America's Premier Blues Festival

The Waterfront Blues Festival stands as the largest and longest-running blues festival on the West Coast, held annually since 1988 along the Willamette River in Portland at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Spanning eight acres, the festival creates an iconic summer gathering for blues enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

2026 Lineup & Featured Artists

The 39th annual edition (July 2-4, 2026) features major touring acts including The Revivalists, an eight-piece rock 'n' roll ensemble whose hit "Wish I Knew You" reached double-platinum status on the Billboard Hot 100. The festival also welcomes Durand Jones & The Indications, a soul and funk ensemble formed at Indiana University that has toured Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Tank and The Bangas, the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winners from New Orleans and recent 2025 GRAMMY Award winners for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, bring their distinctive blend of poetry, rap, and melody. Additional featured artists include Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Hailu Mergia, and Glitterfox.

Venue & Experience

The festival transforms Tom McCall Waterfront Park into a multi-stage music venue with three dedicated performance areas. Beyond music, the event features food vendors, craft beverages, and local makers and artisans, creating a complete community festival atmosphere. The location along Portland's downtown waterfront has made this a beloved summer tradition, with proceeds supporting local food bank initiatives.

Community Impact & History

Since its founding in 1988, the Waterfront Blues Festival has maintained a commitment to accessibility and community benefit. Over nearly four decades, the festival has become a signature Portland event and a destination for blues fans across North America, combining world-class musicianship with local character and charitable impact.