Festival Happenings

On the Grounds

FIREWORKS

Celebrate the Fourth of July with us and downtown Portland’s only large-scale fireworks display! We’re thrilled to return to our annual tradition of a sensational fireworks display over the mighty waters of the Willamette River. Set to a soundtrack of classic blues, soul and funk this is a Fourth of July celebration you won’t wanna miss!

WELLNESS ON THE WATERFRONT WITH KNOT SPRINGS

New this year! We’re excited to offer Wellness On The Waterfront in partnership with our friends at Knot Springs, Portland’s wellness social club centered on health and good times. Wellness On The Waterfront will offer daily morning wellness classes at the Front Porch Stage. All classes are $12 per person and start at 9:30 am (60 min).

Saturday, July 1 – Cardio Dance

Cardio Dance gives you an opportunity to connect with your body, move with your breath and raise your heart rate. Start with mindful warm-ups and evolve to choreographed movement matched with song. Throughout this guided class, you will feel empowered to move in ways that feel powerful to you. No previous dance experience needed; simply bring a pair of shoes you can move in.

Sunday, July 2 – Slow + Strong Yoga

Slow and Strong Yoga is a slow-paced class that focuses on internal awareness and alignment. This class is excellent for those beginning a yoga practice or looking to refine their intentional movement.

Monday, July 3 – Meditation + Movement

This class begins with 45 minutes of mindful movement and ends with a 15-minute guided meditation that is meant to guide students to an awareness of self. This slower-paced guidance will provide grounding and clarity.

Tuesday, July 4 – Flow Yoga

This class that connects breath to movement through flow-based sequencing. Flow Yoga builds body awareness and strength for students looking for faster-paced yoga. All levels welcome!

MUSIC EXPERIENCES

As if four stages over four days with 100+ acts wasn’t enough – we’ve got even MORE musical stylings at the festival. From a harmonica blowoff to intimate workshops there’s so much to explore!

Journey to Memphis Finals | From Blues Fest to Beale Street! Have you ever wanted to play at the Blues Fest? Does your favorite local blues band deserve a spot in the bright lights? Since 1999, the Cascade Blues Association has been hosting a contest, Journey to Memphis, to send local acts to represent our region at The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Applications are open through May 19, with the semi-finals hosted in June and the finals hosted on July 4 on the Festival’s Front Porch Stage. And if winning isn’t exciting enough, the Waterfront Blues Festival always commits to booking the Journey to Memphis winning acts to play on the main stages at the following year’s festival. Visit the Cascade Blues Association for more info and details on how to apply
Kim Field’s Harmonica Blowoff | Internationally known harmonica ace Kim Field returns to the Waterfront Blues Festival as the host of the annual Harmonica Blowoff. Field has assembled an all-star bill of harmonica wizards, including Hank Shreve, RJ Mischo, and Joel Astley, all backed up by Field’s world-class band, the Perfect Gentlemen.
Crossroads Conversations | Stay tuned for our schedule of special conversations with the movers and shakers in the music industry.
Friends of Noise Showcase | Friends of Noise (FoN) is a non-profit arts organization built on the values of collectivism and restorative justice. FoN seeks to transform the culture of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth access to the music industry, by hosting all-ages concerts throughout Portland, providing professional development for teen sound engineers, and empowering youth to advocate for themselves. FoN is proud to present some truly gifted all-ages talent at this year’s Waterfront Blues Festival, with performances and stage crew support at the Crossroads Stage

DANCING

We know y’all like to shake what your momma gave you and we are here for it! Whether you’re an all-star boogier or new to the dance floor – we can’t wait to get down with you at the fest. Each year the Front Porch Stage hosts a variety of dance lessons from West Coast Swing to Zydeco, and everything in between. Rather sit back and watch the professionals? We are happy to host the Portland Blues Experience dance prelims too! Check back here closer to the fest for the full schedule!

MARKETPLACE

Forgot your sunglasses? Need a hat (or some earrings made of guitar picks)? Wanna take home a little piece of Oregon? We’ve got you, friends! Check out all the awesome merchants that will be at this year’s festival.

FAMILY FUN AT THE PLAYIN’ GROUND

We love our Blues Fest families and this year we’ve got a whole new, super fun area for families to gather at the fest- The Playin’ Ground. In collaboration with our friends at Mike Bennett Studios and Bennett Buddies, The Playin’ Ground will feature new Bennett Buddies characters, music activities, art, face painting, kids dance lessons and more. Be sure to check back in mid-June for a full schedule of family fun activities at The Playin’ Ground!

And don’t forget, thanks to our friends at Buick GMC of Beaverton kids 12 and under get in free to the festival.

Blues Cruises

AHOY, BLUES FANS

Cruise the beautiful Willamette River and hear the sweet sounds of the blues on the decks of the Portland Spirit. Each Blues Cruise features three intimate stages and an all-star lineup. A full bar and food are available for purchase. Check out the lineups and set sail this summer!

Saturday, July 1 | Rock the Boat, A VIP Blues Fest Cares Cruise benefiting Meals on Wheels People with Kevin Selfe & Karen Lovely • The BrassRoots Movement • Ms. Vee
Sunday, July 2 | Sail on Sister, A Blues Fest Cares Cruise, benefiting The JWF Musician Health & Services Program with Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues • Carly Harvey • Mary Flower & Adam Scramstad
Monday, July 3 | Bayou Blues Cruise with CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band • Delgres • The Bayou Boyz with Lloyd Jones
Tuesday, July 4 | Rollin’ on the River Cruise with The Nth Power • Johnny Rawls with Ben Rice Band • RJ Mischo & Franck Goldwasser

FOOD + DRINK

Stay hungry and come thirsty blues fans! The festival has LOTS of delicious bites and beverages from Portland’s world famous culinary community —with options for every eater (Omnivores! Vegans! Gluten Free!) and drinker (beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic).

The festival offers an incredible lineup of craft beverages from award-winning beers to the world-famous wines of the Willamette Valley, to (new this year!) hand-crafted cocktails and artisanal lemonade. Here’s just a few of the brands you’ll find at the fest: 10 Barrel Brewing, Widmer Brewing, Union Wine Company, Milagro Tequila, Bud Light Seltzer, Stella Artois, Dobbes Family Estate, Square Mile Cider, and available to our VIP tickets holders, Reyka Vodka, and Hendrick’s Gin.

And whether you’re starving or just looking for a snack, we’ve go an awesome array of food options at the festival. Click here for a full lineup of this year’s food vendors.

AROUND TOWN

COMMUNITY CONCERTS + EVENTS

COMMUNITY CONCERT

Wednesday, June 7 | 5-7 pm | 8371 N Interstate Ave

In partnership with our friends at Oregon Contemporary and Friends of Noise featuring The Gold Experience with Saeeda Wright + Della Simone, this free community concert will be held in Oregon Contemporary’s beautiful outdoor courtyard (rain or shine).

A special thanks to the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust for their support.

KNOT SPRINGS CONCERT

Wednesday, June 14 | 6-8 pm | 33 NE 3rd Ave

In partnership with our friends at Knot Springs and The Yard featuring Outer Orbit, this free community concert will be held on the lovely outdoor deck of Knot Springs and The Yard (rain or shine).

COMMUNITY CONCERT

Wednesday, June 21 | 5-7 pm | 8371 N Interstate Ave

In partnership with our friends at Oregon Contemporary and Friends of Noise featuring Norman Sylvester Band with Lenanne Sylvester + Earl Gracious Band, this free community concert will be held in Oregon Contemporary’s beautiful outdoor courtyard (rain or shine).

A special thanks to the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust for their support.

WBF AT THE HILLSBORO HOPS

Saturday, June 24 | 6:45 pm | Ron Tonkin Stadium

Don’t miss Blue Fest legend Rae Gordon belting out the National Anthem at the Hops game. We’ll also be giving away free tickets to the Blues Fest at the game! Get tickets here.

WBF x NICO’S CANTINA POP UP FOR SUNDAY PARKWAYS

Sunday, June 25 | 1:30 – 3:30 pm | 4138 NE Cully Blvd

As part of the festivies for the Cully Neighborhood Sunday Parkways ride, we’re teaming up with our friends at Nico’s Cantina for all of your post-ride fun, featuring LaRhonda & the Steele Family Band. Music, tacos, ice cream- what more could you want?!

WBF NIGHT AT THE PORTLAND PICKLES

Sunday, June 25 | 6:05 pm | Walker Stadium

Don’t miss Blue Fest legend LaRhonda Steele belting out the National Anthem at the Pickles game (and be welcomed at the gates with The BrassRoots Movement!). We’ll also be giving away free tickets to the Blues Fest at the game! Get tickets here.

Official LATE NIGHT SHOWS

The music plays on after the fest gates close at our Official Late Night Shows! Bonus: all 4-day passholders get $5 off day-of door tickets to Late Night Shows – just show your wristband at the door. Advance ticket purchases recommended to guarantee your spot. All shows and ticketing are managed directly by the venue.