Back Porch Festival 2026
Back Porch Festival 2026
March 27-28-29, 2026 | Downtown Northampton, MA
The Back Porch Festival was founded in 2014 as a one day event at the Academy Of Music Theater in Northampton. It has since grown to a multi-venue celebration featuring over 60 artists performing across 10 venues in downtown Northampton, showcasing the best in American roots music.
Headlining the Academy of Music Theatre:
Friday, March 27 • 8PM
BERTHA: GRATEFUL DRAG
The world's first Grateful Dead Drag band, BERTHA is an all-star collective of queer and allied East Nashville talent coming together in full force for a good cause.
Saturday, March 28 • 7PM
BACK PORCH BLUEGRASS SPECTACULAR
Featuring Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project playing music from Old & In The Way and more! Old & In The Way were a short-lived but groundbreaking bluegrass band featuring Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Vassar Clements, John Kahn and Peter Rowan. This show will celebrate their influence and classic repertoire.
Sunday, March 29 • 7PM
I'M WITH HER with special guest OLIVE KLUG
I'm With Her is the harmony-rich supergroup of Aoife O'Donovan, Sarah Jarosz and Sara Watkins.
Additional Featured Artists:
Chuck Prophet, Margaret Glaspy, James McMurtry, Rebirth Brass Band, You Got Gold, Low Cut Connie, Pointe Noire, Big Richard, Mark Erelli, Cory Branan, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Larry & Joe, Sean Rowe, Sally Baby, Trey Hensley, Winter Pills, The Mammals, Tommy Prine, Zandi Holup, Cody Sisters, Faux Paws, Maya De Vitry, Shelby Means, Clement Brothers, and many more.
Every year, the festival includes a live broadcast of the Back Porch radio show from the Parlor Room before a live audience. Back Porch Radio host Jim Olsen has been on the airwaves of WRSI since 1984, serving as the station's program and music director from 1985-1996. When the station moved to Northampton, MA in 1996 and became 93.9 The River, the Back Porch came with it. The program's eclectic mix of new and classic country, bluegrass, folk, blues and all forms of American roots music celebrates over 40 years on the air.
Enter your name and email below to win 2 *Ramble Passes. (5) Drawings will be held on March 19th, 2026, and winners will be notified by email in advance of the festival. Enter today!
*The giveaway is for the "Ramble Pass" and does not include tickets to the evening shows presented at The Academy of Music