Festival Happenings

On the Grounds

FIREWORKS

Celebrate the Fourth of July with us and downtown Portland’s only large-scale fireworks display! We’re thrilled to return to our annual tradition of a sensational fireworks display over the mighty waters of the Willamette River. Set to a soundtrack of classic blues, soul and funk this is a Fourth of July celebration you won’t wanna miss!

MARKETPLACE

Forgot your sunglasses? Need a hat (or some earrings made of guitar picks)? Wanna take home a little piece of Oregon? We’ve got you, friends! Stay tuned for our Marketplace lineup soon.

family fun
at the playin' ground

We love our Blues Fest families! We’ve got a whole super fun area for families to gather at the fest – The Playin’ Ground, which features music activities, art, face painting and more.

And don’t forget, thanks to our friends at Buick GMC of Beaverton kids 12 and under get in free to the festival.

BLUES CRUISES

Presented by Kona Big Wave

Cruise the beautiful Willamette River and hear the sweet sounds of live music on the decks of the Portland Spirit. Each Blues Cruise features three intimate stages and an all-star lineup. A full bar and food are available for purchase. Lineups will be announced in spring 2026!

FOOD + DRINK

Stay hungry and come thirsty Blues fans! The festival has LOTS of delicious bites and beverages from Portland’s world-famous culinary community — with options for every eater (Omnivores! Vegans! Gluten Free!) and drinker (beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic).

AROUND TOWN

COMMUNITY CONCERTS + EVENTS

Catch us popping up all around Portland before the festival! To stay in the know about all of our community concerts and events, sign up for our newsletter.

WBF POP UP CONCERT AT WONDERWOOD SPRINGS’ YE OLDE GAY FAIRE

Saturday, June 1 | 12-2 pm | 7410 N Chicago Ave

We’re bringin’ some tunes to Ye Olde Gay Faire at Wonderwood Springs. The Faire is from 10am-4pm at Wonderwood Springs with over 30 queer vendors, face painting, a unicorn visit and SO much more including an awesome set with Juliet & The East + Jack10. Entry is free!

FIRST THURSDAY AT KEEN GARAGE

Thursday, June 6 | 6-8 pm | 505 NW 13th Ave

Don’t miss The Gold Experience at the KEEN Garage during First Thursday in the Pearl. We’ll also be giving away free GA 1-Day tickets for every pair of shoes purchased at the KEEN Garage that evening!

SUMMER DECK CONCERT AT KNOT SPRINGS

Wednesday, June 12 | 6-8 pm | 33 NE 3rd Ave

In partnership with our friends at Knot Springs featuring Lilla, this free community concert will be held on the lovely outdoor deck of Knot Springs and The Yard (rain or shine).

JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY CONCERT

Wednesday, June 19 | 5-7 pm | 8371 N Interstate Ave

In partnership with our friends at Oregon Contemporary and Friends of Noise featuring LaRhonda Steele + Zyanna, this free community concert will be held in Oregon Contemporary’s beautiful outdoor courtyard (rain or shine).

WBF AT THE PORTLAND TIMBERS

Saturday, June 22 | 5:30-7 pm | Providence Park

The Blues Fest will be partying with the fans at the Portland Timbers Game on Saturday, June 22. Catch LaRhonda & Steele Band outside the stadium before the game. Get tickets for the game, or just pop outside of Providence Park for free and bring your dancin’ shoes!

WBF PRESENTS: THE BLUES BROTHERS AT HOLLYWOOD THEATRE

Saturday, June 29 | Q&A: 5:45 pm, Film: 6 pm | 4122 NE Sandy Blvd

The Waterfront Blues Festival presents a special screening of The Blues Brothers with a Q&A session with special guest Curtis Salgado, the inspiration for the movie! Get your tickets at hollywoodtheatre.org.