When it comes to having a good time in North Carolina, the annual Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival in Oriental, NC is hard to beat. This year’s event will be held on September 30th and October 1st, and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Oriental, NC is well-known for its great music scene, and the Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival is one of the highlights of the year.
Whether you’re a fan of bluegrass, Americana, reggae, country, rock, or any other type of music, there’s sure to be something for you at the Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival. Come see local and regional bands play roots music on porches and in parks all around Oriental.
With over 30 bands performing on 2 main stages and porches, there’s non-stop entertainment all weekend long. In addition to the great music, there will also be food trucks, vendors, and a kids’ zone to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, many of our vacation rental homes will be well within walking distance of the action, so you can easily pop in and out to catch the shows you most want to see.
Check out our complete guide to festival information about this year’s event.
Festival Location
The annual Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival takes place in historic downtown Oriental, NC. Oriental is a town known for sailing, arts and its charming small-town atmosphere, and the festival takes full advantage of that.
In addition to house porches, enjoy down-home grassroots music on the main riverfront stage located along the beautiful Neuse river.
Getting There
Oriental is located just 30 minutes from New Bern and 45 to 1 hr from Morehead City, making it easy to get to from anywhere in Eastern North Carolina. If you’re coming from out of town, the closest airport is located about 30 minutes away in New Bern (EWN). Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), is about a 2 hour drive away.
Ticket Information
This diverse musical festival is a free two-day event. So come and take advantage of the live music, good food and great company all weekend long! Keep your money for food and beautiful local crafts on sale at the event.
If you want to support the festival and help keep it free, you can always sign up to be a sponsor. The support from sponsors helps to cover the cost of artist fees, insurance, sound and stage costs, porta potties, and other necessary expenses.
Who Is Performing This Year
Here is a complete list of this year’s performers:
- The Revelers
- Wyldwood Stringband
- The Pure Fiyah Reggae Band
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
- Honey Magpie
- Anya Hinkle
- Brown Mtn Lightning Bugs
- Province of Thieves
- Blue Cactus
- The Gospel Ensemble
- Steve Smith & Tim May
- Hoff’n Finch
- Big Jim Kohler
- Randall Whorton
- Salty Paws
- Hooverville
- Harbor Sounds
- Down EAst Dulcimers
- TerryLynn Melody
- The UHOOS
- John Brown Quintet
- Patrick Bliss
- John Claude Bemis
- Southern Hellcats
- Ken Belangia
- Pamlico Flutes
- PCHS Jazz Ensemble
Activities At The Festival
In addition to the great music, feed your face and support local vendors at the Village Market & Food Park located in Lou Mac Park.
This year you can buy handmade scarves and hats from Alpaca products or candles and body sprays from 2 Creative Sistas.
There is award-winning hand blown glass jewelry for sale as well as stoneware pottery. Buy oil paintings of wildlife and more!
The Food Park is right across from the Village Market. Enjoy “grab and go” meals and drinks including pizza, jerk chicken, chowder, shrimp burgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, coffee, desserts, and more.
Why People Like The Festival
People flock to this annual event to enjoy the great music, good food, and a charming small-town atmosphere.
Many people also appreciate that it is a free event, making it accessible to everyone.
The festival offers a great opportunity to discover new music, with a wide range of genres represented. Other popular festivals may be overwhelming, but Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival provides a more intimate setting where you can really enjoy the music.
How To Volunteer
If you want to participate in the festival as a volunteer, there are many opportunities available. Volunteers help with set-up and tear-down, running the kids’ zone, working at the information booth, and more.
To sign up to be a volunteer, fill out the form on the official website. You can also contact the festival organizers by email info@olfrontporch.org.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and all volunteers must sign a waiver before beginning their shifts.
What To Bring
The festival is held rain or shine, so come prepared for both hot weather and possible rain showers. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, lawn chairs, and comfortable shoes.
Other Things To Do In The Area
If you plan to stick around the Oriental, North Carolina area before or after the festival, there are plenty of other things to do. Some popular activities include fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring the historic downtown area.
You can also take a short drive to New Bern to visit the Tryon Palace, or head to Beaufort to check out the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great time at the Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival.
Enjoy a Fun Music Festival in North Carolina
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend that the whole family can enjoy, be sure to mark your calendars for the Ol Front Porch Music Festival. There is food, creative local vendors, live music, and more! Plus, it’s all free so you can save your money for other activities in the area. Volunteers are always welcome.