15 Blues Music Festival Events In Wisconsin - 2023
If you are looking for a list of 2023 Blues Festivals and Concerts in Wisconsin, you've come to the right place.
Do you love singing the blues?
If so, prepare to visit Wisconsin and attend some of the best blues artists!
How did the blues get started?
Originally from the Deep South, blues is a genre of music and a musical form. A simple narrative ballad, blues was often a rhymed version of a spiritual, a work song, a field holler, a shout, a chant, or a chant that rhymed a straightforward narrative.
Blue represents what in music?
Melancholy or depression is often associated with “blue” or “having the blues.”
Early blues music (when it was more connected to slavery’s memories) often reflects sadness and sorrow.
What is the origin of blues music?
Plantations in the South were the birthplace of the blues. Sharecroppers working cotton and vegetable fields were its inventors – African-Americans who sang as they worked.
An intense beat and simple chord structure characterize rhythm and blues elements from days past in popular blues music today.
The followings are the dates, full schedule and lineup for these blues bands' events.
March 26, 2023
Reverend Raven @ Smiling Moose Saloon & Grill
Smiling Moose Saloon & Grill, Newton, WI | 3:30 p.m.
March 25, 2023
BBQ & Blues presented by Bulleit® Bourbon / Music by Colin Loman
Motor Bar/Harley-Davidson Museum, Menomonee River Valley, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
Take in a live performance from a rotating lineup of blues musicians, plus all-you-can-eat, hickory-smoked BBQ chicken, pulled pork, smoked brisket and grilled sausage links.
In addition to all the smokin’ BBQ and tasty Bulleit Cocktails, MOTOR™ will sizzle with the best in authentic American blues music from nationally known musicians from 5:30–8:30 p.m. – with no cover charge!
March 31, 2023
The 10th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival
EVENT DETAILS
The Miller High Life Theatre is showcasing a star-studded lineup of world-class Blues artists at the 10th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival, featuring Tucka, Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, King George, Chick Rodgers, and J-WONN.
May 19, 2023
The Blind Horse Blues & Wine Festival
6018 Superior Ave., Kohler, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
Kick-off Patio Season 2023 with us as we bring you our second Annual Blues & Wine Fest! A weekend of top-notch blues music, themed food, fantastic wine, cocktails and outdoor fun awaits you.
Here’s the lineup of talented blues musicians:
- Friday, May 19 | 5:00 | Mama Ginger & The RedHots
- Saturday, May 20 | 12:00 | The Blues Disciples
- Saturday, May 20 | 5:00 | Tommy Odetto Blues Band
- Sunday, May 21 | 1:00 | Robert Allen Jr. Blues Band
June 23 & 24, 2023
Blues, Brews and Food Truck Festival
New Glarus Village Park, New Glarus, WI,
EVENT DETAILS
Join us for the New Glarus Blues, Brews & Food Truck Festival!
Featuring great blues bands on stage, with music between acts. Bring a chair, spread a blanket, sip some local beer, and enjoy a wide array of flavors from local food trucks while you relax and enjoy the music!
Free admission. Food and beer are available for purchase.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 – Saturday, July 8, 2023
Summerfest 2023
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
The giant music festival in Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan Summerfest is the biggest annual music celebration in Milwaukee, WI, that features more than 800 musical acts and 1000 performances on 11 stages for 11 days. This giant festival, held since 1968, attracts the music industry’s biggest stars in electronic, rock, hip hop, jazz, pop, Americana, bluegrass, blues, R&B, reggae, zydeco, and other musical genres.
SUMMERFEST 2023 LINEUP
Summerfest takes place over three consecutive weekends (Thursday-Saturday) from Noon to midnight, June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8, 2023. During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 12 stages, delectable food and beverages, and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting. As the artists are announced, the list of the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent, and local favorites to the 2023 Summerfest Lineup will be updated.
July 27, 2023
Maple Road Blues Band
Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center, West Bend, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
Join us under the tent for an evening of high-energy rockin’ blues!
July 22, 2023
Bryan Lee Memorial Blues Festival
Main Street, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
Join us in downtown Two Rivers on July 22, 2023, for a tribute to Bryan Lee, the Braille Blues Daddy. Born in Two Rivers in 1943, Bryan’s music career took him to New Orleans in the ’80s, where he performed until his passing in 2020.
Scheduled to perform:
Brandon Santini – Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy – Matthew Curry ~ Lil’ Davy Max – Bryan Lee Express
July 28, 2023
Prairie Dog Blues Festival
Historic St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
The Prairie Dog Blues Festival is held annually on historic St. Feriole Island, right on the Mississippi River and nestled between jagged cliffs and green hills untouched by the Ice Age!
Blues and Roots music from Chicago Blues to West Coast Jump, hard-driving Mississippi Hill Country Blues, New Orleans horns and Texas Boogie, Zydeco, Gospel, and Blues Rock – We’ve got it all!
August 3-5, 2023
Blues on the Chippewa (formerly the Northwoods Blues Festival)
EVENT DETAILS
Promoting Positive Change Through the Power of Music.
As always, Blues on the Chippewa is an event that is FREE to attend. Please consider donating throughout the weekend, as part of our mission is to help those who help others in the area.
They’ve previously supported the Durand Area Food Pantry, Brent Titus Music For Children Program, Pepin County Humane Society, seniors citizens programs, Durand Women’s Club ‘Fill a Backpack Program,’ and the Pepin County Historical Society.
Each year, the first weekend in August, numerous musicians and music lovers from all over the country gather in Durand, WI. Add it to your calendar, and plan on joining us for a great weekend of music!
August 11 & 12, 2023
Waukesha Bluesfest
Naga-Waukee Park, Delafield, WI
EVENT DETAILS
This American Music and Art Festival features 14 national, regional and local blues-based acts over two days with an Art Show, food from local restaurants and a wide variety of beverages for all tastes.
August 18 & 19, 2023
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
EVENT DETAILS
Wisconsin’s longest-running Blues Fest is back! Located on Fern Island in Wausau, Wisconsin, this venue is one of a kind. We can’t wait to host everyone while listening to some of our favorite Blues artists! It’s tradition!
September 15 & 16, 2023
BEST “DAM” BLUES FEST 2023
Theisenville Villiage Park, Theisenville, Wisconsin
EVENT DETAILS
A volunteer-run festival where 100% of proceeds go to charities – our event will benefit:
- Thiensville Village Park Re-Imagined
- Thiensville Fire Department
- Wisconsin Blues Hall of Fame
- Thiensville Business Association
October 7 & 8, 2023
Chain O Lakes Blues Festival
Indian Crossing Casino, Waupaca, WI
EVENT DETAILS
This fall, the Indian Crossing Casino’s history will come to life at the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival, scheduled for October 7th and 8th in central Wisconsin.
I am happy to add your Wisconsin Blues Festival Event.
If there are smaller events I should have noticed for 2023, please let me know in the comments.
I would love to hear if you also found this article helpful in planning your summer music trips.
Additionally, while researching for this article, I found another website with a comprehensive festival list for Wisconsin and other states.
Use it to plan additional stops as you wind around the state.
Please check it out HERE.
Have a fun summer and a great time singing the blues!
See you next year when I round up the 2024 Wisconsin Blues Festivals.
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
