As we gear up for the annual Dorchfest— set for Saturday, May 31, 2025 — let's take a look back at last year's festivities.

This free music festival that has been staged in Dorchester’s Ashmont-Adams neighborhood since 2022, is returning for a fourth year on Sat., May 31, from 12- 5 p.m.

Now organized by Greater Ashmont Main Streets and the Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association, the event was founded by volunteers with the express purpose of bringing a free and accessible festival of diverse musical acts to Dorchester.

Set on the Saturday of Dorchester Day weekend— the day before the traditional parade — the festival has been a huge hit with neighbors and visitors alike.

Last year, an estimated 3,000 people arrived by train, bus, bicycle, car, and on foot to enjoy the 45 bands that performed on 30 porches, yards, parking lots and patios throughout the neighborhood, according to organizers.

Unlike some other porchfest-style celebrations, all of the bands and artists booked for Dorchfest are paid for their time and talent. Organizers say that as a result, 85 percent of bands reapply each year to participate.

The event depends on sponsorships from businesses and institutions to fund their efforts. The Reporter is the media sponsor of this year’s event— once again. Other early sponsors include Trinity Financial, Santander, Compass, Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association, Noir Essence Studios, Amazon, and Revamp.

Please contact 61-825-3846 or send an email to sponsor@greaterashmont.org to participate.

–REPORTER STAFF