Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago is home to the largest free blues festival in the world and this much-anticipated event draws fans from all over the world to experience the influential art form that was nurtured in the city. The Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park from June 5-7, 2026.

Chicago Blues Fest courtesy of Verbs & Vision Media

This free festival showcases the range and variations of blues with over 35 performances for four days in Millennium Park and at special shows across the city.

The year’s opening night on June 4 will feature engaging blues panel discussions and a double bill concert at Ramova Theatre,3520 S. Halsted. Listen to blues musicians and experts discuss the blues scene during the Living Blues Magazine panel discussion from 5-6 pm and hear about the history of the Mississippi Blues Trail. A tribute to Teresa’s Lounge with John Primer kicks off at 7:15.

Billy Branch photo courtesy of Alligator

The thrilling opening night concert on June 5 will celebrate 55 years of iconic Chicago blues label Alligator Records. The show will spotlight the label’s stars, including blues guitarists Ronnie Baker Brooks and Toronzo Cannon, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials and Nick Moss and Tinsley Ellis.

Other highlights include a 75th anniversary of blues harmonica master and recent Blues Award winner Billy Branch, with special guests Kenny Neal and Ronnie Baker Brooks on June 6, a special tribute to Women in the blues honoring Mama Yancey And Big Mama Thornton and blues legend Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band on June 7

The Chicago Blues Festival runs from 5-10:30 pm on June 5 and from noon to 9 pm on June 6-7. View the full schedule here.