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\u201312, 2026. The festival\u2019s official kickoff party is also set for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cAmerica\u2019s finest waterfront blues festival,\u201d and the event is recognized as a winner of the International Blues Foundation\u2019s \u201cKeeping the Blues Alive\u201d award. It\u2019s the kind of destination event that draws music lovers from across the Suncoast and beyond \u2014 not unlike the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival<\/a> that just wrapped up this spring.<\/p>\n 2026 Lineup<\/p>\n This year\u2019s star-packed lineup includes some of the biggest names in blues and roots music:<\/p>\n Kenny Wayne Shepherd The official artist schedule is posted at tampabaybluesfest.com<\/a>. Blues fans will recognize Kenny Wayne Shepherd from his acclaimed performance at Clearwater\u2019s Ruth Eckerd Hall<\/a> \u2014 seeing him in this waterfront setting is going to be something else.<\/p>\n Daily Schedule<\/p>\n Friday, April 10, 2026<\/p>\n Yates McKendree Saturday, April 11, 2026<\/p>\n Jontavious Willis Band Sunday, April 12, 2026<\/p>\n Darrell Nulisch Kickoff Party \u2014 Thursday, April 9<\/p>\n 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\u2019s a great way to ease into the weekend before the main festival grounds open.<\/p>\n St. Petersburg has become a go-to destination for live music events \u2014 the St. Petersburg BayFest<\/a> just wrapped up at North Straub Park, and Vinoy Waterfront Park continues that tradition beautifully.<\/p>\n VIP Experience<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Front-stage seating Tickets and Pricing<\/p>\n
\nTaj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band
\nJimmie Vaughan
\nTab Benoit
\nLos Lobos
\nSamantha Fish
\nCharlie Musselwhite with GA-20
\nTommy Castro
\nJackie Venson
\nNikki Hill
\nVanessa Collier
\nToronzo Cannon
\nDarrell Nulisch
\nJontavious Willis
\nYates McKendree<\/p>\n
\nJackie Venson
\nTommy Castro
\nLos Lobos
\nTaj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band<\/p>\n
\nNikki Hill
\nCharlie Musselwhite & GA-20
\nJimmie Vaughan
\nKenny Wayne Shepherd<\/p>\n
\nVanessa Collier
\nToronzo Cannon
\nSamantha Fish
\nTab Benoit<\/p>\n
\nWaterfront shade tents
\nComplimentary beer, wine, soda, and water
\nFestival food
\nPrivate air-conditioned restrooms<\/p>\n