Austin’s got the blues, but this weekend, that’s something worth celebrating! The Eastside Kings Festival returns October 17–18, bringing the sounds of blues, jazz and gospel music to life while celebrating the Black musicians who helped shape Austin’s legendary music scene.
The festival celebrates the musical traditions of Austin legends like T.D. Bell and Blues Boy Hubbard, whose influence helped create the city’s distinctive blues sound.
Eddie Stout, Eastside Kings Foundation board member, joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share the festival’s history, its impact on local musicians and what attendees can expect this weekend.
Eddie Stout, Eastside Kings Foundation board member, joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share the festival’s history, its impact on local musicians and what attendees can expect this weekend.
Watch the full video above to learn more about Eastside Kings Festival!
Keeping the Austin sound alive
Austin’s East 12th Street holds a special place in the city’s musical history.
The festival aims to preserve that musical legacy while introducing new audiences to the artists keeping it alive.
Eddie recalled discovering the blues at neighborhood venues like East Side Lounge and Chester’s, where music once poured through open doors and filled the streets.
The festival aims to preserve that musical legacy while introducing new audiences to the artists keeping it alive.
Giving local musicians a global stage
Eastside Kings Festival brings together Austin musicians and touring artists from across the United States and around the world.
But the celebration is about more than a weekend of performances.
Celebrate Austin’s musical roots, discover talented artists and experience the sounds that helped make the city the Live Music Capital of the World.
Through grants, sponsorships and international connections, the Eastside Kings Foundation helps local artists gain exposure and pursue opportunities beyond Austin.
Eddie shared that festival promoters and journalists attend the event, helping musicians connect with new audiences. Last year, the organization even brought approximately 20 people to Switzerland for performances.
A weekend of music and community
For Eddie, one of the best parts of the festival is seeing musicians come together.
Eddie shared that festival promoters and journalists attend the event, helping musicians connect with new audiences. Last year, the organization even brought approximately 20 people to Switzerland for performances.
Attendees can look forward to performances from local and visiting artists, along with a Saturday night jam session at The King Bee.
The festival celebrates the musical traditions of Austin legends like T.D. Bell and Blues Boy Hubbard, whose influence helped create the city’s distinctive blues sound.
Eastside Kings Festival brings together Austin musicians and touring artists from across the United States and around the world.
“It’s just the camaraderie,” Eddie shared, describing the relaxed atmosphere and the joy of watching musicians play together.
Experience Eastside Kings Festival
October 17–18, 2026
Celebrate Austin’s musical roots, discover talented artists and experience the sounds that helped make the city the Live Music Capital of the World.
For festival details and more information, visit EastsideKingsFest.com.
For festival details and more information, visit EastsideKingsFest.com.