August 30, 2025
A town wide celebration in honor of International Play Music on the Porch Day
Join us as we Explore Stafford and enjoy music on porches, in parks, and throughout town. Experience a day-long lineup of multi-genre performances from a variety of bands and artists, bringing their unique sounds to the streets. Stafford Gather & Groove is in honor of “International Play Music on the Porch Day,” a global movement celebrating music, community, and creativity.
Bands, singers, and instrumentalists participate in the festival for no other reason than to showcase their talents and entertain the community. From strumming guitaras to digeridoos and a “Swiftie” Party in the Park, a wide variety of sounds will make Stafford groovier than ever! Performers voluntarily take to the "stage" at their designated times and perform for the public. Artists' names and performance times are posted on this “Groove Map” and displayed in-person on lawn signs in front of respective concert locations.
Join us on on porches, in parks, and ourside across town as we share music, and song!
11AM - 12PM: Connecticut Valley Field Music
Haymarket common, 47 Main Street
Members of Connecticut Valley Field Music perform fife and drum music. CVFM is a Civil War-era fife and drum corps formed in 1988 under the direction of Jim Clark.
12PM - 1PM: Unplugged outdoors
Stafford Library, 10 Levinthal Run
East to play chord song circle, BYO acoustic instruments.
12PM - 3PM: Corey Hurrel
Let's Get Wired, 91 Main Street
Immerse yourself in the good vibes of this serene storefront while listening to the magical sounds of the Handpan & primal tones of the Didgeridoo during a LIVE musical performance by local musician Corey Hurrle!
1PM - 3PM: Eras Tour Swiftie Party in the Park
Haymarket common, 47 Main Street
Come shake it off with a Taylor Swift inspired dance party, photo booth, friendship bracelet making + more!
1PM - 3PM: Broken Down Palace
Pleasant Street/Olympic Field
Residential featuring Stafford-based Grateful Dead jam band.
3PM - 5PM: Open Mic Sessions
Haymarket Common, 47 Main Street
Hosted by the Stafford Arts Commission, all-ages, all-levels, and all-styles event.
4PM - 11PM: Doc & Scott Acoustic Duo
Off the Rails Brewery, 86 Main Street
Acoustic rock duo - a wide variety of music, lots of hits!
5PM - 7PM: The Core
Corner of High & Church Streets
Residential featuring Stafford-based band delivering genre-bending sounds, musical exploration, and infectious grooves that keep you hooked.
5PM - 7PM: Drum Circle with Ken Parker
Haymarket Common, 41 Main Street
Rhythmic beats and communal spirit come together to create an interactive musical celebration.
You can also participate by just going outside to play music! You can invite friends or play alone, make the day as big or as small as you want! Then share a video on any social media with #playmusicontheporchday. Follow the hashtag #playmusicontheporchday to see musicians from around the world participating!