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large crowd enjoying a summer music festival in Waterfront Park with the Hawthorne Bridge over the Willamette River full of boats in the background large crowd enjoying a summer music festival in Waterfront Park with the Hawthorne Bridge over the Willamette River full of boats in the background

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Music for the community since 1988.

Editor's Pick
1 min read Downtown
Editor's Pick
Downtown
When
July 1–4, 2023
Daily
Cost: Cost Varies
Where
98 SW Naito Pkwy
Portland, OR 97204

2022 marks the 35th anniversary of the Waterfront Blues Festival and a jubilant return to downtown Portland. Founded in 1988, this Independence Day celebration has welcomed over 2,000 artists, including Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Plant, Mavis Staples and Trombone Shorty, garnering international acclaim and raising over $10 million dollars to fight hunger with Oregon Food Bank. 

The festival is also an unparalleled showcase for Portland’s local music community and features local legends like Curtis Salgado, Liv Warfield and Norman Sylvester. Over the course of four days and four stages, the festival features a dynamic lineup of 100+ blues, soul, funk and R&B artists, as well as some of Portland’s favorite food trucks, wineries, breweries and more. 

Held in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, with views of Portland’s famous bridges and riverfront, the festival is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend. With family-friendly activities, sunny skies, the world-famous Zydeco dance floor and fireworks over the Willamette River, The Waterfront Blues Festival is not to be missed.

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