The **Austin Blues Festival** is set to electrify Austin, Texas in 2026, celebrating the rich tapestry of blues music with a stellar lineup. Scheduled for April 25-26 at the renowned Moody Amphitheater, this marks the festival’s fifth annual event. Organizers revealed the exciting **Austin Blues Festival** lineup on December 3, 2025, promising a weekend dedicated to honoring Austin’s deep musical heritage and showcasing a diverse array of blues artists and related genres.
Honoring a Legacy of Blues at the Austin Blues Festival
The **Austin Blues Festival** has deep roots in the city’s music scene. Its origins trace back to 1999 when Clifford Antone founded the first Antone’s Blues Festival at Waterloo Park. Antone’s vision was to showcase his favorite blues artists, and legends like Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles graced its stages. Though the festival ran for three years, Antone’s Nightclub, a long-standing cornerstone of Austin blues music, now proudly revives this tradition, hosting the **Austin Blues Festival**. This revival brings blues music back to Waterloo Park, offering a new generation access to incredible performances and continuing the celebration of Austin blues music.
The 2026 Austin Blues Festival Lineup Revealed
This year’s **Austin Blues Festival** promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a diverse range of acclaimed musicians. Headlining are funk and psychedelic rock pioneers Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton, leading their iconic collective. BADBADNOTGOOD will also perform, bringing their unique sound that blends jazz and hip-hop for a fresh vibe. Adrian Quesada, a Grammy nominee known for his work with Black Pumas and his project Adrian Quesada’s Boleros Psicodélicos, is set to play. Guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson, a Texas native celebrated for his instrumental prowess, is also on the bill. Larkin Poe will bring their dynamic blues-rock sound, and The War and Treaty will take the stage with their powerful fusion of soul, gospel, country, and blues. Emerging artist D.K. Harrell, dedicated to preserving traditional blues, is another featured performer, rounding out a spectacular **Austin Blues Festival lineup**.
Additional Performances and Local Flavor at the Austin Blues Festival
The **Austin Blues Festival lineup** extends beyond these headliners. The festival will also feature the Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles, offering a unique blend of genres. Chaparelle and Annie & The Caldwells are also exciting additions. The Huston-Tillotson Jazz Orchestra will add a local touch, and second-line parades by Pinettes Brass Band & New Breed Brass Band will inject a New Orleans flair. More artists are expected to be announced, ensuring a rich and varied musical program for the **Austin Blues Festival**. The festival aims to celebrate Austin’s eclectic sound, honoring blues as a foundational genre while embracing modern musical innovations.
The Venue and Community Impact of the Austin Blues Festival
Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park provides a stunning backdrop for the **Austin Blues Festival**. This venue, which opened in 2021, is designed to blend seamlessly with the park’s natural beauty and can host up to 5,000 people, offering an intimate yet grand setting. A portion of the **Austin Blues Festival** proceeds benefits the park through the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, supporting local green spaces and enhancing Austin’s cultural offerings. This festival is a key event, contributing significantly to Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World.
Understanding the Artists’ Roots at the Austin Blues Festival
The artists performing at the **Austin Blues Festival** bring a wealth of talent and history. Parliament Funkadelic, led by George Clinton, are legendary pioneers of P-Funk, blending funk, soul, and psychedelia with undeniable influence. BADBADNOTGOOD offers a modern twist with their instrumental hip-hop and jazz. Adrian Quesada is a force in Austin’s music scene, with his work earning Grammy nods. Eric Johnson, hailing from Austin, Texas, is renowned for his guitar playing spanning rock and blues. Larkin Poe are celebrated modern blues-rock artists, known for their energetic performances. The War and Treaty bring a powerful, soulful, and genre-bending sound. D.K. Harrell is dedicated to preserving traditional blues, honoring legends like B.B. King and representing the future of the genre at the **Austin Blues Festival**.
Building on Austin Blues Festival History
The **Austin Blues Festival** boasts a rich history, revived in 2023 to build upon the legacy of Clifford Antone, the founder of the iconic Antone’s Nightclub, a cornerstone of Austin blues music for 50 years. This festival serves as a vital tribute, connecting past, present, and future blues enthusiasts. Will Bridges, co-owner of Antone’s, expressed excitement for the 2026 programming, noting its reflection of music’s depth and diversity. Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unforgettable musical experience the **Austin Blues Festival** aims to deliver as a powerful and joyful celebration of Austin’s unique spirit.
Tickets and Future Announcements for the Austin Blues Festival
Two-day tickets for the **Austin Blues Festival** go on sale December 5th at 10 am CT via the official website, austinbluesfestival.com. Upgrade options are available, including access to a private lounge and rooftop terrace, with garage parking also offered. Details about single-day tickets for this premier Texas music festival will be announced soon. Music lovers can anticipate more artist announcements for the **Austin Blues Festival**, which promises a weekend of exceptional performances and a celebration of the enduring spirit of blues music. This essential event showcases incredible music and supports local culture.
