ArtsArlington - Garage Band

Garage Band is the Arlington Porchfest “after party.” Come out for free, family-friendly fun!

This music dance party returns on Saturday, June 20. Enjoy a free community celebration following a day of fantastic music at Arlington Porchfest 2026. This year’s event features Somerville band Lunatic Neighbor, playing a danceable mix of soul, R&B, and pop music. Kid-friendly activities will include arts and crafts with Mystic Open Studio and a puppet show between sets with Margaret Moody Puppeteers.

Part of Live Arts Arlington, Garage Band is brought to you by Arts Arlington and supported by the Mass Cultural Council, and with special thanks to Arlington Global Service Station.

HISTORY OF GARAGE BAND

Garage Band reflects the mission of the Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture to bring music, dance, and visual arts to public spaces, and is organized with assistance from its Community Engagement Committee. The event represents the culmination of the Arlington Porchfest experience, which unfolds in neighborhoods throughout the town earlier that day,

Garage Band began in 2019, featuring the funk and R&B of the Bittersweet Band, along with the 100-member community street band School of HONK, an inclusive community street band. Read more about Garage Band 2019 here. Garage Band made an encore appearance that year to cap off Arlington Town Day with lively concert featuring taiko drummers Odaiko New England, the Dan Fox Foxtet, and the Latin/Caribbean ensemble Grupo Fantasia.

In 2022, following a break during the pandemic, Garage Band returned with the Americana Roots band The Squeezebox Stompers, performing upbeat Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Folk, and originals on accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass and drums.

2023 had folks of all ages dancing to the sounds of The Torchtones, with a newly expanded closed off side street dance area.

2024 featured the band Local Freight, and Mystic Open Studio provided kid-friendly crafts activities.

In 2025, the Squeezebox Stompers returned with their joyous Zydeco rhythms, and kid-friendly activities included bead crafts, movement props, and bubbles.

THE VENUE: ARLINGTON GLOBAL SERVICE STATION

Arlington Global Service Station serves as a perfect venue for Garage Band. Owner Abe Salhi was inspired to bring art to his establishment when he heard about his neighborhood’s designation as Arlington’s first Cultural District. Working with local artist and client Johnny Lapham, he gave the station a new look, embellished with colorful circles and stripes straight out of a Dr. Seuss story. The Chamber of Commerce awarded Salhi “Business of the Year” in 2019 in recognition of his private sponsorship of public art. Now this vibrant service station hosts a celebratory dance free-for-all!

Garage Band

Rev Up for Garage Band 2026!