Southern Avenue

Established in 1984, Chicago Blues Festival—the largest free Blues festival in the world—returns June 6-9 to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Part of Millennium Park’s 20 th Anniversary Season, three stages will be set up across the Park to welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances. Back by popular demand, the festival elevates its food options with a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience called “Wally’s BBQ Pit” in the North Promenade Tent of the Park with delicious BBQ fare and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality. In between Blues sets, guests can stop to enjoy their BBQ, cornbread and drinks on picnic tables alongside whiskey barrels and smokers. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Chicago Blues Festival is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Chicago Transit Authority, Rosa's Lounge, 90.9FM WDCB, Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment and Millennium Garages.