A new mini festival is coming to one of Little Rock’s favorite neighborhoods this fall. Hillcrest Porchfest, a free, community-powered music festival, will take over local porches and turn them into stages.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, yards will become seats as listeners drift from one lawn to the next, taking in local music while connecting with neighbors. The official lineup will be released later this year, but expect a mix of seasoned musicians and hobbyists.
Porchfest is not a new concept. Part block party, part concert crawl, it is a community-driven festival that has popped up in various iterations across the U.S. since its start in Ithaca, New York, in 2007. Now, music lovers are bringing that same festive energy to Little Rock.
Expect an all-day affair as neighbors gather and live music fills the streets. Porch hosts are free to get creative with their spaces, so you might find a fire pit glowing, coffee brewing or hot chocolate in hand as you soak in the crisp fall air.
Little Rock resident Leah Belew is the organizer behind Hillcrest Porchfest.
“It’s entirely volunteer-powered, so radical generosity and goodwill rule the day. No one pays to attend, and no one is paid to host, perform or organize. It’s an experiment in that regard,” Belew says.
Belew was inspired to bring the festival to Little Rock after experiencing the Highland Park Porchfest in Chattanooga. After moving to Little Rock, she knew Hillcrest was the perfect place to host Arkansas’ inaugural event.
“It’s a simple concept that creates a walkable neighborhood experience,” Belew says. “At the heart of it is seeing what’s possible if everyone chips in and offers what they can: porches, yards, musical talents and time. For a long time, and especially after COVID-19, third spaces have been disappearing, and people are hungry for them. Porchfest is a remedy.”
For more information and updates on Hillcrest Porchfest, visit the festival’s website and follow along on Instagram.
To get an idea of the Porchfest vibe, here’s the aforementioned Highland Park event from 2025:
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