Bay Area blues fans have been counting down the days.

And now the time has finally come for the San Jose Blues and Brews Festival, which takes over Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose June 27 and 28. On both of those days, from noon to 8 p.m., the Plaza will be absolutely alive with quality blues music from headliners Eric Gales, Ronnie Baker Brooks and others.

There will also be plenty of craft beer and other drinks, as well as barbecue and other treats, for sale.

San Jose Fountain Blues and Brews tickets are $30-$200, fountainblues.com.

Here’s are just five of the many acts worth catching at this year’s festival:

Eric Gales

The Saturday headliner is one of the many excellent artists who have benefited from all the attention paid to “Sinners,” the hit film that was drenched equally with blood and blues. The top-tier guitar hero contributed to the movie’s soundtrack and even performed during this year’s Academy Awards, where the Ryan Coogler-directed film took home four trophies.

Details: (6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage)

Ronnie Baker Brooks

The Chicago talent is the son of Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks and learned his licks from such legends as B.B. King, Albert Collins, Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor while growing up. The Sunday headliner’s latest album is the appropriately titled “Blues in My DNA,” which propelled the vocalist-guitarist to victories in the Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year and Song of the Year categories at the 2025 Blues Music Awards.

Details: 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage

Ruthie Foster

This phenomenal vocalist has been compared to the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Yet, she’s definitely got her own vocal style and presence, one that draws from gospel, folk, soul and blues. Over the years, she’s been nominated for five Grammy Awards — finally getting to take one home with her when “Mileage” won the 2025 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Details: 2-3:15 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage

Blues Explosion

This showcase, presented by JaZzLine Institute, features a number of talented artists from the Bay Area and beyond — The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Fillmore Slim, Lady Bianca and Alvon Johnson.

Details: 12-1:15 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage

Southern Avenue

The Grammy-nominated band features vocalist Tierinii Jackson, drummer Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson and multi-instrumentalist Ava Jackson — three sisters who grew up signing gospel music in Memphis churches — as well as guitarist Ori Naftaly. Tierinii Jackson was also featured on the “Sinners” soundtrack.

Details: 4-5:15 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage

Road Closures:

The following festival-related street closures will be in effect from 1 p.m. June 26 to 8 a.m. June 29:

1) Southbound Market Street will be closed between San Fernando Street and Park Avenue.

2) Northbound Market St. Lane – One traffic lane will be closed between San Fernando Street and Paseo de San Antonio.