Sposato, Nicholas | City of Chicago
Sposato, Nicholas | City of Chicago
The City of Chicago, together with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), has revealed the lineup for the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival, happening from June 5 to June 8. The event, now in its 41st year, is regarded as the largest free blues festival worldwide. It showcases both local and international blues musicians, featuring renowned artists such as Mavis Staples, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, and Bobby Rush.
Mayor Brandon Johnson underlined the festival's significance, stating, "The Blues Festival is a true celebration of our city’s deep-rooted musical heritage. From Millennium Park to Maxwell Street, this festival honors the past, celebrates the present, and nurtures the future of Chicago blues."
The festival opens on June 5 with a special concert and discussions at the newly renovated Ramova Theatre. The opening day will include The Blues Sessions with a panel discussion moderated by Dick Shurman, and a double-bill concert featuring Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues alongside Bobby Rush. Attendance is free with an online RSVP starting May 6.
The main events will unfold at Millennium Park, and the festival will conclude with a blues showcase at Maxwell Street on June 8.
Additionally, DCASE introduces support and funding for blues venues across the city through the Citywide Blues Community Funding program, which promotes free blues performances in the week leading up to the festival.
The festival will feature a variety of food options, including “Wally’s BBQ Pit” serving blues-inspired barbecue cuisine.
The festival partners include 90.9fm WDCB, Chicago Jazz Publishing, and others. Full details and schedules are available on ChicagoBluesFestival.us. All events are free and open to the public.
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