Porchfest Debut: An Assembly of Music, History, and Community in Spartanburg’s Oldest Neighborhood

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Mark your calendars for September 15th, 2024, as the historical Hampton Heights district of Spartanburg, South Carolina becomes the stage for a vibrant and unique music festival. Known as Porchfest, this event is making its debut in Spartanburg, bringing an array of charming southern tunes right to the doorstep of the city’s oldest neighborhood.

Music with a Side of History

Jennie Gilbert, a resident and promoter of the event, describes Hampton Heights as a neighborhood of rich history and southern charm. Boasting homes dating back to the late 1800s, the district holds the status of being one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is recognized both locally and nationally.

The First Porchfest in Spartanburg

“We are super excited to bring Porchfest to Spartanburg. Nationally recognized, Porchfest typically occurs in historic districts. This will be the first time that it is happening in Spartanburg,” Gilbert said, leading up to an afternoon filled with performed music on six porches along West Hampton Avenue. The festival kicks off at 1 p.m. and is open to the whole community.

The goal of the event, however, extends beyond just providing entertainment. Gilbert hopes to shine a spotlight on the Hampton Heights neighborhood itself, a place she believes many in Spartanburg are unfamiliar with. Additionally, she reveals that the festival is aimed at encouraging community members to appreciate the history and charm embodied in older neighborhoods.

Preserving History Amidst Progress

“With so much progress and change coming to Spartanburg a lot of times old places can be pushed to the side for new modern developments. We hope that when people come to Porchfest they will look at this and say ‘wow’ old places are really worth saving and preserving,” Gilbert said. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to appreciate the historical narratives these old homes recount and believes gatherings like Porchfest can help fuel that appreciation.

Good Music, Good Food, and a Good Cause

The event is free for all to attend. Yet, visitors are encouraged to support the community by buying local food, drinks, and event-specific t-shirts available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards local beautification projects, such as planting trees and adding new street signs, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the Hampton Heights district.

A Celebration of Community

In conclusion, Porchfest promises to be more than just a music festival. It is a celebration of history, community, and the preservation of the places that make Spartanburg unique. Mark the date and join the residents of Hampton Heights in an afternoon of harmony, nostalgia and shared appreciation of the city’s oldest neighborhood.