Porchfest 2026: Here’s Some Itinerary Suggestions
The annual Historic Athens Porchfest is coming up on Sunday, Oct. 18, and students in Kyser Lough’s First Year Odyssey seminar on music in Athens have scoured the 200+ Porchfest band lineup to build a few custom, themed itineraries for attendees.
We’ll give you the first 4-5 shows to visit, and then you’re on your own for the rest before The Mayors’ Show at 7 p.m. Stops on each itinerary are no more than a ~15-minute walk away.
Click on each themed itinerary to start your adventure.
Flipping Through the Radio
By Fallon Drzyzga, Alaina Gresham, Alyssa Kessler, Jonah Leske, Presley Lindsey
This theme is based on the idea of driving around Athens on a Sunday afternoon and switching between different radio stations. Each artist represents a different station, giving us a variety of genres and sounds throughout the day. We built this theme because we wanted to experience different styles of music instead of sticking to just one genre. Just like flipping through the radio, you never know what sound you’ll discover next!
1 p.m. / Air and/or Fire / 327 Prince Ave. / Cobbham
Kick off your Porchfest afternoon with Athens’ own Air and/or Fire! Described as an acoustic and singer-songwriter act, Air and/or Fire is the perfect first stop for anyone looking to discover local music. Their sound fits our “Flipping Through the Radio” theme by giving us that laid-back station you might stumble across while driving around on a Sunday afternoon. Starting with a more relaxed acoustic sound sets the tone for our musical journey before we switch the dial and explore completely different genres throughout the day. If you’re looking for a way to ease into the afternoon and discover something new, make sure to tune in to Air and/or Fire!
Distance to next show: 8 min walk / 0.3 mi
2 p.m. / Check the Signs / 735 Prince Ave. / Cobbham
Check the Signs is exactly the type of band that you would hear on the radio on a Sunday afternoon. With vocals led by the amazing Mindy Towe, Check the Signs is reminiscent of No Doubt, exploring themes such as heartbreak and female empowerment. Check the Signs will have you tapping your foot and wishing you knew the lyrics to all the songs in their 2025 album, A Daily Reminder. The band’s music does indeed fall under the pop genre, but in the way where Rory from Gilmore Girls would make a niche reference to them, or to be even more descriptive, you could envision them being behind the show’s famous “lalalas.” As a family band from Athens, Check the Signs provides a unique cross-generational sound. You won’t want to miss them!
Distance to next show: 14 min walk / 0.6 mi
3 p.m. / TH3R4 / 108 Park Ave. / Buena Vista Heights
If you’re looking for something a little different at Porchfest, TH3R4 is a band you should check out. Their electronic and experimental sound creates a unique vibe that is both energetic and unpredictable. Their style and intensity don’t necessarily fit into one genre, and this band is surely something new for the Athens music scene. Their music makes you want to stop and really listen to see where the song takes you. Having performed in Athens before, TH3R4 knows how to create an exciting live experience.
Distance to next show: 8 min walk / 0.3 mi
4 p.m. / SCHMOOZE / 225 King Ave. / Normaltown
Start your wind down for the evening with the incredible SCHMOOZE. Expect a beautiful mix of alternative and shoegaze songs that will keep you dancing and might make you cry. While this might be starting your gentle decline of intensity, still expect a beautiful mesh of grunge and metal to come through their softer set. Regardless of your day, take a listen to SCHMOOZE and enjoy everything they have to offer.
Distance to next show: 14 min walk / 0.6 mi
5 p.m. / Trio Metro / 735 Prince Ave. / Cobbham
To cap off this Porchfest itinerary, stop by Trio Metro’s performance and unwind with jazz music. Based in the Greater Athens area, the group is made up of three musicians with storied careers who play classic jazz music out of the Great American Songbook, along with some contemporary covers. Trio Metro’s array of instruments creates an intriguing vibe for all who choose to stop and listen. With lively horns and percussion, the trio’s music puts listeners in the mood to start dancing and partake in the classic Lindy Hop. Trio Metro’s upbeat jazz tunes will be the perfect way to top off your week and get you into a positive mood for the days ahead.
The Zoo
By London Costen, Eva Karneyenka, Rushaan Mir, Joseph Spence
The Zoo Itinerary is built around bands with animal-inspired names, putting a fun and unique spin on a Porchfest lineup. The groups all incorporate an animal-related element in their names, which was an interesting detail that stood out when browsing the festival lineup. The bands span different genres, including rock, metal/punk and folk. The Zoo Itinerary allows you to experience a bit of variety in styles and genres within a unifying, playful theme.
1 p.m. / Sewercat / 230 Augusta Ave. / Newtown
Sewercat is an Appalachian alternative rock band formed and based in Athens. The band’s name itself was inspired by the stray cats in the Athen’s Newtown area who search for scraps in the sewers, making it the perfect kick-off show for the Zoo Itinerary. When you hear two genres like “Appalachian” and “alternative rock” in the same sentence, it’s hard to imagine the type of set you’ll hear from the band. A name like “Sewercat” makes one expect a purely heavier sound, yet the group delivers work with a funkier, feel-good vibe to it. The mix of rock and groovier, upbeat tunes makes Sewercat’s sound a little harder to predict.
Distance to next show: 13 min walk, 5 min bike / 0.6 mi
2 p.m. / K9 / 143 Barrow St. / Pulaski Heights
K9 is a metal/punk band based in Richmond, Virginia, formed by veterans of the local hardcore scene. The five-piece group stands out by taking a raw approach to their music, recording full tracks live together in the studio to capture the unfiltered energy of their live performances.
Distance to next show: 8 min walk, 3 min bike / 0.3 mi
3 p.m. / Polar Waves / 156 Boulevard / Boulevard
Next up, we head to the Arctic to meet Polar Waves and imagine a celebration of polar bears. An artist from Athens, Julio Duran, the singer and multi-instrumentalist, plays rock music. His music is filled with classic modern rock and roll. He takes inspiration from the legends themselves, R.E.M., so it’s sure to invoke some real and raw emotions if you decide to go and listen!
Distance to next show: 14 min walk, 5 min bike / 0.6 mi
4 p.m. / Spring Lizards / 490 Cobb St. / Cobbham
To end off, we go back to where we started in the Appalachians with the Spring Lizards. The band itself is a band originating from Appalachia, playing folk music with some acoustic elements. They bring the Southern flair to the mix, as they allow for fun, heartfelt music that lets you bring your inner child out with square dancing. If embracing the South and Athens’ traditional roots is up your alley, we recommend visiting the Spring Lizards!
Super Sounds on Southern Streets
By Margaret Gillan, Chloe Groh, Macey Harrison, Poesy Young
Athens Porchfest is the perfect music festival to attend if you have a wide range of tastes. From rock to electronic, you can explore the various sounds of Georgia by wandering around. You may not have a favorite genre, but what if you have a favorite letter? Each of these “S” bands produces a unique sound that is sure to make your day spectacular. As you spend your day with these splendid bands, you’ll find yourself starting off weaving your way through a path of both a chill sound and high energy music that leaves you wanting to dance.
1 p.m. / Shaw Coggin / 380 Meigs St. / Cobbham
Shaw Coggin starts the schedule out with a chill blend of folk and rock. This mostly acoustic artist released his first single in 2024 and recently came out with his first full album, Front Page News, in August. Porchfest attendees can look forward to a tranquil first show with Shaw Coggin.
Distance to next show: 14 min walk, 5 min bike / 0.6 mi
2 p.m. / SOVP / 1022 Prince Ave. / Boulevard
SOVP is a perfect next stop for our super sound schedule, so head on over to Boulevard and get ready for whatever-rock straight out of Cochran, Georgia. This alternative band is sure to keep the afternoon full of good vibes with their raw talent and lyrical impact. Be one of the first to hear their new EP “Alphabet Soup” live! Sit back, relax and prepare yourself for the craziness of the day to come.
Distance to next show: 9 min walk, 3 min bike / 0.4 mi
3 p.m. / Skirr / 123 Cain St. / Boulevard
Skirr is a nice chill pitstop in our schedule. The instrumental post-rock band has four members: Ben Walters, Ian Schmutte, Thomas Wilcox and Davy Gibbs. Their recent six-track demo is made up of live recordings and practice tapes. Overall, they have a very laidback vibe. They have been playing locally since 2025. For Porchfest, attendees can expect a loose, groove-driven set. Skirr is the ideal cool down before bringing the energy back up with the next show.
Distance to next show: 17 min walk, 5 min bike / 0.8 mi
4 p.m. / SCHMOOZE / 225 King Ave. / Newtown
SCHMOOZE is the perfect way to end your day at Porchfest. Lead singer Cameryn Carr is accompanied by guitarist Jack Wheatherby, drummer Dallas Wiggins and bassist Colin Thomasson to create a 90s sounding discography enhanced by modern writing and visuals. After a long day and some chill tunes, their high-energy performance will ensure you end your day at Porchfest with a bang.
Botanical Bands
By Piper Angell, Emlen Cooper, Avery Ranieri, Andrew Weber
Taking one step outside during October in Athens, you’re surrounded by flourishing winds and color changing trees. If this sentiment puts you in a good mood, then you’ll feel right at home with our blooming botanical itinerary for Porchfest! From acoustic solos to electrifying punk, you’re sure to have a floral line up full of blossoming vibes.
1 p.m. / Air and/or Fire / 327 Prince Ave. / Cobbham
Air and/or Fire is a pseudonym for the solo singer/songwriter Richie Arndorfer, who incorporates electronic and acoustic elements into his work. This unique combination relates to his compositional work but is more engaging with modern singer/songwriter techniques. His album, Bitterness for Three Sleepwalkers, has eight tracks and was released in July of 2025. If you plan on attending, be prepared for a laid-back performance to relax and enjoy the perks of live music.
Distance to next show: 12 min walk, 3 min bike / 0.5 mi
2 p.m. / Women in STEM / 150 Virginia Ave. / Boulevard
Women in STEM is a trio girl-band formed by Ella Adams, Sam Caspary and Finn Sleppy. In 2022, after a Nuci’s Space program, they started playing music together right here in Athens. Keeping with the botanical theme, their band art is full of greenery and images of gardens in Athens. Just a couple days ago, they dropped a single in preparation for their first album. If you attend, be prepared to hear music reminiscent of indie bands of the 90s. On their website, they list Blondshell, Leith Ross and Wednesday as their main influences, and it shows through their music. They are an easy-to-listen-to mix of indiepop and grunge that knows how to balance the line between good, simple vocals and clever, guitar-driven hooks.
Distance to next show: 13 min walk, 3 min bike / 0.6 mi
3 p.m. / Normalgrass / 230 Augusta Ave. / Newtown
Normalgrass is a traditional acoustic roots and Bluegrass music group based in Athens, featuring Evan Doremus (guitar, vocals), Jackson Bireley (bass), William Bireley (drums) and Andrew Balthazor (guitar). Formed locally, the group has quickly defined their spot in the Athens music scene with a sound grounded in raw energy and smooth instrumentation. Their music bridges classic alternative energy with a fresh, modern edge that is best experienced live in a neighborhood setting, which is perfect for those attending Porchfest.
Distance to next show: 5 min walk, 1 min bike / 0.3 mi
4 p.m. / Petal Death / 174 Cleveland Ave / Newtown
Fostered by the Firefly Homeschool Community, this band of teens local to Athens will put on a vivid performance that combines both punk and metal music. If you’re a fan of Nirvana you’ll be excited to hear their cover of “In Bloom,” along with similar sounds. Petal death explores a mix of experimental ‘90s grunge with a plethora of instruments to accompany. From synthesizers to the electric cello, there will not be a shortage of sounds to keep your attention. If you’re further curious; guitar and synth will be played by Caleb Steele, electric violin by Emery Steele, electric cello and vox by Emma Anderson, bass, vox and electronics by Katz Antonisen, and finally drums & percussion by Ledger White.
