere. With workshops, jam sessions, and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration, Porch Stomp fosters a sense of kinship among musicians and audience members alike, making it a cherished gathering for folk music enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Since its inception in 2014, Porch Stomp has been a staple event of the NYC folk scene. The event serves as a free access point for all to engage with, learn from, and enjoy the musical heritage of folk music, and the organization has branded and promoted itself as a welcoming point of entry for all who are seeking connection with this music, from rank beginners to seasoned professionals.
The 12th Annual Porch Stomp will take place on Governors Island from 11am-6pm on June 21st, 2025! Porch Stomp is not a ticketed event – audience members simply get on a ferry from Brooklyn or lower Manhattan and ride to the Island. Porch Stomp 2025 will feature 15-18 stages, hosted by different NYC folk music organizations. Each stage is booked by its respective stage host – Porch Stomp does not do any booking. To apply to play Porch Stomp 2025, artists can fill out the artist application, linked HERE. The application responses will be filtered to our stage hosts, who will reach out to artists they’d like to book. The artist application deadline is May 31st, and the deadline for stage hosts to book their stages is June 9th.
If you don’t get booked to play Porch Stomp 2025, fear not! There are plenty of opportunities to participate in the festival, including an open mic stage and multiple open jams. Bring your instrument and come have some fun! You can also support Porch Stomp by signing up HERE for a two hour day of event volunteer shift. All volunteers get a free, special-edition Porch Stomp 2025 tee shirt!