When music lover and Moorestown resident Ian Thomas was first introduced to the idea of music coming to local communities in Asbury Park and Collingswood, he was instantly smitten by the idea of bringing it closer to home.
Thomas, a local Realtor, loved the idea of bringing people together for a memorable neighborhood event and decided to pursue a Moorestown Porch Fest.
“I love that you can hop from porch to porch, and see how good the bands are,” explained Thomas, the lead organizer. “The feedback from last year was extremely positive. We were blown away by how much our first Porch Fest was appreciated.”
The upcoming second annual Moorestown Porch Fest is taking place on Saturday, May 17, from noon until about 7 or 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and the musicians graciously donate their time and talent.
Moorestown Porch Fest is an afternoon of live performances featuring local musicians on porches throughout the center of Moorestown.
Organizers expect the number of porches to jump from 24 to 30. Last year there were 77 bands, and as many as 100 are expected for this year’s festival.
The bands “will involve every genre you can think of,” including jazz, rock, country, folk, bluegrass, originals, and more. Thomas says the music ranges from bands that have been practicing in their garages for six months to established groups.
Organizers will have an interactive Google Map allowing attendees to view porch locations, a variety of food trucks, ample parking, and portable toilets. The food vendors include Cousins Maine Lobsters, Red’s Rolling Restaurant, and others.
“Porch Fest is an enjoyable family event,” Thomas said. “It’s all about neighborhood hospitality. We invite couples, families and friends, or you can come alone and make new friends. It’s a welcoming event.”
The mission of Moorestown Porch Fest is to celebrate and bring the community together through a day of live music featuring local musicians and Moorestown’s neighborhoods, all while raising money for an in-town non-profit.
The 2024 event raised nearly $2,500 for the Perkins Center for the Arts from donations and T-shirt sales.
The 2025 fundraising goal for MoorArts is $10,000 to $15,000, to be supported through business and attendee contributions.
MoorArts is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to enriching lives through the fine and performing arts in Moorestown. Established as an advocate for arts education, MoorArts supports local students and schools by offering scholarships, grants, and immersive opportunities.
Programs include annual theatrical productions, visual and performing arts showcases, mentorship in technical and creative roles, and partnerships with community organizations that broaden arts awareness.
The town of Moorestown is so appealing to visitors and prospective new residents, Thomas says, because it is a tight-knit community, with a variety of attractive neighborhoods, historic homes from the 1700 and 1800s, a great downtown Main Street, high-quality schools, and inviting parks.
Moorestown Porch Fest is made possible by a collaborative effort of local businesses, non-profits, and neighbors working together to create a great event for the community. The group is committed to creating a celebration that brings people together, amplifies local talent, and makes a lasting impact.
Thomas encourages festival-goers to bring blankets or chairs, water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and money to support the local bands, food trucks, and restaurants.
“This is all about the music and community bonding,” says Thomas. “It’s a celebration of music, community, and the unique historic charm of Moorestown, bringing together people of all ages for a day of musical discovery and neighborhood hospitality.”
