My husband and I checked out the Chicago Blues Festival 2026 on Sunday June 7th. We arrived at Millennium Park for the evening shows. This was our first time seeing the festival. It was a fun time! So many people enjoying the music - all ages and family friendly. Plus it's free! read more

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I love this festival! It's free to start with and it's located in a popular/iconic location in Chicago. Parking can be difficult & expensive so, I suggest taking public transportation. - The layout of the festival is easy to navigate and finding seating is a breeze. Bring your own chairs or a blanket and make yourself comfortable for the multiple different sets available. - I don't have to tell you how great the music is. All your family members will love going to this festival. It's safe, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. read more

There's nuthin' like it! Never has been never will be! It's about the music, it's about the people, it's about the community and brotherhood, and it's all about the blues! If you've never been here you missing out that's all I can tell you. Get with it already and live a little. Chicago is many beautiful things but most of all it's a city built on the blues. You feel it everywhere you go on a normal day but during this four day extravaganza you feel it from your head to your toes. Some of the countries premier blues acts from Rosa's Stage to the Mississippi Stage to the Main Stage get down and jam until their fingers are raw, throats hoarse and audience is drop dead sweating from dancing and ready to pass out. Great merch offerings from t- shirts and hoodies to cd's and old school vinyl albums, and everything in between. I knocked down a smoked chicken leg and side of BBQ sauce and it was nuthin' funny honey. Murdered it! BBQ sauce dripping off my shirt I didn't even bother clean it off my shirt so I would have some for the bus ride home. And the BBQ brisket? Forget about it! Killer brisket. It got ugly on that picnic table complete savage on that BBQ. Two days and nights left do you best come get you some hometown blues and live like we live here in the Big Windy City of big shoulders!! Come get you some. Show me whatchoo know 'bout dem blues. read more

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Returning home from Chicago with a few not-great stories to tell, someone said "I guess you won't be going back there anytime soon" but I quickly corrected them. Actually, I'd happily return in 2023 and the Chicago Blues Festival is a big factor in that decision. I might even plan a visit around it. Millennium Park is the latest site for the free, multi-day festival and, in 2022, it featured 3 stages of live music for 3 days. Could it have been even better? Yes, but with only an investment of your time I don't see how one could complain. One of the 3 "stages" was no stage at all (and no seating), another was housed under a big tent with ample seating and protection from the finicky Chicago weather, and the final stage was the Pritzker Pavillion which features a ton of seating both in actual seats or on the lawn. Though I only attended one day of the festival I very much enjoyed what I saw here (particularly loved artist Grady Champion) and was sorry I couldn't make it back for the final day's soul concert at Pritzker. For those looking to spend money, there's several booths vending unique sweatshirts and t-shirts branded with various blues venue names and/or artists. Alcohol is available for purchase as is food but the food offerings were exactly the same at all booths and completely uninteresting (a real missed opportunity to capitalize on the Chicago food scene). Security at the entrances to Millennium Park meant that I worried less as I enjoyed the great music and talent on display. This festival is low key, fun, entertaining and free of charge. I found nothing not to enjoy. read more

How often is there free admission to a fest in Chicago!? Almost never! Chicago Blues Festival was alright but not quite as amazing as I had hoped for. It was just a sea of people and we had to really look to find a spot on the lawn. The main lawn in front of the main stage at Jay Pritzker was completely full so we went to a side area of dirt and grass. Even that was just full of people! We couldn't see a thing but could hear the music when it was going on. Also on the this main stage at Millennium Park, it was all R&B. Now I love R&B but it seemed a bit odd to have that be on the main stage at Blues Fest. William Bell was the headliner for that stage and we did enjoy his music. Man the crowd of people was just crazy! We felt like 90% of the people were smoking around us with smoke and ashes blowing into our faces. One of my guy friends is a former smoker and pretty sure he was twitching with all the smoke around him feening for a drag. It was good people watching seeing all walks of life there though. I think the people watching is what my friends and I enjoyed most. Bring some drinks, food, blankets or chairs and have a relaxing evening with some friends. I'm glad I finally made it to Blues Fest but I'm honestly not too sure I'd attend again next year. As someone else mentioned, they may need to move it back to Grant Park to make it a bit more accessible for everyone. read more

Chicago Blues Festival - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Whether you enjoy blues or just want to see what the world's largest free blues festival looks like, Chicago's annual Blues Festival is a thing to check out. When the wife and I visited Millennium Park on our trip, the festival just happened to be going on there. We were there on a Saturday and the place seemed to be packed with ten thousand people. It was a challenge to wade through the sea of people just to get anywhere. Side shows were playing at Wrigley Square and Chase Promenade. Later on, a band started playing at the Pritzker Pavilion, where there was a crowd both in the seats and on the lawn behind. With an event of this size, naturally there were vendors selling merchandise and food. The quality of food options was just ok. People were not allowed to bring in alcohol, but alcohol could certainly be purchased once in the park. The entire park was fenced off for the event, with access through designated entry points where bags were checked for contraband. At least no patdowns, as this is not TSA. We enjoyed getting a taste of the Blues Festival, but we more enjoyed walking around the park two days later when everything was packed up and the massive crowds were gone! read more

I think my first Blues Fest was 1989, or something. The Fest is great for everybody- blues afficianados, to the general appreciator, and best of all- it's FREE. In 2016 I visited a few side stages to see some great talent, and also appreciated seeing a big star like Shemkia Copeland. Bring chairs and blankets for the lawn. Make a day of it. Some good food can be found, but there's not much selection! Certainly would like to see more food offerings. I enjoyed visiting a CVB booth from Memphis that was giving away free ribs. Many of the side stage artists can be found backstage after their set, so get those autograph books and programs signed! Damn right, I've got the blues! read more

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I try to go to at least one event every year. I do like how they expanded the venues too all over Millennium park from near the Park Grill to upstairs at the Harris Theater. It has become so commercialized, with so many advertisers with booths, and while I liked the scattered booths, it was too limiting at times in terms of drinks and cuisines. read more

Chicago Blues Festival - Tail Dragger on Michigan on Friday! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the great things about living in Chicago is free music in Millennium Park. The blues fest had musicians on big stages and small stages and medium sized stages. I'm so thankful that this artf orm still exists. I'm also thankful the city supports it with such vigor year after year. read more

The Chicago Blues Festival is back this year 2022!! We have missed it and are so happy. read more

What could be better than a festival devoted to blues in one of the blues capitals of the world? A blues festival on one of the largest green spaces in the world, Grant Park. But what's one layer of better still? A blues festival that you can actually hear. There are certain advantages to turning the lakefront into the world's largest blues club. For one thing those who partake in various things that emit smoke (including of course some of the artists), you're free to do so. Even if those things are technically not legal (and the blues is a music that references these things) it seriously took a couple in a domestic dispute mud wrestling/slap fighting to draw a police presence. And another advantage is that if you want food (and there are even a couple of BBQ joints - albeit on the ticket system that has now spread to all Grant Park festivals) there are small waits. But something is lost with seeing such an intimate music in this setting; at least at Bluesfest. I saw Bonnie Raitt play Taste of Chicago and it was fine with the clear, loud sound bringing out the lovely urgency in her voice. But for some reason this festival chooses to not use the back speakers at the Petrillo and the sound is just a jumbled mess. I saw a couple of bands on smaller stages (and there are a good number of them) and the sound was flawless. This makes the fest a good place to sit in the early summer sun and maybe have a few beers while listening to smaller acts. But who goes just to do that? The answer to that is, actually, pretty much everybody. There are some seriously drunk and disorderly people at Bluesfest there for the party. It's definitely the best time for people watching of the summer festivals. If only it wasn't so good for people listening. A few people want to hear the artists! read more

Chicago Blues Festival - Brought to you by an entire state. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been attending Chicago Blues fest since I was in my twenties also the local blues clubs Rosa's lounge ,Kingston mines, blues bar, and if you're into Chicago's blues like IAM there is an limited access to your favorite artist. I have met the nicest people at Chicago's blues venue's. read more

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It was definitely good time. It's qualifies for the 3F club. Free, Fun and For everyone! Can't wait till next year. read more

Chicago Blues Festival - a band performing on stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What is better than free blues in one of the greatest Blues cities in the world. This is something that Chicago does well. Great location and a great mix of people all coming together along the beautiful lakefront. I was blown away by Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials! I've been wanting to see these guys for several years now and was very impressed. You cannot help but get into this music when you are standing mere feet away from the stage while these guys wail. Simply amazing. A few years back I caught another amazing act called the Lee Boys. Every year features amazing artists. There is such a positive vibe going on here that I've never seen any problems usually associated with large crowds. My only gripe is the lack of real beer choices. Bud products were about it. Better idea might be to pregame a little before hand. read more

When the Hubs found out that the Chicago Blue Festival was happening on the very same weekend we were visiting we made a point of adding it to our agenda. What's better on a beautiful day in Chicago than some true blues music? We stopped by each of the stages (there are three total) and took in the talent; there were some truly passionate and talented people performing. We both remarked that if we lived in Chicago we would have brought a blanket and a cooler and found a nice grassy spot. What an awesome way to spend a Sunday afternoon. read more

Chicago Blues Festival - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love the Blues. I love outdoor festivals. I especially love free outdoor festivals. Out of all the big fests that Chicago boasts, the Blues Fest is hands down my favorite. Not only does this festival kick off the summer for me, it also turns me on to a new artist or two every year. This year is featuring Koko Taylor, B.B. King, and Buckwheat Zydeco (whom I will be seeing Saturday night) Like any fest in Chicago, you are going to have to pay a hefty price on beer and food prices. Those in attendance should expect this and in no way will be reflected in my review. read more

I've been going to Blues Fest for... for-ever, I guess. The weather always seems to be a bit "iffy," often cold, rainy or both. But the blues is about getting through tough times, isn't it? This year, it was pouring rain, but warm, when Buddy Guy came out to play his set. Damn right, we had the blues! From our umbrellas to our shoes! When BB King was still alive (may he & Lucille RIP), you could argue who was the most legendary blues man in the world. Now there's no debate that he lives in Chicago. And what a performance he gave! At 78, he still puts a lot of twenty- or thirty-something bands to shame with the energy, humor and honesty of his shows. But that was just Buddy this year. I wasn't able to attend the fest other than Saturday night, but I don't doubt at all that the other Petrillo main stage events were excellent. And often the smaller stages during the day are even better, with their intimate feeling & people getting up to dance when they feel like it. Don't bring any alcohol here, or it will be taken away by a vigilant bag-checker on the way in. Then again, if you're mellow enough and discreet, some liquids pass for others, and no one will know the difference. If you can't handle those liquids... Luckily for the rest of us, the Darwin effect lives on. read more

This was my first time at the BluesFest, despite being a native and visiting Chicago many times. I never really appreciated the blues as a kid, despite growing up on the South Side of Chicago. Lord knows I knew about the blues. And not just as an observer. I was into "soul" music back then. As I grew older, I appreciated the blues and grew to love it even more than the popular soul music of my youth. I just moved back to Chicago after a very long, grueling and tedious 16 year stint in Santa Monica, CA. But that's another story. I now live in the neighborhood that I chose, without concern for someone else, what anyone else wants or what they need. It's very liberating. So, along with that, I also choose what I want to do. What a concept! This may not make sense to a lot of people, but those who have experienced this know what I am talking about. If you don't, then good for you. All of this unnecessary back story explains how in the hell I could have possibly missed one of the world's best and free public music festivals available. As I started the trek down Jackson toward Grant Park, I could hear a bluesman at the entrance, welcoming everyone. By the time I got to the casually barricaded entrance, I could hear who I thought was Eric "Guitar" Davis on the Windy City Blues Stage. After the kindly cops (and I do mean that) checked my bag at the entrance, I couldn't believe how quickly I walked past that "gate," if you can even call it that. I immediately got me a t-shirt, to get that out of the way. Delighted to find one I really liked for as little as $10, I scurried on over to get some tix and grab a bite at Robinson's No.1 Ribs. What else would I eat at a BluesFest? A pulled pork sandwich just seemed like the right thing to be eating. I found a place curbside at the Windy City Blues Society Stage just in time for the Cashbox Kings. I caught some of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith before I scrambled over to see Muddy Waters' son in the Mud Morganfield Band at the Pepsi Front Porch. I found myself catching Jeannie Holiday w/Ronnie Hicks & Masheen Company Band who were just off the chain at the Bud Light Crossroads Stage. Ronnie Hicks opened the show, featuring sax solos by Ayako Minami that could just blow you away. The band performed their own music, plus covers of everyone from Michael Jackson to a little bit o' Kanye West. Jeannie Holiday has an extraordinary ability to communicate with her audience, in a candid and very personal, interactive way. By the time Theo Huff came on, the crowd was pumpin' pretty good. Dressed to the nines in a light pink suit and hat with two fabulous back up singers, he channeled Johnnie Taylor in an R&B flavored set that could rouse the dead - featuring a thrilling old-school vibe in a very fresh, contemporary setting. As if that weren't enough, by the time I got to see Shemekia Copeland, Lonnie Brooks and the rest of the Alligator Records 40th Anniversary clan at the Petrillo Music Shell - I honestly almost didn't know what to do with myself. Let's just say I knew I would have to soak my feet when I got home! Having seen the great Koko Taylor twice in my life - once in San Juan Capistrano in California - the other at Harvelle's in Santa Monica where I last lived, it was great to see her Foundation's presence there. I marveled at how, despite the magnitude of this event, everyone was so courteous and kind. There was nothing stampede-like about it. Everyone was just out having a wonderful time! Plenty of room to pull up a chair or put down a blanket and just enjoy the day. That is - if you can keep from dancin' (which I couldn't)! I cannot wait to go again! Next year, I'm goin' to all three days, for sure! These descriptions are just what I was able to catch on Sunday. There was a lot more going on, and there was something for everyone! If you love the blues or any form of soul music, this is a "not to be missed" event. If you are planning a visit to Chicago and can arrange to be here during BluesFest, I highly encourage that you do that! If it is food you're after, you can find everything from Chicago style pizza to Ribs. This is, by far, the Disneyland of Blues Festivals. There were many people from different cities, states and countries that found their way to this massive cultural event. I heard accents and languages as diverse as from Australia to Norway and Tokyo. Best part of all, it's FREE - which is hard to believe. Proving, once again, that the really best things in life are. And one thing is for sure. After being at this festival, my soul was nourished. This festival is a lot more than just a celebration of the Blues -- it's a celebration of life. read more

Yes, I know...Grant Park was a great location for many years, but now that the Blues Festival has moved to Millennium Park, we have to focus on the positives... Still the largest FREE blues festival in the world. The ability to see everyone from Grammy- winning artists to young, up-and-coming talent. Chicagoland bands to international acts can be heard on any of the six stages. Non-profits at the Blues Village work hard to keep the blues alive. This festival gives them a wide audience to help fund programs for the rest of the year. Make sure to visit their tents while waiting for the next act to take the Front Porch Stage. Accessibility to the acts. Most of them are happy to sign a CD or a fest program, or just shake your hand and say hello. Friendly, down-to-earth people who seem glad that you stopped by. The Jam Sessions are just a blast. You never know who will show up. Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith keeps it rolling along so that everyone who signs up can have a chance to play on stage. He is so kind to the kids who join in and really loves to encourage their talent. Plenty of rest rooms by the Pavilion. Real ones, with water fountains outside to fill up those water bottles (after you're finished whatever alcohol you've smuggled in them. Yeah, I'm talking to YOU, girl in the mirror). Yes, I know...food options were slim but they had plenty of it and lines were never too long (unlike the first year with the food trucks). It does seem a bit cramped but there is shade when you need it, seating in the Juke Joint Stage or the front of the Pavilion, and (it bears repeating) real rest rooms. Lots to see in and around the park, if you need a break This is a festival that can be enjoyed by the whole family. See you next year! read more

Updating my Blues review. The crowd this year was thin, but the musical guests were very good. My favorite things were watching five cougars share a joint. They had enough and donated it to a young gentleman, I love the sharing. My favorite blues song on Saturday had the chorus, "pussy stink, but so do marijuana." While this may not be genius, it sure is fun to sing along to. A few old timers were there strutting their stuff, each year a little slower. Remember folks, sneak in your own beer, your own food, your own smoke, and the Blues Festival is by far the most fun at the lake front. What to make it better? Move it down to Cottage grove, maybe in Washington park or Bronzeville. Make it hard core nitty gritty. It doesn't seem to have the backing of its people anymore, too bad. read more

This year I only got to see a two acts this year, Shamika Copeland and the one and only, Buddy Guy. Shamika was hot as hell. Her voice was strong and clear. Two standouts for me was Lemon Pie and Married to the Blues. Buddy is a legend and if you haven't seen him try to take in a show sometime. He rocked with, Meet Me in Chicago, and his version of Cream's Strange Brew was pretty surprising. Buddy got into some Jimmy Hendrix style stuff and even play his guitar with his ass. Yeah, your read that right. If you sit farther back on the grass, large monitors allow you to take in the stage action. Blues Fest is amazing. It's a good weekend of both acoustic and electric blues, perfectly set on our beautiful lakefront. My wish list would be more food stands with more variety, and cheaper beer. Twelve bucks for a can of Stella? C'mon. Also, this year it poured buckets right before Buddy came out. WXRT's Tom Marker let everyone know that Buddy would be on as soon as the lighting stopped. So here we are, hundreds of folks sitting in Grant Park with umbrellas, or do you call them lighting rods? A plus of the fest is that it's surrounded by Chicago's downtown skyline. The fest is free so I guess I can suck up paying twelve bucks for Stella. Blues Fest is one of the summer-in-Chicago things you have to do. read more

This was my first Chicago Blues Fest. It's FREE! Unbelievable with the number of stages and acts going on over the course of 4 days. I only spent Friday there, but loved it. I didn't drink but the food selection was diverse and I thought reasonably priced. Since it was early in the weekend the portopots weren't so bad either. read more

Atmosphere: Entry is free! Roll out a blanket and bring snacks and water to avoid the high prices at the fest. No alcohol unless you know how to smuggle it in. When did I go?: Late Saturday afternoon. What did I do?: Enjoyed the music and brought in my own food and drinks to share with everyone. Go again?: Heck yeah! It's free and if you don't like the music at least you can people-watch. Would be even better if it was BYOB w/o glass containers. read more

This was the reason we traveled to Chicago. Well, my family was going to be there, and I wanted to see them, and the festival sounded fun. And it was! Great location and we managed to snag spots under trees at both stages that we visited. I was surprised to see cops checking bags at the entrances on Saturday, as they didn't on Friday. The musicians were great and the crowds and performers were into it! Like all events, the beers were pricey, but in the near 90 degree heat, I wouldn't care how much they cost...I sucked those babies down. There were great, affordable food booths (catfish was delish and the peach cobbler was inhaled in one breath), lots of booths giving away free swag (if you are into that) and port-a-potties everywhere you turned. All in all, a really fun, well-planned event. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped by this year's Blues Fest on Friday night and we enjoyed it. I like going to festivals on Friday night because the Friday night scene is less crowded and more chill than Saturday or Sunday. (There are fewer drunk people.) The main stage act wasn't doing much for us, so we went down to the Front Porch stage that's in Wrigley Square, and that was perfect. It was a much more intimate setting where we could dance and feel the vibes up close. We saw Rockin' Johnny Burgin. If you go, be sure to check out the smaller/side stages! read more

Hello, FOOD SNOB here. This was my first Blues Fest, and I got to say, it was nice to walk around without bumping in to people. Such is the case at the Taste of Chicago. Took my folding chair on my back and sat wherever I wanted. After I had what I thought was the only beer, Budweiser, I seen hidden in the back was Stella Artoise Beer. Food was good. They had, Pizza, Ribs, Oriental, Cajun, and the old Chi-town staple, Billy Goat Burgers. No charge to enter but then food and drink is not cheap. As is usually the case Downtown. If you like Blues Music the bands were Awesome!! read more

This was our first year attending the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park but certainly won't be our last. Admittance is free and there are multiple stages of simultaneous performances. We really enjoyed the shaded comfort of the bigger stages like Bud and Pepsi but enjoyed the music at the smaller less comfortable stages the best. We spent most of our time at the Mississippi stage. read more

Chicago Blues Festival - Mississippi stage was wonderful - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nothing quite like grazing through food vendors and listening to live music with a couple hundred thousand of your closest friends. Chicago's Finest are there in plentiful numbers but they are very lowkey. Just there in case the guy next to you has one too many and starts a fight. The festival itself is free, but they make it back and then some with the food sales. All purchases are with tickets, and you get 12 50¢ tickets for $8. So they are keeping $2 out of every $8 that you spend just to "cover the amenities". Beers are about 11 tickets, sodas are 5 tickets for a 20oz, bottled water is 4 tickets for a half liter. Most of the good grub (pizza slices, pulled pork sandwiches, tempura, funnel cakes) will set you back 10-12 tickets. Several vendors have smaller portions for cheaper prices to give you a chance to sample lots of different things. Lines aren't too bad, and if the weather is good you won't mind anyway. Some of the musical acts are as traditional blues as you can get. You can almost feel like it was a coinflip whether the performer was going to play the gig or stab himself in the neck. But they mix in some more modern stuff that really doesn't seem to qualify as blues but I guess the kids like it. In my mind, blues isn't meant to be shouted, but maybe I'm just getting crotchety in my old age. All in all, a good time for the music, the people-watching, the food, and the chance to be away from all the trappings of a society that's gotten itself in a big damn hurry. read more

This was free and it was fun... Didn't hurt that it was a gorgeous day. We were staying right across from the park so when we found out it was going on we had to pop over, twice! There were a handful of stages, mostly free shows... However, I think you had to pay to be seated for the performances in the grandstand area. All sorts of local food vendors there. Beer tent, souvineer tent, and a few other tents pertaining to jazz music. Fun place to visit in the Summer! Would definitely visit again! read more

Chicago and Blues. Great stuff. This is such a great fest with top notch acts that it makes it the premier Blues fest for the price (free) in the country. I love going back to this fest every year...It's like an old friend that you see after a year and connect with again. The only complaint I have is the beer. Good god, Bud and Bud Light? I realize they are sponsers and help make the fest free but, wow, that stuff is terrible. Moreover, the size of the beers are getting smaller and the price is getting higher. I know they have Stella too but still, not very good. As a result, I don't drink here because of the poor beer offerings. Back to the music. Saw Shemeika this year and her coronation as Queen of the Blues. She followed that with a very good set at the Petrillo shell. Looking forward to next year. Thank you Chicago! read more

Chicago + Blues + Food = Happiness. There are many food vendors from all over the city. You can smoke, drink, and eat to your heart's content at this annual weekend event. It was a great time. We witnessed Shemekia Copeland get crowned the Queen of the Blues this year after Coco Taylor's death a couple of years ago. Make sure you make it out to this if you ever visit Chicago. read more

I have always been a fan of Bluesfest, but did not get a chance to go this year and I blame the poor planning by the organizers. There was a line almost 2 blocks long (literally) and they only had one entrance with two to three people security people checking bags. I was not about to wait in that line... They blamed the conseal and carry law, but you knew that was in effect well before the festival so you should have been prepared by hiring more people. I'm sure attendance will be down this year. Hmm wonder why... Next year try not to be so cheap and hire more security so people don't have to wait in line for hours to get into the event. read more

I look forward to the Chicago Blues Festival every year. I was unsure about the new location in Millennium Park. Overall I had a great time but change is hard especially when it's so drastic and you're used to Grant Park. There was good and bad. Millennium Park is so pretty and Blues Village area felt nice and intimate....I loved having shade and breeze from the trees because it was HOT and the shade and nice breeze made it much more pleasant....However, the festival felt so small this year due to It being held in Millennium Park. I mostly hung around the Blues Village area which was nice. I like watching The Blues Kids performances. These kids are so talented and it's wonderful seeing their love for the Blues. Every year they have their own performance tent and you can catch them throughout the day. This year they didn't have their own tent and it was disappointing. There was a lot of complaining from the crowds as people from all over the world travel to attend the Blues Fest and they make a beeline to see the Blues Kids perform in their tent. This year they were on the shared Blues Village Stage so although we enjoyed their performances their weren't as many. It was still a fun area and the Blues Kids rocked it out! I did enjoy seeing them on the bigger stage in Blues Village so that was a nice change. I stopped in the the Mississippi Blues tent but didn't stay for long. Although it was a large tent it was too crowded and I couldn't see the performers. I think that I prefer spacious Grant Park so that I can actually see the performers in the tents and enjoy the connection and Blues feel that I love. There's also more food choices in Grant Park...it was much more limited this year. read more

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This event was wonderful! Luckily I had VIP tickets and was able to see all the performers up close and personal, but even as I was leaving I could see the entire lawn filled and into the performances. From the drinks and weather to the atmosphere and random people dancing, this event kept people entertained and energized and screamed "Chicago Summer." Makes me really proud to live in such an awesome city that prides itself on all the wonderful cultures. read more

We were passing through the park waiting to go see our show on Friday and stumbled upon the Blues Fest! We didn't get to do much, but it was just awesome listening to some music and being around some awesome crowds. Next year, when we're living in the city again, I hope to enjoy this more :) read more

Events like Chicago Blues Fest remind us what a great City Chicago could be if we could just get rid of the politicians. That helps to explain why Chicago is the home of the blues. People come together from all over the world (literally) to celebrate that unique American art form of the blues. Nobody there cares about the superficial differences the politicians try to impose on us. Blues fans are one people. Held each year around the middle of June for three full days at Grant park by the lake, the Chicago Blues Festival is by far the World's largest, attracting over 500,000 fans. Every day from 11:00am to 9:30pm, blues bands from all over the country keep seven stages busy with the blues. There are three main stages, the evening bandshell performances and now in 2016 three street "stages" to experience the music up close and personal like how the blues began. There is always a good mix of local Chicago blues musicians as well as those from out of town and they rotate acts year-to-year so each season is new and different. All diverse forms of the "blues" are represented from Mississippi down-home front porch blues, to electrified blues, to R&B, to Motown soul and a little of everything else in between. The performances and talent displayed by them are superb. And it's free! Free is good. Great people of all kinds, great music and great times can't be beat. But my primary reason for writing this review is to make sure that all of you attending visit the Blues Kids tent. This is one of the street "stages" and features performances by some exceptionally talented young performers during the day and evening and IMHO is the best show of all. These performances are not shown on the official schedules but were (2016) posted by the tent. Evening time an hour or two before close a Blues Kid jam often starts up which is the best party of the festival. If you have any talent - regardless of age - you're invited to join in. I have skipped the main bandshell performance for this and didn't regret it. And while you're there, be sure to leave a BIG donation to the Blues Kids Foundation. They do great work recruiting and teaching the next generation to keep the blues alive while running on a shoestring budget. Some Logistics: - Streets are closed off, the center of the Fest is Jackson and Columbus. - It's just a short walk from the Chicago train commuter stations, a straight shot down Jackson from Union Station. - It's also just a Short walk from the L stations; Check bus schedules otherwise. - Hotels are nearby but, of course, expensive. - Surprisingly limited food vendors, nothing special and expensive. At least more variety of beer this year (2016). - You can bring in all the food and non-alcoholic beverages you want. - All carry-ins (purses, backpacks, bags, coolers, etc.) WILL be checked. Sign of the times. I have never had to wait more than a couple minutes even at peak times. And you don't have to take off your belts and shoes. - It can get really cool by the lake, especially in the shade or by evening. Come prepared. - Sunscreen and lots of water are highly recommended. - Maps of the grounds also showing bands and performance times are available for free at various concession counters. - A personal annoyance: Leave your politics at home people. Usually only a few violators but they ruin the good vibe. I am highly politically-oriented otherwise, but leave your politics behind and just enjoy the music. Update June 2018: As other reviewers have described, in 2017 Blues Fest was moved from Grant Park to Millennium Park - the one with "The Bean" in the center. My reaction is mixed, more negative than positive. At least on the positive side, the performers and performances are still spectacular. The evening performances are held at the "Pritzker " which IMHO has far superior acoustics to the bandshell at Grant Park. Capacity - seats and grounds - seems about the same but overhead speakers carry sound out to the far reaches of the lattice. Two stages now have covered seating which helps in inclement weather and hot sun. However, one of them is set on the concrete roof of the Harris Theater which means a long, tiring trek up flights of stairs. The acoustics there are also terrible, echoing off the hard surfaces of both the shell and floor. That is something that desperately needs to be fixed. Sadly gone is the Blues Kids tent, where they previously performed throughout the day and had jam sessions out on the street in the evening. Blues Kids now just has a small booth in the "Blues Village" - but you can still DONATE online. In 2017 the Kids occasionally performed on the "Blues Village" stage which was shared with other performers, but none in 2018. Overall, the space seems much more compressed, crowded and claustrophobic. Water fountains are impossible to find. Will I go again? Absolutely! But except for the Pavilion, the Millennium Park thing doesn't work for me. read more

Well........ First trip to Bluesfest. Music was pretty good. Crowd was great. Millennium Park was beautiful. What makes it one star was the absolutely less than mediocre food. One food vendor throughout the park makes for lazy, cold, mundane selections. Multiple vendors always makes for competition and much better food. Food trucks would have been great!!! It's a blues fest celebrating the south, how bout southern food? Geez. So disappointed. read more

Had a great time with friends and friends! Bring your chairs, picnic blanket and some snacks. A great way to spend your weekend with live music from wonderful and talented bands traveling from all over. Nashville, Japan, Mississippi...what a simple yet entertaining place for the whole family. Many people came prepared with their blankets and food. The event is free and now held at Millennium Park. A few stages to give you an opportunity to sit, dance and enjoy beautiful sets. read more

Yah, I'll give Blues Fest a bad review. It's too crowded and I can't hear the music over the crowds. Better off going to a club somewhere.

My boyfriend and I road tripped from Minnesota to attend blues fest for our birthdays. I had such a great time, its held in Grant park by Buckingham fountain and "the bean'. I love that the event was free to everyone but not a lot to chose from as far as food. Next time we go we'll just pack up a cooler. I did get some mustard fried catfish which was the best catfish I've ever had. We laid out a blanket and listened it was a very nice experience. read more