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…