Unzip your tent at Front Porch Festival and look up at tulip poplar trees, black hickories and red maples. Or roll out of your RV and stroll along the pond’s edge, catching a glimpse of a family of wild turkeys, or geese beginning their migration. Wander over and sit in the grass while the musical stylings of The Wilson Springs Hotel ushers in all of your bittersweet nostalgic feels between a harmonica break and fiddle-electric-guitar duet.
While the Front Porch Festival began as an intimate music gathering of friends and family, it has now evolved into a four-day event showcasing both nationally-known and regionally-loved acts. It’s held each year at Spirithaven, a family-run 160-acre farm nestled in the far southwestern corner of Virginia. Headliners this year include Butcher Brown (Richmond-based quintet artfully blurring the lines between jazz, hip-hop, and funk), Jimkata (playful electro rock that will make you want to grab your fixie and head to the proverbial beach), and Dangermuffin (folksy jam band with strong palm tree vibes).
Though camping is encouraged, it’s not a must, and passes are available for those who prefer a hard roof over their heads. The Front Porch Festival is produced by One Family Productions, a community nonprofit. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities, including the county food bank and free health clinic.
The Specs
- Between 800 and 2,000 people attend.
- Four-day tickets start at $140. Single-day tickets range from $30-60. Check out all of the options here.
- Swing down to visit nearby Raleigh, NC while you’re in this particular corner of the Southeast.
FAQs
How can I get to the Front Porch Festival?
If you’re anywhere in the vicinity, driving is your best bet. Otherwise, fly into the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO, approximately 1 hour, about 60 miles) or the Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA, approximately 1.5 hours and 88 miles), and rent a car.
I have three kids. Can we make it a family vacation?
Absolutely. Kids under 12 can attend for free, though make sure to register tickets in their names. So really, if you’re a parent, it would be fiscally irresponsible not to attend.
Is camping available?
Yes, you can tent camp for free with a 4-day GA pass, though you may need to purchase parking ($10). The festival also offers both RV and car camping, sold separately from festival passes. Premium RV tickets cost $300, and include space for one RV/Pull Behind Camper (up to 30 feet, includes water & 30 amp power hookups) and one other vehicle. Regular RV tickets are $120, and include space for one RV/Pull Behind Camper (up to 30 feet, doesn’t include water or hookups) and one other vehicle. Car camping costs $60.
What items should I leave at home?
No pets or open display of outside alcohol. Wine and beer can be purchased at the festival.
Which artists are on the Front Porch Festival lineup?
Butcher Brown, Jimkata, Dangermuffin, DJ Williams, Sons of Paradise, Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast, Big Daddy Love, The Plate Scrapers, The Judy Chops, Urban Soil, The Wilson Springs Hotel, Lua Flora, Issac Hadden Organ Trio, GOTE, Slick Jr. and the Reactors, Striking Copper, Marvelous Funkshun, Coral Moons, The Mighty Good Times, Oh, Christopher, The Freeway Jubilee, The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs, Borrowed Earth, Maggie Blankenship, Left Hip Pocket, Righteous Friendz Band, Gudja, Liv Sloan and the Die Hards, The Flip Phones, Billy Woods, Courtney Lynn and Quinn, Jordan T. Morrison & the Foothill Boys, Fluidity Performance Troupe.
2023 Poster
Videos