Our Story
A grassroots celebration of music, community, and creativity.
Oregon City Porchfest brings people together through free, family-friendly performances hosted on porches, driveways, and front yards. By transforming everyday spaces into vibrant stages, we strengthen connections, support artists, and create joyful experiences that reflect the heart of Oregon's Hometown.
THE BIRTH OF PORCHFEST
The story began in 2023, sparked by neighbors Mandy Dexter and Max White, who saw the historic McLoughlin Neighborhood not just as a collection of cool old homes, but as a natural amphitheater for community connection.
While inspired by the national Porchfest movement, the Oregon City version was designed from the ground up to reflect the specific heritage and artistic vibrance of Oregon's Hometown.
2023 DEBUT
In its inaugural year, the festival exceeded all expectations. Over 1,000 residents and visitors filled the streets of the McLoughlin neighborhood to catch a rotating schedule of porch performances.
It was immediately hailed as one of the best community-building events in the city's recent memory.
Our Pledge
A NONPROFIT WITH A MISSION.
Unlike many grassroots festivals, we established Porchfest as a formal nonprofit. It was a deliberate choice to ensure the event's sustainability and to professionalize support for the local arts scene.
SECURE GRANTS
Supported by the Metro Enhancement Grant, City Events Grant, and the Oregon City Arts Commission.
ACCEPT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS
Main stage sponsor Oregon City Subaru and many others fund the event.
PAY THE ARTISTS
Donations and grants fund stipends for every performer. Artists deserve to be paid.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We partner with the City, Chamber, Downtown Association, Three Rivers Artists Guild, Travel Oregon City, and the McLoughlin Neighborhood Association.
YEAR-ROUND ARTIST SUPPORT
We connect community organizations with local performing artists and fund stipends so groups without budgets can still book live music.
KEEP IT FREE
The festival is, and always will be, free and accessible to all neighbors.
GROWTH & FUTURE
Following the massive success of the 2023 launch, the event expanded in 2024 and 2025, growing to ~80 mini-concerts, 50+ host porches, and a main stage with vendor booths, food, and a beer garden.
As we look toward August 2026, Oregon City Porchfest stands as a testament to what happens when a community values its artists — turning the simple act of "sitting on the porch" into a powerful engine for local culture and economic support for performing artists.