Auburn Porchfest 2026

Auburn Porchfest is a festival built from the ground up by the people who make it real — musicians who perform, porch hosts who open their homes, neighborhood advocates who spread the word, and a founder whose annual investment makes it all possible. Together, they transform the historic neighborhood porches of Auburn, California into intimate outdoor stages for one afternoon each fall.

In 2026, more than 50 performers — from bluegrass and folk to jazz, rock, and classical — will play simultaneously across five walkable zones: Downtown, Old Town, Robie Point, Recreation Park, and Skyridge. Attendees stroll freely between porches, discovering new artists and connecting with neighbors.

The festival is sustained by a founder investment and community donations — contributions that go directly to supporting the musicians, porch hosts, and neighborhood infrastructure that make it possible. Just music, porches, and the people of Auburn.

Auburn Porchfest was founded by Janaé Noble — a singer, musician, and U.S. Air Force veteran who grew up in a musical household in Long Beach, CA, where music was the centerpiece of her childhood. During her service, Janaé was selected for Tops in Blue, the Air Force's elite touring performance ensemble that traveled to more than 20 countries performing for military personnel and their families worldwide. Her connection to Auburn began when she was stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento — and deepened in an unlikely way: her family appeared on Family Feud, won, and at 19 years old Janaé used those winnings to purchase her first piece of land in Auburn from an Air Force dentist who was selling property in the foothills. That early stake in the community grew into something lasting.

The spark for Porchfest came years later, when Janaé experienced her first porchfest in Athens, Georgia — and immediately knew Auburn needed one. She moved back to Auburn in 2022 and spent the next few years building the foundation. Auburn Porchfest launched its inaugural event in 2025, and what followed has been a wonderful way to connect with fellow musicians, homeowners who care deeply about their community, and city officials who share a vision for growing the performing arts in the area.

Today, Janaé is also a licensed realtor and a strong advocate for land and home ownership — and stewardship — particularly for those who haven't yet had access to it. Her own story — buying land at 19 with winnings from a game show — is proof that the right guidance at the right moment can change a family's trajectory for generations. That belief in community investment is woven into Porchfest itself: the festival is supported by a founder investment and sustained by community donations, because the things worth building are worth building together.