2026 | Blue Looks Good on YOU
- John-Michael Scurio
- May 23
- 3 min read
From May 28 - May 31, 2026, The Eureka Springs Blues Party showcases some of the best blues music this side of Beale Street.
Blues festival weekends are not uncommon to Eureka Springs as many locals will tell you. The stories about the times when the streets and venues were akin to the sounds that one might hear in the French Quarter in New Orleans or back on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee and just like in years past, the Eureka Springs Blues Party features an impressive lineup of musicians.
Over the years, our stages have welcomed a remarkable lineup of artists, each leaving their mark on the city’s musical story. From the groundbreaking guitar riffs of Bo Diddley to the soul-stirring vocals of Mavis Staples, our town has been privileged to experience performances that resonate through time. Shemekia Copeland, with her powerhouse voice, and the Blind Boys of Alabama, with their harmonious gospel-infused harmonies are among the many highlights that continue to resonate with audiences.
The legacy also includes Koko Taylor, whose energy lit up the stage, and Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers, known for their blues-rock fusion. Keb’ Mo’s modern take on traditional blues, Tab Benoit’s gritty, bayou-inspired sound, and Samantha Fish’s fiery guitar work and powerhouse vocals have made her a standout in the contemporary blues scene.
Other legends who have left an indelible mark on Eureka Springs include Charles Thomas, Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, John Hammond, Coco Montoya, the Cate Brothers, Robert Cray, Luther Allison, Victor Wainwright, and Bobby “Blue” Bland.
“We are thrilled to bring the blues to Eureka Springs year after year after year!"
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of blues with powerhouse performances at the Eureka Springs Blues Party 2026! This year Eureka welcomes Orianthi, an acclaimed guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She brings blazing skill and soulful style to every performance. Known for her work with artists like Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, and Alice Cooper, she combines blues, rock, and pop influences into a sound that’s both powerful and melodic. With commanding vocals and unmatched stage energy, Orianthi continues to inspire audiences worldwide as one of the most dynamic performers in modern blues rock.
Born and raised in Memphis, Eric Gales picked up a guitar at age four, learned to play it upside down and left-handed, and never looked back. A child prodigy who signed to Elektra Records at 15 and dropped his debut album at 16, he was hailed by Guitar World as Best New Talent and has spent the decades since building a reputation as one of the most electrifying blues-rock guitarists alive, drawing comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and earning praise from Joe Bonamassa, Dave Navarro, and Mark Tremonti. With over 19 albums, a Grammy nomination, a Blues Music Award for Artist of the Year, and a prominent role on the soundtrack of Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-nominated film Sinners, Gales has proven that raw talent plus hard-won resilience is a combination that never gets old.
Dumpstaphunk brings a high-energy New Orleans funk show that’s built for people who want to move. Expect tight grooves, big brass, and a mix of funk, rock, and R&B that stays lively from start to finish. It’s the kind of band that feeds off the crowd, stretches songs out, and keeps the room buzzing. It'll feel like you're in the Big Easy.
Get ready! Eureka Springs is about to explode with blues, funk and jazz. Come for the music, but stay for what happens when the hills start humming back. The Eureka Springs Blues Party is not just another festival weekend. It is four days when Blues, Rock, and Funk pour through the streets, the stages, the porches, the ballrooms, and the sacred hollows of this old Ozark town until every visitor becomes part of the rhythm. This is where legendary names, rising voices, downtown energy, late-night jams, surprises, and the unmistakable spirit of Eureka Springs all meet in one unforgettable beginning-of-summer celebration. Buy the ticket, pack the comfortable shoes, bring your favorite people, and let the Ozarks decide the rest.
Some weekends entertain you.
This one stays with you long after.❤️
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
