How do tickets work for the Back Porch Festival?
This year it works more like a traditional festival. Your weekend Ramble Pass ticket will be exchanged for a Back Porch Festival button which is your entrance pass to all Back Porch shows with the exception of the three evening shows at the Academy Of Music (Willie Nelson Tribute, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Richard Thompson). You must be wearing your button to enter the venues.
How do I buy tickets for the evening shows at the Academy?
Tickets for the three evening shows are available at the Academy Of Music box office on line www.aomtheater.com or in person during box office hours. All evening show tickets are reserved seats.
How do I buy a Ramble Pass?
Ramble Passes are available on line at www.backporchfest.com and will be sold at our box office locations during box office hours if still available. If you bought your ramble pass on line, go to one of our two box office locations (Thornes Market and The Academy Of Music and pick up your buttons.
Back Porch Festival box office locations and hours:
Wednesday March 13th and Thursday March 14th noon-5pm at The Parlor Room 32 Masonic St. Northampton
Friday, March 15th 3-7pm Thornes Market, Main St. Northampton, 5-8pm Academy Of Music lobby.
Saturday, March 16th noon-7pm Thornes Market, Saturday 1:30-8pm Academy of Music
Sunday, March 16th noon-3pm Academy Of Music
I bought a Premium Weekend Pass. How do I pick up my tickets and button?
Premium ticket holders can pick up their tickets and buttons at the Academy Of Music box office only during box office hours, Friday-Sunday. Premium ticket holders will be allowed early admission to the afternoon shows at the Academy Of Music. All other shows are first come, first served.
Are Ramble Pass holders guaranteed admission to all performances?
No. There are no reserved seats at the Back Porch Ramble. All shows are general admission and admission is first come, first served. The venues will be cleared after each performance to allow for a new audience. Some artists will perform two sets during the festival to raise your chance of seeing your favorites. If there is an artist that you want to see in a small venue, arrive early and be prepared to stand in line.
Pro tip: The afternoon shows at the Academy Of Music always have room and minimal lines for admission.
Can I share my Ramble pass with a friend?
Yes, the Back Porch Festival buttons are sharable. However, you must be wearing a button to gain admittance to festival venues. Only one admittance per button.
Can I bring in outside food and drink into the venues?
The only venue that allows this is The Parlor Room. All other venues do not allow outside food and drink. There will be alcohol sales at The Academy Of Music, Hotel Northampton, Progression Brewery, Bishop's Lounge and Wurst Haus.
Is there free admission for kids?
All attendees need a festival button with the exception of kids 10 and under. Some of the festival venues feature alcohol service and are not appropriate for children. Several venues have limited seating, which is difficult for families with small children. Free admission for kids applies only to the Ramble Pass shows, not the evening shows at the Academy Of Music.
How can I find the schedule and a venue map?
There will be printed schedules with a map available at all box office locations during the festival. The on-line schedule is available here.
Is there Festival merchandise available?
Yes, our official festival merch store is Assemble (164 Main St.). Also, online here.