Winter Blues Fest: Des Moines' Premier Indoor Blues Celebration

Since 1994, Winter Blues Fest has evolved from a small one-night showcase of local and regional blues talent into a premier two-night celebration of blues heritage. The festival showcases the vibrancy and depth of the blues music scene, featuring performing artists from across the United States.

Held annually in February, Winter Blues Fest utilizes the Embassy Suites Downtown Des Moines Marriott as a multi-venue festival hub. The indoor setting provides a distinctive festival experience—attendees move between five performance stages arranged throughout the hotel's ballrooms, creating an intimate yet comprehensive blues experience protected from Iowa's winter weather.

The festival's 2026 edition features diverse performers representing different blues traditions and regional styles. Friday night programming includes Kevin Burt, Paul Mayasich, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, GA-20, Brandon Santini, and Chris Cain across venues like the Dubuque Room and Des Moines Room. Saturday continues with artists including Weary Ramblers, The Other Brothers, Nikki Hill, Delta Generators, Memphis Rhythm Revue, and many others.

The festival's design emphasizes accessibility and comfort. All stages feature table-and-chair seating with dance floors, full-service dining, and concessions available throughout the venue. This format encourages attendees to discover artists they might not seek out otherwise, creating serendipitous musical encounters and supporting the festival's mission of celebrating blues music diversity.

Central Iowa Blues Society (CIBS), the festival organizer, is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to promoting blues music in Iowa. Beyond Winter Blues Fest, CIBS operates educational programs, maintains the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame recognizing significant contributors to Iowa's blues heritage, and runs the Blues Angels memorial tribute program. Winter Blues Fest represents the organization's commitment to keeping blues music alive and accessible.