Dorchester’s porch fest-style musical celebration, Dorchfest, returns to the Ashmont-Adams section of the neighborhood for a fourth season this Saturday (May 31) from noon to 5 p.m.

More than two dozen porches, patios, parking lots, and yards will be transformed into stages for more than 50 bands and performers of diverse musical genres.

Last year’s event drew an estimated 3,000 people— and with extra promotions, including banners and even digital signs along the expressway this year, organizers say an even bigger crowd may be in the cards this year.
The now-annual celebration began in 2022 thanks to a team of volunteer neighbors, including Rachel Felix and Erin Caldwell.

This year’s event is managed by the Greater Ashmont Main Street (GAMS) organization and the Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association— with key sponsorships from Santander Bank, Amazon, Boston Main Streets Foundation, Eastern Bank, Martin Richard Foundation, Scobie’s, Trinity Financial, and the Dorchester Reporter.

Unlike other free festivals, Dorchfest compensates musicians for their time, payments that could not be made without the generous donations of sponsors, a group that includes MacKinnon and Co./Compass, the Local Hand, Ronan 953, Revamp; and small business collaborators the Bowery, Lucy’s, Chubbs, and Afternoon Creative.

“Dorchfest has quickly become a signature event for this neighborhood and the Dorchester community as a whole,” said Elle Marrone, executive director of GAMS and Dorchfest chair. “We are proud to be able to pick up where Ashmont-Adams Neighborhood Association left off and continue to provide a day of entertainment and socializing for the thousands of folks who turn out for Dorchfest each year, as well as add new attractions in 2025.”

“We have heard from the community that they want a safe, walkable area for kids and families so we’ve worked with the city and Boston Police to make Beaumont Street a pedestrian-only thoroughfare throughout the day,” said Marrone. “And while there will be some incredible performances on Beaumont, we encourage everyone to hit the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, as the fun doesn’t stop there.”

Throughout the festival, attendees will find amenities like food trucks and tents (Gourmet Kreyol, House of Seven Cafe & Bakery, Stokes BBQ, The Mix, Migs Hot Dogs, Slushy Lady, the Boston Police Ice Cream Truck, the Boston Water Truck) and Dorchfest merchandise. 

For full list of bands and locations, see Dorchfest.com. Here’s a look at just a few of the featured performers: