Umbrellas, ponchos and rain boots flooded the streets of Conway as the 2026 Porchfest transformed a rainy February afternoon.
After years of planning, Conway Downtown Alive brought its rain-or-shine event to life in the historic residential district of Conway, where music filled the air as bands performed throughout the neighborhood on Sunday, Feb. 15. The majority of performances took place along Elm and Laurel Streets, and turned the downtown neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of live music and community.
Street barricades structured the area into a walkable music venue, and attendees were able to walk through the streets within the three blocks where the event took place. Food trucks were scattered between the porches that served as the stages for multiple artists.
From noon until 6 p.m., a variety of bands stood on the porches of the homes throughout the neighborhood. There were instruments of all types, from guitars and harmonicas to flutes, banjos and bongos. Attendees gathered in groups near each porch; some danced in the rain, while others gathered for shelter under the centuries-old oak trees.
Conway held its first-ever Porchfest through the rain and clouds on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
The event, which many were concerned would be canceled due to the weather, had a strong turnout of approximately 400 people, even in the light storm. Organizers had monitored the weather and provided updates on their Facebook page days and even hours leading up to the music, reassuring the public that the event was still on.
For many, Porchfest was a reminder of what community is about.
“We’re a local band. We are from Conway,” said Tim Underwood, a member of Badlander. “It’s diverse. Things like this bring that out. I love that a town would do this because some other places wouldn’t even bother.”
Conway Downtown Alive continues to bring not only their own community together, but also to incentivize the surrounding areas to continue to explore Conway.
This free event was also supported by the artists who were dedicating their time to give their community an exciting way to spend their Sunday.
