FAQs for Artists
Day of Event
Q: How do I get to Governors Island?
A: Governors Island is serviced by the Governors Island Ferry and NYC Ferry.
See HERE for more information about getting to the festival.
Q: How much does the ferry cost?
A: On weekends, the Governors Island ferry is FREE before 11am. After 11am, it is $5.
The Governors Island ferry is ALWAYS free for seniors (65 and over), residents of NYCHA housing, IDNYC holders, military servicemembers (former and active), and Governors Island members.
For information and pricing for NYC Ferry, click HERE.
Q: Can I leave my stuff at HQ?
A: Unfortunately we cannot supervise anyone's belongings at artist headquarters. Please check in with your stage host for info about instrument storage.
Q : What if it rains?
A : Porch Stomp takes place rain or shine. We will make location changes as necessary to accommodate for rain on the day of the event.
Q: Wait a second, I thought it was called “Porch Stomp”! How come performances aren’t taking place on porches?
A: When we started Porch Stomp in 2014, Governors Island was not the bustling attraction that it is today, and the houses of Nolan Park and Colonel’s Row were unoccupied by tenants. As the Island has grown and blossomed, it has become a hub for arts organizations and mission-oriented nonprofits, who make use of the space, and particularly the houses (and porches) of Nolan Park for residencies and regular programming. Organizations in residency in the houses of Nolan Park produce their own programming on the weekends, and thus cannot accommodate additional musical programming. So, we’ve had to make adjustments and move the vast majority of the performances directly onto the lawn. The upside? Easier access to the music!
Q: What do I get for playing Porch Stomp?
A: A Porch Stomp Hat and a Beer or Water from Threes Brewing
Q : Where does donation money go? How can I or someone I know donate?
A: Porch Stomp is entirely volunteer run and operated, and funds raised go support:
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Operations: Governors Island permit fee, security deposit, and insurance
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Marketing and Promotion: design costs, printed postcards, flyers, business cards, social media advertising, merchandise, website support
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Day of event materials: physical signage, tents
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Day of event personnel: photographers, videographers, support staff
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Artist support: artist giveaways and amenities
We pride ourselves in being run by community for the community, so every dime you donate will be coming right back at you! To donate:
Venmo @porch-stomp
PayPal: mmnyporchstomp@gmail.com
You can make a tax-deductible donation via our umbrella organization, Make Music New York at this link! Be sure to message that the donation is for Porch Stomp.
Q : Should I plan to leave right after my set?
A : What an odd question! Naw, man! Porch Stomp is a community and has served as a support system for any number of up and coming folk arts. Stick around, make friends, and get ready for the magical finale jam that happens every year. Some of the best Porch Stomp moments happen when you least expect them! We also encourage you to come early and enjoy performances that take place before your set.
Q: Where is the Porch Stomp Afterparty?
A: The Brooklyn Ice House in Red Hook
Note: Porch Stomp is not liable for your actions and decisions on Governors Island. Please be respectful to the grounds and courteous to all Governors Island and Porch Stomp staff and officials.
Thanks!
The Porch Stomp Team
Pre-Show:
Q : How is the booking process for Porch Stomp 2026 different from years past?
A : Because of the wonderfully overwhelming volume of artists who reach out wanting to be part of Porch Stomp, combined with limited administrative capacity on Porch Stomp’s end, all Porch Stomp 2026 stages are be booked through our excellent stage curators. Artists who filled out the Artist Expression of Interest Form will be notified by early June if they were booked for a stage.
Q : What happens if I don’t get booked for Porch Stomp 2026?
A: There are still plenty of opportunities to participate in Porch Stomp! Porch Stomp 2026 will feature a variety of participatory events, including a bluegrass jam, an old time jam, a Contra Dance, and a Square Dance. See the items in orange letters on the line-up for a full list of everything participatory!
Q: What is the backline situation for Porch Stomp?
A: You have to take a short and fun ferry ride from one of two specific Governors Island ferry locations in Manhattan or Brooklyn, and NYC Ferry is also running a shuttle service from Wall Street Pier 11 to Yankee Pier. More information about ferries can be found HERE.
Q: What if my band uses an electric keyboard, electric bass or another instrument that must be amplified?
A: Come up with an alternative version of your instrument for the festival. Keyboards can be exchanged for melodicas, electric basses can be exchanged for upright bass. Because of the proximity of the performances, amplification can be incredibly disruptive to nearby performers, and can negatively affect the overall vibe of the festival.
Q: Is there anything that isn’t allowed?
A: Because of the proximity of stage locations in our festival, we do not allow tambourines, triangles, and drum kits for stages located in Nolan Park, because they cause too much sound bleed. If you are planning to have one of these instruments as part of your act, we request that notice must be given directly to Porch Stomp at least a month in advance of the festival date to ensure performance locations can be placed at an appropriate distance to guarantee a quality festival experience for all participants.
Q: How soon will I know the exact time of my performance?
A : You will know the exact time of your performance a week before Porch Stomp. If you are confused about your set time, please reach out directly to your stage curator.
Q: How soon will I know the exact location of my performance?
A: You will know the exact location of your performance by mid June.