Carleton Place Porchfest returns August 22 – bigger, bolder, and putting young musicians and entrepreneurs centre stage
Carleton Place, ON – May 20, 2026 – After a stellar inaugural event last September, the second annual Carleton Place Porchfest is set to fill the streets with live music on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM. This year’s edition shines a special spotlight on youth – welcoming young performers and entrepreneurs to help make the whole town their stage. The event’s rain date is August 29, 1-4PM.
A special call-out to young musicians
This year, inspired by an emerging music program initiated by Planet Youth Lanark County, Carleton Place Porchfest extends a special invitation to young musicians to step up and perform for friends, family, and neighbours. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter crafting your own tunes, a duo working up a folk or country set, a trio straight out of a high school concert band, or a punk outfit pumping out three chords and the teenaged truth, Porchfest wants to hear you. From polished performers to first-timers playing their debut show, every style and skill level is welcome, young and old. Sign up at www.carletonplaceporchfest.ca to secure your time slot and get featured on the official Porchfest map.
Young lemonade and cookie-stand entrepreneurs welcome too
Porchfest 2026 also has an exciting new opportunity for the town’s youngest go-getters. Kids aged 5 to 10 are encouraged to team up with a porch owner to set up lemonade and cookie stands along the Porchfest route – and keep every dollar they earn. It’s the perfect way for young entrepreneurs to join the community spirit, delight passing audiences with a cold drink and a sweet treat, and get a taste of running their very own small business. Interested young entrepreneurs and their families can reach out at www.carletonplaceporchfest.ca to find out more.
Stroll, cycle and dance your way from porch to porch
Residents and visitors are invited to stroll, cycle, or dance their way through Carleton Place neighbourhood streets, following the free online map at www.carletonplaceporchfest.ca to discover performances at their own pace. Porches, garages, driveways, and front lawns across town transform into stages, making the whole neighbourhood the venue for an unforgettable afternoon. Bring your own chair or “kid-cart” and roam the musical possibilities!
Part of a growing grassroots movement now seen in towns and cities across North America, Porchfest brings live music quite literally to community doorsteps, while encouraging neighbours to meet, mingle, and celebrate local talent. For Ottawa visitors, it’s a perfect small-town getaway with big heart, just 45 minutes from the city. Carleton Place Porchfest is proudly supported by the Town of Carleton Place and organized by a dedicated volunteer team led by Bill and Patti Pope.
How Carleton Place Porchfest works
Musicians of all ages – singles, duos, trios, and full bands – sign up to perform from their own porch, or pair with a willing host whose porch, driveway, or lawn becomes their stage. Hosts who don’t play music themselves are also welcome to sign up and open their outdoor space to performers. Audiences consult the Carleton Place Porchfest map on their phones, choose a route, and wander between performances at their own pace. The event is completely free, family-friendly, and open to all.
“Porchfest is about more than just music,” said organizer Bill Pope. “It’s about neighbours meeting neighbours, artists sharing their gifts, and an entire community coming together to enjoy a great day. This year we really want to see young musicians take the plunge and play for their community – and we love the idea of young entrepreneurs setting up shop right alongside them. Every kid with a lemonade stand and every teen presenting their first song to a live audience is what makes Porchfest magic.”
Carleton Place Porchfest is 100% community-driven and 100% free, with generous support from the Town of Carleton Place and the dedicated volunteer team led by Bill and Patti Pope. Donations to the Lanark County Food Bank – The Hunger Stop are warmly encouraged at all Porchfest locations.
Carleton Place Porchfest event snapshot for ‘What’s On’ listings
What: Carleton Place Porchfest – free, live community music festival
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 1 PM–4 PM (Rain Date: August 29)
Where: Various porches, lawns, and driveways across Carleton Place (map online)
Cost: Free (donations to food bank welcome)
Details: www.carletonplaceporchfest.ca | cpporchfest@gmail.com
