Colorado Springs has some excellent music festivals, summer concerts and neighborhood gatherings, but when it comes to pure block party, there’s none better than Patty Jewett Porchfest. Since 2017, neighbors far and wide have gathered in the streets of the leafy downtown Patty Jewett neighborhood to celebrate live music, movement and community. Bands play on porches. Food trucks serve local deliciousness. Friends arrive on foot and on bikes, then pull up lawn chairs, lay on blankets and dance in driveways and streets.
“We believe we are responsible for creating the community we want to live in,” says Amy Triandiflou, one of the founders behind Patty Jewett Porchfest.
That community is a festive, welcoming scene brought together each year by grassroots, cooperative efforts. “My favorite part of Porchfest is seeing old and new Patty Jewett neighbors out enjoying great local music and supporting food trucks on a September Sunday afternoon,” says Chris Orsborn, one of this year’s organizers. “I love the way Porchfest gets awesome local support so that we’re able to put the event on for free.”
This year, Patty Jewett Porchfest happens Sunday, Sept. 10, 1-5 p.m. on the 1400 to 1700 blocks of N. Franklin Street. Plus, Good Neighbors Meeting House and the Patty Jewett Clubhouse will keep the party going with live music after Porchfest. (Good Neighbors will kick it off early with a Jazzy Brunch too.) Here’s what we love most about this block party with all the details you need to join the fun at Patty Jewett Porchfest.
1. The Music
Music is the heart and soul of Porchfest. Three bands, three porches — all on Franklin Street this year — and a whole lot of live music from some of the Springs’ favorite local artists. Here is the 2023 lineup:
Look’ee Here
1-2 p.m. at 1729 N. Franklin St.
Archtop Eddie and company play blues in a wide variety of styles. Whatever the exact sound, Look’ee Here always plays with hollerin’ and stompin’ fun.
The 719 Band
2:30-3:30 p.m. at 1705 N. Franklin St.
The 719 brings the dance, funk, R&B grooves.
Red Moon Rounder
4-5 p.m. at 1403 N. Franklin St.
Fresh off a new album release, Red Moon Rounder plays indie folk-rock with ethereal Western touches.
2. The Food
You can’t throw any decent party without good food and beverages. Some of the best local food trucks will be on hand to keep everyone well fed. Here’s this year’s lineup of mobile eateries:
Ciao Down: Italian American sandwiches on artisan Ciabatta loaves.
Cowgirl Kettle Corn and Lemonade: A variety of sweet and savory kettle corn flavors.
Doki Doki: Japanese pub fare, including curry, katsu and more.
Elev8 Pizza: Smoked pizza with toppings that include vegan pepperoni.
Go Fish: A wide variety of seafood, including sliders, salads, tacos, po’ boys and more.
High Grade Foods: Jamaican favorites, from jerk chicken and wings to ackee and salted cod and braised ox tails.
Lucy I’m Home: A long-time local favorite offering the flavors of Cuba.
Makaw’s: A taste of Venezuelan-Caribbean fusion.
Miggy’s Meltdown: Gourmet grilled cheese sammies. Miggy will have its funnel cake truck there too.
Mondal’s: American comfort food, including burgers, pulled pork and fries.
Rita’s Shave Ice: Fruity frozen treats.
3. The Side Parties at Good Neighbors Meeting House and the Patty Jewett Clubhouse
Located just around the corner from the main Porchfest concerts, Good Neighbors Meeting House and the Patty Jewett Clubhouse will extend the pre- and post-festivities. Here’s the schedule:
Good Neighbors Meeting House
Jazzy Brunch at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. featuring the Wayne Wilkinson Trio
After Party at 5:30 p.m.featuring Ryan Flores
Patty Jewett Clubhouse
After Party at 5:30 p.m. featuring an artist yet to be announced
4. The Kids, Dogs and Dancers
We love the exuberance of the pups, the raw excitement of the kids and the abandonment of the intrepid dancers who are the first to start shaking it even if no one else is (except maybe those kids). It’s contagious, especially at Patty Jewett Porchfest.
5. The Neighborhood
The Patty Jewett Golf Course was built in 1898 and deeded to the city of Colorado Springs in 1919 by its owner Bill Jewett. It was named for his wife Patty. The neighborhood around the golf course is historic and charming. Home styles are a mix of Victorian, Craftsman, Mission, Midcentury Modern and even recent Modern and Colorado Farmhouse renovations and additions. Compared to the wide parkways and stately historic estates of the neighboring Old North End, Patty Jewett’s homes are modestly sized and its streets compact. But its tucked away vibe, treelined sidewalks, proximity to downtown and strong sense of community are all reasons why Patty Jewett has been one of the Springs’ hottest neighborhoods in recent years. It’s the kind of place that brings you a great block party like Patty Jewett Porchfest. You can see why people love to live here.
Porchfest Details
Find all the details at @pjnacos
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