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A free music festival is coming to Southie
The first annual Stoopfest will take place in May.
A free music festival is heading to South Boston this spring.
The South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation and South Boston Chamber of Commerce will launch Stoopfest to unite the community through music.
“We see this as a way to build community,” said Donna Brown, executive director of South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, a nonprofit focused on boosting local businesses and building affordable housing.
Modeled after the popular Porchfest that comes to neighborhoods like Somerville annually, Stoopfest is hoping to be a yearly tradition of highlighting local businesses and artists.
“We want everyone out there walking around the neighborhood and listening to some great music,” said Brown.
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The logo for Stoopfest was designed by Maureen Garrity, a local artist, to look like the iconic three-family homes in the neighborhood.
Since South Boston does not have many porches, musicians will be performing on the stoops of family homes, local restaurants, and businesses.
For this first Stoopfest, the event will be entirely volunteer-driven as South Boston NDC is looking for community leaders to lend their stoops and talent.
The nonprofit announced the event Thursday on Instagram and is already receiving overwhelming support from artists hoping to volunteer, according to event planner Jenni McNeill.
The South Boston NDC has hosted Street Fest, a shopping and dining experience for South Boston, for almost 25 years and is hoping that Stoopfest will have the same impact. The main difference between the festivals is the strong emphasis on free music and goods for the community.
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While Street Fest primarily gathers east side businesses in South Boston, Stoopfest is targeted to boost west South Boston, an area that has recently gained many new residents.
“Everything will be walkable and everything will be outdoors,” said Brown. “It will be free and extremely family friendly.”
No businesses or artists have been officially announced yet, but Brown anticipates that they will be able to confirm performers to the public in March.
Stoopfest will take place rain or shine on May 31 in South Boston.
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