Blues fans across Florida and beyond are getting ready for one of the biggest waterfront music events of the year as the Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2026 returns to Vinoy Waterfront Park in St. Petersburg from April 10–12, 2026. The festival’s official kickoff party is also set for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival continues to hold its place as one of the most respected blues festivals in the country. Festival organizers describe it as “America’s finest waterfront blues festival,” and the event is recognized as a winner of the International Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” award. It’s the kind of destination event that draws music lovers from across the Suncoast and beyond — not unlike the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival that just wrapped up this spring.

2026 Lineup

This year’s star-packed lineup includes some of the biggest names in blues and roots music:

Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band
Jimmie Vaughan
Tab Benoit
Los Lobos
Samantha Fish
Charlie Musselwhite with GA-20
Tommy Castro
Jackie Venson
Nikki Hill
Vanessa Collier
Toronzo Cannon
Darrell Nulisch
Jontavious Willis
Yates McKendree

The official artist schedule is posted at tampabaybluesfest.com. Blues fans will recognize Kenny Wayne Shepherd from his acclaimed performance at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall — seeing him in this waterfront setting is going to be something else.

Daily Schedule

Friday, April 10, 2026

Yates McKendree
Jackie Venson
Tommy Castro
Los Lobos
Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Jontavious Willis Band
Nikki Hill
Charlie Musselwhite & GA-20
Jimmie Vaughan
Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Darrell Nulisch
Vanessa Collier
Toronzo Cannon
Samantha Fish
Tab Benoit

Kickoff Party — Thursday, April 9

The festival weekend begins with a Kick Off Party on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at The Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, featuring Jackie Venson and GA-20. It’s a great way to ease into the weekend before the main festival grounds open.

St. Petersburg has become a go-to destination for live music events — the St. Petersburg BayFest just wrapped up at North Straub Park, and Vinoy Waterfront Park continues that tradition beautifully.

VIP Experience

Set along the tropical waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, the festival offers much more than music. Guests can expect great food vendors, full liquor bars, craft beers, wines, and a high-end VIP experience. VIP guests receive benefits that include:

Front-stage seating
Waterfront shade tents
Complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water
Festival food
Private air-conditioned restrooms

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets are on sale now at tampabaybluesfest.com. Current pricing includes:

Single-day general admission: $75 (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)
Three-day pass: $180
Single-day VIP pass: $350
Three-day Blues Club VIP pass: $800
Children under 12: Free with an adult attendee

A Festival That Gives Back

The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is produced by the Tampa Bay Blues Foundation, Inc., and proceeds benefit PARC Center for Disabilities, giving music fans a chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying a world-class weekend of entertainment.

For Suncoast music lovers looking for an unforgettable spring road trip, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival offers just about everything you could want — legendary performers, a beautiful bayfront location, great food and drinks, and three full days of outstanding live music in one of Florida’s most scenic festival settings.

For tickets, VIP packages, lineup details, and festival information, visit the official Tampa Bay Blues Festival website.

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