The East Side of Providence will come alive with the sound of music on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 6 p.m., when the third annual Providence Porchfest returns to the city. This year’s festival is a celebration of local music and community, featuring some of the region’s most talented and admired musicians.

With more than 170 musical performances spread across the East Side, attendees can stroll the streets and enjoy good vibes on porches, driveways, and front lawns of neighborhood homes and businesses. The list of performers includes local artists The Benji’s, Mark Cutler, Heidi Farmer, Lon E Plynton, Ryan Lee Crosby, the Rhode Island Men’s Gay Chorus, and many others. The schedule, a map, and a list of bands are available at www.providenceporchfest.com.

Organizers encourage attendees to support local businesses and restaurants while enjoying the music. New this year, Food Trucks During Porchfest will offer tempting choices from locally-based trucks parked at Elmgrove Avenue and Sessions Street throughout the event. And if 170 bands aren’t enough, you can catch local favorites Funkademic bringing the grooves to the unofficial afterparty at Narragansett Brewery from 6 to 10 p.m.

Porchfest music festivals began as an opportunity for neighbors and local community members to showcase live music in their communities. The original Porchfest was held in Ithaca, New York, in 2007 with 20 bands. It is estimated that more than 200 similar events are currently held across the United States and Canada.

Admission to Providence Porchfest is free, and all are welcome. Click here to learn more about Providence Porchfest.