The state of Wisconsin is home to a vibrant and thriving blues scene, with many talented musicians and dedicated fans who come together to celebrate this unique style of music at various festivals throughout the year.
In this post, we’ll be highlighting some of the best blues festivals happening in Wisconsin this year, including those in the Milwaukee area, as well as other destinations throughout the state that are worth a visit.
Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or simply looking for a fun and unique way to spend a weekend with your family, Wisconsin’s blues festivals are sure to delight and entertain.
So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through Wisconsin’s vibrant blues scene!
1. River Falls Bluegrass, Bourbon, and Blues
April 19-21, 2024
River Falls, WI
The River Falls Blues Festival is a highly anticipated event that takes place in River Falls, Wisconsin each year. This festival features numerous musicians from around the country, as well as local acts, performing on multiple stages throughout the weekend.
Attendees can expect to hear a wide range of blues styles, from traditional Delta blues to modern interpretations of the genre.
In addition to the music, the festival also offers a variety of food and drink vendors, craft beverage tastings, as well as a marketplace where visitors can browse and purchase unique items.
You could opt to stay the entire weekend and enjoy the small-town feel of River Falls. It has a bustling college campus, a nationally-recognized trout stream, a historic Main Street, and irresistible small-town energy.
Main street is packed with specialty shops, restaurants, and the historic Falls Theatre.
Where To Stay
3. Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival
June 14-15, 2024
Monroe, WI
The Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival is an annual event held in Monroe, Wisconsin that combines two of the most unique and exciting experiences: hot air balloons and blues music.
The festival typically takes place over three days and offers a variety of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The hot air balloon launch is one of the main attractions of the festival. Attendees can witness the breathtaking sight of dozens of colorful hot air balloons taking off and soaring into the sky, and balloon glows at night.
Another highlight of the festival is the blues music. The festival features a lineup of talented blues musicians from around the country, performing on a main stage throughout the weekend.
Visitors can relax on the lawn or bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the music and atmosphere.
The Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival also offers a variety of food and beverage vendors, craft vendors, and a classic car show.
Where To Stay
4. New Glarus Blues, Brews, and Food Truck Festival
June 29, 2024
New Glarus Village Park, 4th Avenue, New Glarus, WI, 53574
Bring a chair, spread a blanket, sip some local beer, and enjoy a wide array of flavors from local food trucks while you relax and enjoy the music!
Free admission, food and beer available for purchase.
Where To Stay
5. Blues on the Chippewa
August 1-3, 2024
Blues on the Chippewa is an annual music festival held in Durand, Wisconsin, along the beautiful banks of the Chippewa River.
This festival brings together some of the best blues musicians from around the country to perform on multiple stages over the course of the weekend.
The festival typically features a mix of both established and up-and-coming blues artists, with a variety of styles and interpretations of the genre represented. There’s also a craft and artisan fair.
One of the unique aspects of Blues on the Chippewa is its location. The festival takes place in a picturesque natural setting, with the Chippewa River serving as a stunning backdrop for the performances.
This creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that allows attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music and surroundings.
Blues on the Chippewa is an event that is free to attend, but you can make a donation. In the past, the festival has supported the Durand Area Food Pantry, Brent Titus Music For Children Program, Pepin County Humane Society, seniors citizens programs, Durand Women’s Club backpack program, the Pepin County Historical Society and more.
Where To Stay
6. Sugar Maple Music Festival
August 2-3, 2024
The Sugar Maple Music Festival is an annual two-day event held at Lake Farm County Park in Madison, Wisconsin that celebrates traditional music and dance through performances, educational workshops, and interactive jam sessions.
This family-friendly festival is dedicated to celebrating traditional American music, including bluegrass, folk, and blues.
It features a lineup of talented musicians from around the country, as well as local acts, performing on multiple stages throughout the weekend.
In addition to the music, the festival also offers workshops and demonstrations for attendees to learn about different aspects of traditional music and instruments.
One of the standout features of the Sugar Maple Music Festival is its focus on sustainability and community.
The festival encourages environmentally friendly practices and provides opportunities for attendees to learn about and support local organizations and initiatives.
In addition to the music and educational programming, the Sugar Maple Music Festival also offers food and beverage vendors, craft vendors, and a children’s area with activities and entertainment.
Where To Stay
7. Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival
July 13, 2024
Two Rivers, WI
The Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival is an annual event held in Wisconsin to honor the late blues musician Bryan Lee, also known as “Braille Blues Daddy”.
Lee was a renowned blues guitarist and singer who passed away in 2020. The festival was established in his memory to celebrate his legacy and love for the blues.
Born in Two Rivers in 1943, Bryan’s music career took him to New Orleans in the 80’s, where he performed until his passing in 2020.
The festival typically features a lineup of blues musicians from around the country, including some of Lee’s former bandmates and musical collaborators.
This year, popular Milwaukee blues band Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy will be performing.
It’s a celebration of the life and music of one of Wisconsin’s most beloved blues musicians, and a testament to the enduring power of the blues as a musical genre.
Where To Stay
8. Waukesha Rotary Blues Fest
August 9 & 10, 2024
Waukesha, WI
The Waukesha Rotary BluesFest is an annual blues festival held in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The festival is organized by the Waukesha Rotary Club and typically takes place in August.
The Waukesha Rotary BluesFest features a lineup of local and national blues musicians who perform on multiple stages over the course of the festival. In addition to the music, the festival also features food vendors and an art show.
Where To Stay
9. Mineral Point Blues & Roots Fest
August 16-17, 2024
Since its inception in 2019, the Mineral Point Blues & Roots Fest has evolved from a one-day fundraiser into a notable two-day event that both highlights and supports the local community. The festival features a mix of local talent and acclaimed blues musicians, including international acts, to promote Mineral Point as a historic destination and deliver a premier cultural experience annually.
Past performers have included notable artists like Mud Morganfield, The Cash Box Kings, and Jimi “Primetime” Smith. The festival aims to continue showcasing top regional and international blues and roots music talent each year.
10. Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
August 16 and 17th, 2024
Website
The Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau is Wisconsin’s longest running Blues Fest, produced by non-profit organization Wausau Events, Inc.
TBD: Best “Dam” Blues Fest
Thiensville Village Park, 250 Elm Street, Thiensville, WI 53092
The Best Dam Blues Fest is an annual blues festival held in Thiensville, Wisconsin. The festival takes place in September and is organized by the Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Club.
The Best Dam Blues Fest features a lineup of local and regional blues musicians, food truck, beverages, merchandise, craft vendors, and more.
The festival takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting along the Milwaukee River and includes food vendors, merchandise vendors, and other activities.
The Best Dam Blues Fest supports local charitable organizations and community initiatives. Admission is free and so are the shuttles.
Where To Stay
TBD: Waupaca Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival
Waupaca, WI
The history of the Indian Crossing Casino comes alive at the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival, an annual blues festival held in Waupaca in central Wisconsin.
The Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival features a lineup of blues musicians from around the country, performing on an outdoor stage overlooking the beautiful Chain O’ Lakes.
The festival also includes food vendors, merchandise vendors, and other activities.
It brings in visitors from around the region, who can enjoy not only the music but also the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Chain O’ Lakes area.
Where To Stay
TBD: Wisconsin Annual Blues Harmonica Festival 2023
Sterling Chalet, 1271 Wisconsin 175 Hubertus, WI 53033
The Wisconsin Annual Blues Harmonica Festival (WABHF) occurs annually on the 3rd Friday in November, and features blues harmonicists from Wisconsin.
Where To Stay
TBD: Homegrown Blues Festival
Foundry 45, 9480 US-45, Kewaskum, WI 53040
Soak up the unique sounds of Wisconsin Blues music at the Homegrown Blues Festival in Kewaskum, which takes place this year at Foundry 45.
You’ll hear some of the area’s best blues bands, sample delicious food and drink, and enjoy a day filled with music and entertainment.
Where To Stay
Related Info
You can catch Tommy Castro in Muncie, Indiana on July 29th and Minneapolis, MN on August 14th.
Joe Bonamassa will not be touring near Wisconsin this year.
Marcia Ball will be in Madison July 15th.
Mighty Miss Erica has performances and events throughout Milwaukee all summer long.
We hope you have a great time exploring the local blues scene this year!
Did we miss something? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
