City of Chicago Announces Lineup for 2026 Chicago Blues Festival, June 4-7

DCASE presents four days of free blues programming, kicking off at Ramova Theatre, continuing at Millennium Park and concluding with a special Sunday celebration at Maxwell Street

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the lineup for the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 4-7. The nation's largest free blues festival returns with a citywide lineup honoring Chicago's blues legacy, while highlighting established musicians and the next generation of blues performers.

"Chicago is the birthplace of modern blues, and this festival reflects the sound, soul and resilience that define our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "By investing in free, accessible cultural events like the Chicago Blues Festival, we are supporting artists, strengthening communities and ensuring this legacy continues for generations to come."

"The Chicago Blues Festival is both a celebration and a living archive of this art form," said DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt. "This year's programming honors the pioneers who shaped the blues while elevating emerging artists who are expanding its future while activating downtown Chicago as a global stage."

The festival begins Thursday, June 4, at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport with an opening night program, followed by three days of performances June 5-7 at Millennium Park. All performances in Millennium Park are free and open to the public.

The Chicago Blues Festival is sponsored by Chicago Jazz Publishing, Chicago Transit Authority, Millennium Garages, Millennium Park Foundation, Mississippi Delta Tourism Association, Mississippi Development Authority, NRG Energy, Rosa's Lounge, the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, WDCB 90.9 FM and WVON 1690. Festival partners' continued support helps ensure the festival remains free and accessible while celebrating Chicago's rich blues heritage.

As in previous years, outside alcohol is not allowed for the Chicago Blues Festival, but alcohol may be purchased inside the venue. Before visiting, please be advised of other prohibited items at MillenniumPark.org.

ASL Interpretation will be provided for all mainstage shows. Please email [email protected] by May 27 if other accommodations are needed.

Opening night at Ramova Theatre - June 4
Doors open at 5 p.m., with programming from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The event is open to guests 18 and older; minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Tickets can be reserved online. Seating is available on a first-come, first served basis and an RSVP does not guarantee a seat. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure admission. For ADA accommodations, please reach out to [email protected].

The evening includes a panel discussion, "Fireside Chat: 20 Years of the Mississippi Blues Trail," followed by a double-bill concert:

• 7:15-8:30 p.m. - John Primer: Tribute to Theresa's Lounge
• 8:45-10:15 p.m. - Willie Clayton

Millennium Park Lineup - June 5-7
Festival hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily across multiple stages, including the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Mississippi Crossroads Stage, Rosa's Lounge Stage and Wrigley Square.

Friday, June 5 - Millennium Park

Jay Pritzker Pavilion:

• 3:30-3:45 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
• 3:45-4:45 p.m. - Marquise Knox
• 5-6 p.m. - C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
• 6:15-7:15 p.m. - Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Duo
• 7:30-9 p.m. - 55 Years of Alligator Records featuring Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss, and Tinsley Ellis

Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage:

• Noon-1:15 p.m. - Mississippi Marshall
• 1:30-2:45 p.m. - The Big Time Rhythm & Blues Band
• 3-4:15 p.m. - Eden Brent
• 4-5:45 p.m. - Ra'shad the Blues Kid

Rosa's Lounge Stage:

• 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Nick Alexander Blues Band
• 2-3:15 p.m. - Funky MojoDaddy
• 3:30-4:45 p.m. - The Mike Wheeler Band with Demetria Taylor
• 5-6:15 p.m. - Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings
• 6:30-7:45 p.m. - The Freddie Dixon Blues Band

Wrigley Square - Next Generation of Blues:

• Noon-12:45 p.m. - Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts
• 1-1:45 p.m. - Chicago West Community Music Center
• 2-2:45 p.m. - Curie Metro High School
• 3-3:45 p.m. - The People's Music School
• 4-4:45 p.m. - Kenwood Academy High School
• 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Meaza Joy
• 6:45-7:45 p.m. - VanderCook College of Music

Saturday, June 6 - Millennium Park

Jay Pritzker Pavilion:

• 3:45-4 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
• 4-5 p.m. - Dylan Triplett
• 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Shakura S'Aida
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Ruthie Foster
• 7:45-9 p.m. - 75 Years of Billy Branch with Kenny Neal and Ronnie Baker Brooks

Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage:

• Noon-1:15 p.m. - John Clayton White
• 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Anissa Hampton
• 3-4:15 p.m. - Cuz Band
• 4:30-5:45 p.m. - Dexter Allen

Rosa's Lounge Stage:

• 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Theo Huff & The Legacy Band
• 2-3:15 p.m. - Melody Angel
• 3:30-4:45 p.m. - The Nick Moss Band
• 5-6:15 p.m. - The Gerry Hundt Trio
• 6:30-7:45 p.m. - Oscar Wilson Blues Band

Wrigley Square - Next Generation of Blues:

• Noon-12:45 p.m. - WDCB Presents
• 1-1:45 p.m. - Nicholas Senn High School
• 2-2:45 p.m. - BandWith Chicago
• 3-3:45 p.m. - Fernando Jones Presents the Blues Kids of America Jam Session
• 4-4:45 p.m. - Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
• 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Chicago Blues Revival
• 6:45-7:45 p.m. - Midwest Young Artist Conservatory

Sunday, June 7 - Millennium Park

Jay Pritzker Pavilion:

• 3:30-3:45 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
• 3:45-5 p.m. - Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey and Big Mama Thornton with Mary Lane, Deitra Farr, Katherine Davis, Nora Jean Wallace, Melody Angel, Lee Kanehira, and Lynne Jordan & the Shivers
• 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Sue Foley
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Chris Cain
• 7:45-9 p.m. - Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band

Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage:

• Noon-1:15 p.m. - Libby Rae Watson with Bill Steber
• 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Fred T and The Band
• 3-4:15 p.m. - Mzz Reese & Reese's Pieces
• 4:30-5:45 p.m. - Jaye Hammer

Rosa's Lounge Stage:

• 12:30-1:45 p.m. - A Patch of Blues
• 2-3:15 p.m. - Dan Souvigny Band with Carlos Johnson
• 3:30-4:45 p.m. - Bob Stroger - Windy City Blues Legend
• 5-6:15 p.m. - Rick King's Royal Hustle
• 6:30-7:45 p.m. - Gerald McClendon (The Soulkeeper) & The A-Team Band

Wrigley Square - Next Generation of Blues:

• Noon-12:45 p.m. - Wendy and DB
• 1-1:45 p.m. - King College Prep
• 2-2:45 p.m. - Jones College Prep
• 3-3:45 p.m. - Will Carter Music
• 4-4:45 p.m. - Alex Olson
• 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Knott Us Band
• 6:45-7:45 p.m. - The Chicago Academy for the Arts

Gerry Hundt's Legendary One-Man Band will perform Friday-Sunday from 1-3 p.m. in various spaces throughout Millennium Park.

Maxwell Street Blues Series - June 7
The blues continues with a neighborhood celebration at the legendary market on Maxwell Street, between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Schedule

• 10-11 a.m. - DJ James Porter
• 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings
• Noon-12:30 p.m. - DJ James Porter
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. - John Primer & Steve Bell
• 1:30-2 p.m. - DJ James Porter
• 2-3 p.m. - Harmonica Hinds Duo

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Millennium Park
Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago) and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

Ramova Theatre
In 1929, Ramova Theatre opened its doors as Bridgeport's premier movie palace. With an iconic sign and Spanish-inspired architecture, it became the jewel of the neighborhood - a place for people to gather and communities to come together. Now, nearly a century later, the space has returned, reimagined as a 1,800+ person live concert hall, craft brewery partnered with Other Half Brewing, beer garden and grill. Meticulously restored to preserve the architectural heart of the building, Ramova once again lights up Halsted and 35th Street and brings the country's top performing acts to Bridgeport, alongside educational programs, workshops, and community outreach initiatives. For more information, visit ramovachicago.com or follow @ramovachicago on Instagram and Facebook.