San Rafael Porchfest
Sunday, Sept 20, 2026, noon–5 · Gerstle Park · San Rafael
Ended September 20, 2026
The seventh San Rafael Porchfest wrapped up Sunday, September 20, noon to 5, in the Gerstle Park neighborhood. It was free, all ages, and run by the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association with the City of San Rafael. At high noon the streets filled and more than 70 bands played across 20-plus porches, yards, driveways, the park, and the school playground.
How people got there
Bike or walk was the move — neighborhood parking was tight. Free parking was at the City lot on C Street at 3rd Street, and Vivalon ran two handicap-accessible shuttles from that lot to the D Street at Bayview entrance of the porch zone, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both parking and the shuttle were free. There was also free parking at 711 D Street between 1st and 2nd. Bike stations were out for the day.
Streets west of D Street closed to cars from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Bayview, San Rafael Ave, Marin, Clorinda in the porch zone). Ross and Clark stayed open for through traffic. There was no in-and-out driving inside the porch zone from 11:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. — people parked outside and walked or took the shuttle.
On the day
People brought picnics or found the food trucks. No alcohol. Dogs on leash only (water bowls around the zone). Tip jars and Venmo/QR were how the musicians got paid — the event itself had no tickets. Merch (tees, hats, posters) was at the tent in front of Short School; lineup and interactive map lived on sanrafaelporchfest.com.