Headlining evening shows at The Academy will be announced on March 21, 2026
When will the Back Porch Festival 2026 Line up be announced?
The first round of Ramble Artists will be announced in November, 2025.
Can I volunteer?
Volunteer submissions will open in early 2026.
How do tickets work for the Back Porch Festival?
Your weekend Ramble Pass or VIP 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. Prior to seeing any music, you must retrieve your button from one of our specified festival box office locations. You must be wearing your button to enter the venues. Don't lose that button! Buttons cannot be replaced if lost.
*Box Office locations and hours will be announced closer to the festival.
How do I buy tickets for the evening shows at the Academy?
Tickets for the three evening shows will be available starting 3/21 at the Academy Of Music box office online at 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 online at www.backporchfest.com.
You can also purchase Ramble Passes at The Iron Horse Box Office (18 Center Street) during their regular box office hours.
Back Porch Festival box office locations and hours TBA closer to the event.
What does a VIP Pass Include?
1 Ramble Pass (granting you access to performances across 10 venues as part of the festival)
1 Ticket to each of the of the evening headlining performances at The Academy of Music presented as part of the festival
3/27 TBA 10/21
3/28 TBA 10/21
3/29 TBA 10/21
Access to Mezzanine Seating at The Iron Horse for all BPF shows happening at the venue. *some limitations apply
Priority entry to all afternoon BPF sets happening at The Academy of Music
I bought a VIP Weekend Pass. How do I pick up my tickets and button?
You must pick up your Back Porch Festival VIP Button at one of our specified box office locations upon arrival to the festival (or prior to the festival during one of our dedicated festival box office events). Your VIP Button is your access to all Ramble Venues, and you will need to have it before heading off to check out the music.
In addition to the VIP Button, you will receive individual tickets to all of the evening headlining shows at The Academy. You can pick up these tickets at The Academy of Music Box Office.
We cannot replace lost buttons, so keep them secure.
NOTE: Festival Buttons and Academy Evening Show Tickets will be available for pick up the weekend of the festival, as well as select special box office pop up dates closer to the event. These dates, as well as location and times of the festival box office will be shared via email closer to the event.
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 select venues.
Are there any free events at the festival that don't require a ticket or a button for admission?
Any free events will be announced closer to the event.
I can no longer attend the event, do you offer refunds?
All Back Porch Festival purchases are non-refundable.
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.
Accessibility
Specific accommodations may vary by venue. If you have accessibility needs, please inform a volunteer or venue manager upon arrival, and they will assist you to the best of their ability.
Seating: The Parlor Room, The Academy of Music, and The Unitarian Society provide seated shows. Other venues may be standing only venues.
Capacity & Lines: Entry is first-come, first-served, which may result in wait times outside venues between sets if a venue reaches capacity or is transitioning between events. All Ramble Pass holders must wait in line for entry to each venue.
The Parlor Room Entrance: The main entrance requires a multi-step walk-up. If you need an alternative, please notify a volunteer or house manager before doors open, and they will assist with access via the back entrance, which has a single step and a fold-out ramp available as needed.
Contact: For specific accessibility inquiries prior to the start of the festival, please email accessibility@parlorroom.org.
How can I find the schedule and a venue map?
A Back Porch Festival map & schedule will be available online, on our social media closer to the event. A limited amount of printed copies will be available at the festival box office.
Is there Festival merchandise available?
Yes! Merch locations will be announced closer to the event.
Restrooms
Some, but not all venues have bathrooms for attending audience members.
Thornes Marketplace has public bathrooms during business hours.
The Parlor Room, Unitarian Society, and Memorial Hall do not have public restrooms