Hey there! Are you a fan of blues music? If so, you won’t want to miss the Chicago Blues Festival! The festival is on of the largest free music festivals in the world and features a lineup of renowned blues musicians. The Chicago Blues Festival 2023 will take place on July 8th-11th in Millennium Park.
This awesome event is organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and is a yearly celebration of the renowned blues legacy. It’s held in the iconic Millennium Park, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. You can expect to hear a variety of blues music from renowned musicians from all over the world, including traditional, electric and contemporary blues acts.
The festival typically attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, who come to enjoy the variety of blues sets performed by some of the best musicians in the world. With its commitment to showcasing the best of blues music and its importance to the city’s cultural heritage, the Chicago Blues Festival has become one of the most popular events in Chicago’s cultural calendar.
Dates and Location
The Chicago Blues Festivalis scheduled to take place from Thursday, June 8, 2023, to Sunday, June 11, 2023. The festival features a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, as well as its contributions to other music genres.
- Location: Millennium Park
- Date: Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11, 2023
- Time: Thursday: 5:30-9pm, Friday-Sunday: 12-9pm
- Cost: Free Admission
- Event Entrances: Randolph Street and Monroe Street
The festival is held at the iconic Millennium Park, located at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602. Millennium Park is loved by tourists and locals for its beautiful architecture, art, and landscaping. It’s free and No tickets are required, and attendees are encouraged to bring their families and friends to enjoy the experience!
Lineup and Schedule
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest, free Blues festival in the world featuring 45 performances and more than 250 artists across three stages in Millennium Park.
The festival will host top Blues artists, including:
- Los Lobos
- Blind Boys of Alabama with Bobby Rush
- Mud Morganfield
- John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band
- Jimmy Burns Band
- Sugaray Rayford
- Jontavious Willis
- Vasti Jackson
- Eddie Cotton
- O.B. Buchana
- Super Chikan, and more.
Commissioned projects include the Centennial Tribute to Albert King, a Delmark Records 70th Anniversary Celebration, and a “Women in Blues” tribute.
Food and Activities
Chicago Blues Festival 2023 is a celebration of music, culture, and community, but it’s not just about the music. The festival will also feature a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience called “Wally’s BBQ Pit” and a photography installation called “The Rhythm Within Our Blues” by Praize Productions, Inc.
The festival is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Chicago Transit Authority, Rosa’s Lounge, National Museum of Mexican Art, and Millennium Garages.
Getting There
Attending the 2023 Chicago Blues Festival is an exciting prospect for music lovers, but getting to the festival can be a bit of a challenge. This section will provide some helpful information on transportation and accommodations to make planning your trip a little easier.
Transportation
The Chicago Blues Festival takes place in Millennium Park, which is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. There are a variety of transportation options available to get you to the festival, including:
- Public Transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers bus and train service throughout the city, including to Millennium Park. Visitors can take the Red, Blue, Green, or Brown lines to the nearby Washington/Wabash station, or take one of several bus routes that stop near the park.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Chicago and can be a convenient way to get to the festival.
- Driving: While driving to the festival is an option, parking in downtown Chicago can be expensive and difficult to find. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or ride-sharing services whenever possible.
Accommodations
If you’re traveling from out of town to attend the Chicago Blues Festival, you’ll need a place to stay. There are many hotels and other accommodations available in the downtown Chicago area, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Some popular choices include Palmer House Hilton and Hyatt Regency Chicago.
It’s important to book your accommodations early, as hotels in the downtown Chicago area can fill up quickly during popular events like the Chicago Blues Festival.
History of the Chicago Blues Festival
The Chicago Blues Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich history and culture of blues music in Chicago. The festival was first held in 1984 and has since become one of the largest blues festivals in the world, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the globe.
The festival was created to honor the legacy of legendary blues musician Muddy Waters, who passed away in 1983. The first festival was held in Grant Park and featured a lineup of some of the biggest names in blues music. Past alumni include B.B. King, Ray Charles, Koko Taylor, and Buddy Guy.
Over the years, the festival has continued to grow and evolve, showcasing not only the best of traditional blues music but also incorporating other genres such as jazz, rock, and soul. The festival has also expanded to include more stages and venues, with performances taking place throughout the city.
The Chicago Blues Festival has become a beloved tradition in the city, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the music and culture that has made Chicago a hub for blues music for decades. With its rich history and commitment to education and outreach, the festival is sure to continue to be a highlight of the Chicago cultural calendar for years to come.
Related: Get Ready for Chicago Jazz Festival 2023
Featured Photo via Chicago Blues Festival Facebook Event Page
Last Updated on April 21, 2023