Jenna Giustino 
Local summer at the Jersey Shore is a special time for many reasons. For some, it’s the easy access to beloved spots that are packed in the summer. For others, it’s the community events and festivals that help us to reconnect with our neighbors (while also lessening the end-of-summer sadness). AP PorchFest, a free day of live music in Asbury Park, has been a favorite local summer event amongst locals since 2018. Keep reading to learn more about the 9th Annual AP PorchFest, happening on September 27th, 2025.
About PorchFest
Asbury Park’s PorchFest is a 501 (c)(3) charity that hosts local bands and musicians on residents’ porches, featuring a full-day lineup of music played around town.
Over the years, AP PorchFest has welcomed more than 600 musical performances — and the genres range from Rap to Americana, Broadway hits to soulful blues.
Now labeled as the Largest PorchFest in the Northeast, AP PorchFest has become a day not only about music, but also neighborhood bonding and leaving a legacy of charitable impact.
Read More: How to Have a Locals-Only Summer at the Jersey Shore
Making a Difference
PorchFest is run with the mission in mind of making a difference in the community. All PorchFest musicians, administrators, and event day assistants are volunteers.
Admission to PorchFest is free, and open to the public. The performers donate their time and talent, and homeowners and businesses contribute the venues. Audience members are encouraged to make donations at at individual PorchFest sites, benefit Mercy Center, an Asbury Park food pantry and family resource center serving over 3,000 local families a month.
In the past, PorchFest donations also supported Trinity Church’s Code Blue Program, an emergency winter shelter serving Asbury Park and wider Monmouth County.
To become a 2025 AP PorchFest Sponsor, email Jordan Modell, founder + organizer, at [email protected].
The Lineup
JSG spoke to Jordan Modell, and he let us know that the official schedule and music lineup are typically released about two weeks before the event, which takes place on September 27th this year. The rain date is October 5th.
We were told that ⅔ of the bands typically return, so in the meantime, you can read more about the bands that played in 2024 by clicking here.
Artists We Loved at 2024 AP Porchfest — Keep an Eye Out for Them Again
- The Afraid Brigade — plays anthemic fantasy rock.
- Kuf Knotz + Christine Elise — a pop indie band from Freehold.
- Young Benny — party, real rap vibes.
- Bob Egan + Friends — piano Broadway hits.
JSG’s Tips for a Successful PorchFest
Performances will take place all over Asbury Park, spanning neighbors’ porches located everywhere from uptown to downtown. To be fully prepared to last the entire day (and seeing as many local bands as possible), we came up with a list of tips for a successful 2025 PorchFest.
- Bring or rent a bike or scooter — for the quickest mobility between houses. While walking is totally doable, you’ll be able to fit in seeing more acts around town if you have a bike or scooter. JSG recommends renting a bike from AP Cyclery or renting an e-scooter using the Veo app (e-scooter parking map available here).
- Don’t forget these items — a folding chair (to post up on a lawn), water (because it’s a long day), and an umbrella (just in case).
- Support local businesses — there are plenty of places for grab-and-go food like Frank’s Deli and The Speakeatery, plus you’ll need an option for bathrooms. FYI: Porches that sponsor food trucks will be available on the map.
- Create your itinerary ahead of time — send the lineup schedule in the group chat and plan with your crew ahead of time what performances you want to see.
See More: Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival 2025 Happening on 9/28
For more information, or to sign up for AP 2025 PorchFest updates, click here.
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