After a quarter-century dedicated to building a focused community of libertarian-minded residents in New Hampshire, the Free State Project is transforming its flagship summer event. Instead of one large gathering, PorcFest will unfold as 10 smaller festivals spread throughout the state, according to Executive Director Eric Brakey.

Running from June 21 to 28 under the theme Porcfest XXIII: Spontaneous Order, the 23rd edition of the Porcupine Freedom Festival invites participants to select from various local celebrations. The Free State Project launched in 2001 to encourage a concentrated influx of libertarians into a single state, a plan endorsed by its initial members. Thousands have since relocated to New Hampshire as a result.

Brakey noted that the project and its participants have amplified an existing libertarian tradition in the state. New Hampshire has long embraced its Live Free or Die identity, he explained, and the added presence of aligned individuals has helped preserve that outlook against broader progressive trends seen elsewhere in the nation.

When discussing measurable impacts, Brakey pointed to the absence of an income tax, the elimination of the Interest and Dividends Tax, and the state's leadership in school choice through the Education Freedom Account program. He credited Free State-aligned legislators and activists with central or supportive roles in advancing these measures.

Brakey highlighted the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance as a key nonpartisan group and estimated that roughly 100 state legislators either moved to the state for the project or share its principles. The current definition of a Free Stater includes both newcomers drawn by the initiative and native residents who support its goals, giving the movement notable sway in the legislature.

Critics, however, view these developments differently. Louise Spencer of the Kent Street Coalition argued that the movement has seized control of the Republican Party and advanced policies that clash with traditional Granite State values. She described the agenda as one that seeks to dismantle public schools and state institutions in favor of a vision she called dystopian.

Spencer linked rising property taxes and underfunded schools to cost-shifting policies, along with voucher programs and weakened public health measures on vaccinations. She urged residents to recognize what she sees as an overarching GOP-Free State agenda now dominant at the State House.

Brakey countered that the project aims to restore, rather than alter, New Hampshire's historic commitment to liberty. He expressed openness to dialogue with neighbors while criticizing political opponents for creating caricatures instead of engaging in conversation.

The organization has developed a five-stage recruitment process to help interested individuals learn about the project, connect with residents, explore regions, and prepare for relocation, though it provides no financial assistance for moves. Brakey added that the community no longer requires a single campground because participants now operate clubhouses, farms, and businesses statewide.

Previously held at Rogers Campground in Lancaster, this year's format encourages hosts to organize their own events. Attendees can tour multiple areas and experience diverse Free State communities rather than converging at one site. Expected turnout is several hundred, down from previous peaks near one thousand, with all programming now driven by local participants.

Featured activities include Quillfest in Manchester with activism sessions and art programs, RuckFest hikes in Candia, Family Freedom Field Day at Pawtuckaway State Park, Man Camp skill-building workshops in Henniker, FilmFest screenings in Epsom, ForcFest at North Waters Campground in Errol, the Weare Fair with workshops and music, MoveFest information sessions in Strafford, NorthFest in Lancaster, and MisesFest discussions in Windham. Registration for the overall festival is free, though some individual events may charge separate fees.