After a wildly successful inaugural Porchfest in Benicia last year, the music festival is returning bigger than ever. But before the fest, three nights this summer will preview some of the musical guests in a more intimate setting.

Porchfest Nights, with one in June, one in July and one in August, feature performances by three artists that will also perform at Porchfest in September.

On June 25, Baso Negro took the stage and on Wednesday July 30, Patrick Winningham and Seth Affoumado — long-term collaborators with the Counting Crows — performed. On Aug. 27, Pardon the Interruption guitarist David Noble and bassist Rob Fordyce will perform.

In addition to the music, Porchfest Nights will have beer and wine and food from Drift Benicia.

The venue for the performances, The Escape in Benicia’s Industrial Park, is a yoga and pilates studio by day, performance space by night. Despite the small size of the space, which fits 50-60 people, the sound quality is “unbelievable,” says Porchfest Benicia crator Mary Hand. “We just thought it would be a really cool place.”

At the first event in June, they had an attendance of around 40 people. “Everybody had a blast and we made some money,” says Hand. She says she was blown away by the quality of the performance and the space and hopes people will stop by in support. “It’s a casual atmosphere, but serious music,” she says.

While the actual Porchfest in September is free for all, the Porchfest Nights are $18 a ticket. In addition to being a more personal and close-knit venue than Porchfest, the Porchfest Nights double as a fundraiser for the event in September.

Last year, the festival attracted over 10,000 attendees and this year they expect 15,000. But with the withdrawn presence of a big supporter, fundraising is a vital step to keep the event going. The Valero Refinery located in Benicia has recently submitted notice to the California Energy Commission that they wish to cease operation by April. The refinery was a big supporter of Porchfest last year.

Without their support and with limited city funds, great efforts have been made in order to keep the festival free. “Everybody deserves to hear good music and everybody needs to know about Benicia and how beautiful it is,” says Hand.

In addition to the new Porchfest Nights, Porchfest will also offer VIP tickets for $75 and $89, which include drink tickets, tequila tastings, pre-show performances and more.

Last year, there were no festival-provided food vendors, but that will also be changing this year. Having no food vendors encouraged attendees to visit local restaurants and bars, says Hand. However, they did not expect such a high attendance, and with a potential 15,000 people this year, having food trucks will make sure attendees are able to get food as needed.

If you go …

WHAT: Porchfest Nights
WHEN: July 30 and Aug. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Escape, 4588 E. Second St., Benicia.

Originally Published: July 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM PDT