What do Hot Air Balloons, Brews, Food Trucks, and Vintage Cars all have in common? THE BLUES! With over 25 blues festivals in Wisconsin this year, there is bound to be one just for you! From free to ticketed, camping to indoor, lets explore all of the blues festivals Wisconsin has to offer in 2024!
1) Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival
Friday, June 14th – 15th in Monroe
Get ready to elevate your summer vibes at the Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival, where the sky is not the limit but just the beginning. This annual festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Monroe, Wisconsin, is where high-flying hot air balloons and soul-stirring blues tunes unite for a celebration like no other. Experience the magic of hot air balloon launches and flights, taking place at the break of dawn and dusk! This festival is FREE, making it a must attend!
2) New Glarus Blues, Brews & Food Truck Festival
Saturday, June 29th in New Glarus
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of rhythm and flavors at the New Glarus Blues, Brews, and Food Truck Festival! Nestled in the heart of New Glarus Village Park, this festival is a paradise for anyone looking to indulge in good beer, mouthwatering food truck delights, and sway to soulful blues This festival is FREE!
3) Blues On The Chippewa
Thursday, August 1st – 3rd in Durand
Pack your bags for Durand, Wisconsin, because the Blues on the Chippewa is back and it’s bigger than ever! Set in the scenic Memorial Park from August 1 to August 3, 2024, this festival is a blues lover’s dream come true. For one, it is FREE! Also festival bring together some of the best blues musicians from across the country, but it also supports a heartwarming array of local causes. From the Durand Area Food Pantry to the Brent Titus Music For Children Program and even the Pepin County Humane Society, your enjoyment helps make a difference!
4) Bryan Lee Memorial Blue
Saturday, July 13th in Two Rivers
Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival, a vibrant celebration of blues music that honors the legacy of Bryan Lee, also known as the “Braille Blues Daddy”. This annual event brings together renowned blues artists from across the country for a day of incredible music, food, and community. The historic streets of Downtown Two Rivers, Wisconsin, come alive with the spirit of blues. This festival is also FREE!
5) Waukesha Rotary
Friday, August 9th – 10th in Delafield
Get ready to groove at the Waukesha Rotary BluesFest, a beacon of blues music set against the picturesque backdrop of Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield, WI. This festival, happening on August 9th and 10th, 2024, is a must-visit for anyone craving a blend of local and national blues talent, mouth-watering food, and an array of artistic expressions. This festival offers more than just music. These will be an food, beverages and a limited amount of camping!
6) Best “Dam” Blues Fest
Friday, September 13th – 14th in Thiensville
The Best “Dam” Blues Fest is a volunteer-run event where 100% of the proceeds go to charities. The 2024 event will benefit:
- Thiensville Village Park Reimagined
- Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department
- Wisconsin Blues Music Hall of Fame
7) Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival
October 2024 (date not confirmed) in Waupaca
The Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival 2024 is gearing up to be an unmissable event for blues enthusiasts and festival-goers, set against the stunning backdrop of the Chain O’ Lakes at the Indian Crossing Casino (ICC). The ICC has a rich in history dating back to 1925. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, the Waupaca Chain O’Lakes Blues Festival promises a blend of soulful performances, scenic views, and a welcoming community atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
8) HartFest
Friday, June 14th – 15th in Wauwatosa
Get ready for an exciting weekend at the HartFest in Wauwatosa, a the perfect blend of BBQ and Blues. Witness local pit masters battle it out to prove their grilling skills. Make sure to come with an appetite because you’ll have the opportunity to eat all the delicious BBQ entries from the competitors. Did I mention free admission? Because it is FREE! All proceeds to go non-profits as well!
9) Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
Friday, August 16th – 17th in Wausau
The iconic Big Bull Falls Blues Fest is all set to transform Fern Island, Wausau, WI, into a blues paradise yet again. This is the longest running Blues Festival in Wisconsin! Multiple ticket options are available from GA to VIP. Leave your pets a home but bring a chair!!
10) Mississippi Mayhem
Friday, September 6th – 7th in West Salem
One of the main attractions of Mississippi Mayhem is its vintage motor show. The festival has 2 show lots. 1 lot of cars and motorcycles up to 1976, with a special feature section for pre-1965! Pre register to park in these lots for free! There are tons of other events throughout the weekend including: Relay Race/Hotlaps, Spark Plug Challenge, BURN OUTS, Valve Cover Race, and much more! With tons of music in between! Be sure to check this one out!
11) Milwaukee Blues Festival
Friday, April 19th in Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Blues Festival has a history that spans over a decade! Since its inception, it has been a celebration of the blues, showcasing both national artists and rising stars.
The Riverside Theater serves as the perfect backdrop for the Milwaukee Blues Festival. This iconic concert hall has a rich history that dates back to its opening in 1928. The theater boasts stunning architecture and a seating capacity of 2,450.
12) Harbor Park Jazz & Blues Festival
Saturday, August 17th in Kenosha
Hosted on the serene shores of Kenosha, WI, the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival is a musical bonanza that’s not to be missed. Presented by The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund, this festival brings together music, food, and fun, all set against the backdrop of a stunning lake. This festival first started in 2005.
13) Blues Cruise
Sunday, August 18th in Milwaukee
Set sail for 2 hours and enjoy some blues on a cruise!!
14) Paramount Music Festival
September 2024 (Date not confirmed) in Grafton
With its rich history, incredible lineup, and commitment to supporting music education, the Paramount Music Festival promises an unforgettable experience for blues enthusiasts of all ages. This festival takes place every Labor Day Weekend in Grafton, Wisconsin.
15) Blues & Wine Festival
Friday, May 17th – Sunday, 19th in Kohler
The Blues & Wine Festival at The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery is an event you won’t want to miss.
This festival will take place on The Patio. If The Patio is full, there will be additional seating available in the grass next to The Patio.
16) Prairie Dog Blues Festival
Thursday, July 25th – Saturday, 27th in Praire du Chien
The annual Prairie Dog Blues Festival is a celebration of blues and roots music. Taking place on the historic St. Feriole Island, this event stages a mix of regional, national, and international blues bands. St. Feriole Island, nestled on the Mississippi River, is surrounded by rugged cliffs and hills. This serene setting, coupled with fantastic music, makes the festival an unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of blues music, there’s no better place to be.
17) Wisconsin Annual Blues Harmonica Festival
November 2024 (Date Not Confirmed) in Hubertus
The Wisconsin Annual Blues Harmonica Festival has a rich history that dates back nearly a decade, 2013. It was founded by David “Harmonica” Miller, a renowned guitarist, vocalist, and harmonica player from Wisconsin.
18) Sugar Maple Music Festival
Friday, August 2nd – Saturday, 3rd Madison
The Sugar Maple Music Festival, presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, is an annual two-day outdoor festival in Madison, Wisconsin that pays homage to traditional music and dance. This family-friendly festival offers a unique experience for people of all ages, combining performances, educational workshops, and interactive jam sessions.
19) Spring the Blues- TBA
20) Granville Blues Festival
Friday, June 14th – Sunday 16th in Milwaukee
Mike Wheeler is incredible, blues tip to toe. I will make a playlist to this one, I highly suggest going if you are a blues fan.
