Wisconsin is turning up the volume in 2025 with a lineup of blues festivals that will have you tapping your feet and swaying to soulful rhythms all summer long. From the scenic banks of the Chippewa River to the historic stages of Milwaukee, the Badger State is hosting over 15 blues festivals that cater to every kind of blues enthusiast.
From free to ticketed, camping to indoor, lets explore all of the blues festivals Wisconsin has to offer in 2025!
Click into any event below to see lineups (if announced) and other details. Are we missing a blues festival? Let us know — we’d love to add it!
When: Friday, March, 7th – Saturday, 8th, 2025
Where: Rothschild Pavilion
Why Go: Shake off winter with two nights of powerhouse blues in central Wisconsin. Cozy venue, serious talent, and a great way to warm up for fest season.
Monroe Balloon & Blues – Monroe
When: June 13th – Saturday, 14th, 2025
Where: Green County Fairgrounds
Why Go: Experience one of the longest-running balloon event in Wisconsin, where vibrant hot air balloons fill the sky! Enjoy live blues performances from talented bands, a classic car show, craft vendors, and a variety of food options. With activities like tethered balloon rides, a pancake breakfast, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s a weekend packed with fun for all ages.
Granville Blues Festival – Milwaukee
When: June 2025 (Date TBA)
Where: Granville Connection
Why Go: The Granville Blues Festival is a free, multi-day celebration of blues music held at the Granville Connection in Milwaukee. This annual event features an impressive lineup of regional and national blues musicians, offering a diverse range of styles from soulful ballads to electrifying guitar solos. Attendees can enjoy live performances, delicious food and beverages from local vendors, and browse through artisanal crafts and merchandise at market stalls.
Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival – Two Rivers
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Where: Public Square
Why Go: Celebrate the legacy of “Braille Blues Daddy” Bryan Lee with a day of incredible live blues right in the heart of downtown Two Rivers. This free festival honors a blues legend while showcasing talent from across the country. Expect great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back crowd soaking up the summer sounds.
Prairie Dog Blues Festival – Praire du Chien
When: Thursday, July 24th – Saturday, 26th, 2025
Where: St. Feriole Island
Why Go: Set on the scenic St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, this multi-day fest features a stacked lineup of regional, national, and international blues acts. You’ll find two stages, camping options, food and drink vendors, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Come for the music, stay for the view—and maybe even a sunrise jam session by the water.
Blues On The Chippewa – Durand
When: Thursday, July 31st – Saturday, 2nd, 2025
Where: Downtown Durand
Why Go: A standout in the Wisconsin blues scene, this free community-driven festival draws top talent from across the country. Even better? Proceeds go to local causes like the food pantry, youth music programs, and the humane society. Blues with purpose!
Sugar Maple Music Festival – Madison
When: Friday, August 1st – Saturday, 2nd, 2025
Where: W.G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park
Why Go: Presented by Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, this outdoor festival honors roots and blues music with live sets, educational workshops, and family-friendly jam sessions. A Madison favorite with heart.
Waukesha BluesFest – Delafield
When: Friday, August 8th – Saturday, 9th, 2025
Where: Naga-Waukee Park
Why Go: Nestled in a scenic county park, this ticketed fest blends national and regional blues acts with local food, craft vendors, and limited camping. A must-attend for fans looking for a full weekend of music under the trees.
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest – Wausau
When: Friday, August 15th – Saturday, 16th, 2025
Where: Fern Island Park
Why Go: Wisconsin’s longest-running blues festival takes over scenic Fern Island with a killer lineup and riverfront vibes. Whether you go GA or spring for VIP, you’ll find cold drinks, local food vendors, and plenty of space to kick back and relax. Just don’t forget your lawn chair!
Mineral Point Blues & Roots Fest – Mineral Point
When: August 15th – 16th 2025
Where: Mineral Point Opera House
Why Go: Experience the soulful sounds of blues and roots music in the intimate setting of the historic Mineral Point Opera House. This two-day festival offers more than just music; it’s an opportunity to explore the charming town of Mineral Point, with its rich art scene, unique shops, and delightful eateries all within walking distance. Enjoy local food vendors and immerse yourself in a community celebration that supports local tourism and the arts.
Harbor Park Jazz & Blues Festival – Kenosha
When: Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Where: Harbor Park
Why Go: Experience a day of smooth jazz and soulful blues at the lakeside HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Kenosha’s lakefront. Beyond the music, indulge in gourmet delights at the interactive Cooking Studio and participate in engaging activities like the wine pull and 50/50 raffle. This festival isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a fundraiser supporting the CEO mentoring program by the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, dedicated to empowering first-generation students through education and career readiness initiatives.
Blues on the Bay – Ellison Bay
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Where: Ellison Bay Ellison Bay’s Community Park
Why Go: Set against the serene backdrop of Ellison Bay’s waterfront, Blues on the Bay offers a day of soulful music and community spirit. Held at the picturesque Ellison Bay Community Park, this festival combines live blues performances with the charm of Door County’s natural beauty. Attendees can enjoy the music while supporting a good cause, as the event benefits local initiatives like the Door County Secret Santa program. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic views, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday.
Mississippi Mayhem – West Salem
When: Friday, September 12th – Saturday, 13th, 2025
Where: La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway
Why Go: Come for the blues, stay for the burnout pits, vintage car shows, and spark plug challenges. From the Ring of Fire flame-throwing spectacle to the quirky Burlesque Bingo, there’s no shortage of entertainment. This fest is part retro motor rally, part rockin’ blues party—with two days full of wild events and louder-than-life music.
Best “Dam” Blues Fest – Thiensville
When: September 2025 (Date TBA)
Where: Thiensville Village Park
Why Go: Run entirely by volunteers and packed with great music, this grassroots fest donates 100% of proceeds to local causes. Whether you come for the blues or the community spirit, you’ll leave feeling good. It’s a community-driven event that combines great music with a good cause.
Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival – Waupaca
When: Saturday, October 4th – Sunday, 5th, 2025
Where: Indian Crossing Casino
Why Go: Set against the serene backdrop of Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes, the Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival offers a weekend of soulful music in a historic venue. Held at the Indian Crossing Casino, a venue with a rich musical heritage dating back to 1925, the festival combines top-tier blues performances with the charm of a lakeside setting. Attendees can enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the casino, known for its unique architecture and acoustics, while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.