Chicago Blues Festival

How it was

This year's edition is over — the lineup, schedule, and notes below are kept as the record of 2026.

Lineup

• John Primer — Thu
• Willie Clayton — Thu
• Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite — Fri
• Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials — Fri
• Marquise Knox — Fri
• C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band — Fri
• Ronnie Baker Brooks — Fri
• Toronzo Cannon — Fri
• Nick Moss — Fri
• Tinsley Ellis — Fri
• The Mike Wheeler Band — Fri
• Eden Brent — Fri
• Ruthie Foster — Sat
• Billy Branch — Sat
• Dylan Triplett — Sat
• Shakura S'Aida — Sat
• Melody Angel — Sat
• The Nick Moss Band — Sat
• Dexter Allen — Sat
• Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band — Sun
• Women in Blues Tribute — Sun
• Sue Foley — Sun
• Chris Cain — Sun
• Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings — Sun
• John Primer & Steve Bell — Sun

Schedule

1. Jun 4 — Thursday — Opening Night: Ramova Theatre (3520 S. Halsted), 6–10:30 p.m. · Ages 18+, tickets required · John Primer (Tribute to Theresa's Lounge, 7:15–8:30 p.m.) · Willie Clayton (8:45–10:15 p.m.) · Panel: 20 Years of the Mississippi Blues Trail (6–7 p.m.)
2. Jun 5 — Friday — Millennium Park: Free · Noon–9 p.m. · Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Rosa's Lounge Stage, Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage, Wrigley Square · Pritzker headliners: Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite (6:15–7:15 p.m.) + 55 Years of Alligator Records showcase with Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss, Tinsley Ellis (7:30–9 p.m.) · Gerry Hundt one-man band throughout the park (1–3 p.m.)
3. Jun 6 — Saturday — Millennium Park: Free · Noon–9 p.m. · Pritzker headliners: Ruthie Foster (6:30–7:30 p.m.) + Billy Branch 75th Anniversary with Kenny Neal and Ronnie Baker Brooks (7:45–9 p.m.) · Dylan Triplett (4–5 p.m.) · Shakura S'Aida (5:15–6:15 p.m.)
4. Jun 7 — Sunday — Millennium Park + Maxwell Street: Free · Millennium Park noon–9 p.m. · Pritzker headliners: Women in Blues Tribute (3:45–5 p.m.) · Sue Foley (5:15–6:15 p.m.) · Chris Cain (6:30–7:30 p.m.) · Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band close the festival (7:45–9 p.m.) · Maxwell Street Blues Series 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (free)

What to expect

43rd year. Opening night Thursday June 4 at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport (18+, minors okay with a guardian) — Fireside Chat on 20 Years of the Mississippi Blues Trail, then John Primer and Willie Clayton. Friday–Sunday June 5–7 at Millennium Park, free, all ages, performances run roughly noon to 9pm across multiple stages. 2026 highlights: 55 Years of Alligator Records (Friday), 75 Years of Billy Branch (Saturday), Women in Blues tribute to Mama Yancey and Big Mama Thornton (Sunday). Headliners include Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ruthie Foster, Billy Branch, Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, Sue Foley, Chris Cain.

Transit

L: Washington/Wabash from elevated lines, or Lake (Red) / Washington (Blue) from subway, walk east. Buses 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, 157. Garages: Grant Park N (25 N. Michigan), Grant Park S (325 S. Michigan), Millennium Park & Lakeside (5 S. Columbus). Pre-pay online via millenniumgarages.com for discount.

Bag policy

Bag search at perimeter. You CAN bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Folding chairs allowed on Great Lawn only — NOT in Pritzker Pavilion seating area. NO outside alcohol allowed at this specific event (alcohol for sale on-site).

Family-friendly

Excellent for the family. Daytime Pritzker Pavilion shows (Friday/Sunday 1–3pm Gerry Hundt's One-Man Band roams the park) are perfect for stroller naps. Bring blanket, chairs, snacks. ASL interpretation provided for all main stage shows. Wide accessible paths.

History

The Chicago Blues Festival was founded in 1984 by Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg, created in collaboration with Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer and a committee of blues professionals — its inaugural year arriving just months after the 1983 death of Muddy Waters, widely regarded as the father of Chicago blues. Originally staged at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park, the festival relocated to Millennium Park in 2017 and now draws more than 500,000 attendees across its run, making it the largest free blues festival in the world.

Food and drink

• Wally's BBQ Pit — Blues-inspired smokehouse in North Promenade Tent; BBQ, cornbread, specialty drinks alongside whiskey barrels and smokers

Local tips

1. Set up on the Great Lawn with a blanket and stroller — far better than fighting for Pritzker seats
2. Daytime is family time, evenings get adult crowd-heavy
3. The Maxwell Street Sunday closing celebration is a hidden gem most tourists miss
4. Bring sunscreen — Great Lawn has zero shade
5. Cool the baby with a portable fan or wet bandana — June can hit 85°+
6. Free water fountains in the Arcade halls and on East/West sides of the lawn

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago Blues Festival free?

Yes — all Millennium Park performances (Friday–Sunday, June 5–7) are completely free and open to the public with no tickets required. The Thursday opening-night show at Ramova Theatre requires a free reservation and is ages 18+.

What are the festival hours?

Millennium Park stages run noon to 9 p.m. on Friday June 5, Saturday June 6, and Sunday June 7. The Thursday opening at Ramova Theatre runs 6–10:30 p.m. The Maxwell Street Blues Series on Sunday runs 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where exactly is the festival?

The main festival takes place at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St., Chicago), centered on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion lawn. Additional stages include the Rosa's Lounge Stage, Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage, and Wrigley Square. Opening night (June 4) is at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport (3520 S. Halsted St.).

How do I get there by public transit?

Take the Red or Blue Line to Lake/Washington and walk east, or take any elevated L line (Purple, Pink, Green, Brown, Orange) to Washington/Wabash. Buses 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157 all serve the park. Metra trains stop at Millennium Station, one block away.

Can I bring chairs, blankets, and food?

Folding chairs and blankets are welcome on the Great Lawn (not inside the pavilion seating area). You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages; outside alcohol is prohibited but beer and wine are sold on-site.

Is there seating at the Pritzker Pavilion?

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion has a fixed seating section plus a large open Great Lawn that accommodates chairs and blankets. Seating is first-come, first-served. ASL interpretation is provided for all mainstage shows.