Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2026 celebrates 30 year anniversary. Blues Festival Guide (BFG) caught up with president & founder of the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Charles “Chuck” W. Ross (CWR). This 30th anniversary is an amazing milestone. What makes this festival successful and popular? Let’s find out…
WHEN, WHERE
BFG: What are the dates of the 2026 Tampa Bay Blues Festival and what town is it held in? CWR: The festival begins on Friday, April 10 and continues on April 11 and 12, 2026.
It will be a fabulous weekend of music and fun on the waterfront, and we hope blues fans will join us from all around the world. The event begins on Thursday, April 9 with our Official Kick-Off Party at the historic Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The show begins at 7:30pm and features music from two exceptional bands – Jackie Venson and GA-20.
BFG: Who can fans expect to see this year? CWR: We are excited to present a stellar line up of blues and roots music to celebrate our 30th anniversary of the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. It will be a fabulous weekend of music and fun on the waterfront, and we hope blues fans will join us from all around the world. The three-day festival starts on April 10, 11 & 12, 2026 on the beautiful waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s in Vinoy Waterfront Park, with acres of grass, palm trees and open water views. The park was recently re-landscaped and is an amazing venue for live music. There’s just no other festival site quite like this tropical paradise on the shores of Tampa Bay!
LINEUP
The music lineup is one of our best ever! From noon until 10 pm each day, there’s a spectacular array of music: Friday: Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Los Lobos, Tommy Castro, Jackie Venson & Yates McKendree. Saturday: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jimmie Vaughan, Charlie Musslewhite and GA-20, Nikki Hill and Jontavious Willis Band. Sunday: Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Toronzo Cannon, Vanessa Collier and Darrell Nulisch.
BFG: We know that 2026 is your 30th anniversary for this festival Chuck. Congratulations, why and how did you start this festival? CWR: The festival started in 1995. I had operated a very popular blues club/restaurant in St. Petersburg, and when that sold, I started the festival. I had been booking great blues artists at the club: Little Milton, Delbert McClinton, Billy Preston, Dave Mason, Gatemouth Brown, Johnny Copeland, and more. So, it was a natural transition for me to keep presenting blues artists in a festival format. That’s when the Tampa Bay Blues Festival was born!
MORE
BFG: Besides the amazing line-up, what is the draw for folks to come to St. Petersburg? CWR: The event has grown, in part, because fans love spending time in sunny, vibrant St. Petersburg, Florida. The downtown area parallels Tampa Bay, and offers world class dining, nightlife, multiple museums and a friendly vibe, all within walking distance of Vinoy Park. Hotels are close by, and the 5-star Vinoy Hotel is situated right on the outskirts of the park. It’s incredibly convenient, and most folks just walk to everything or take the free downtown shuttle.
BFG: I see a lot of your festival fans commenting that Tampa Bay Blues Festival is super organized and well produced. Are you responsible for all of that? What does your team look like? CWR: The festival takes a lot of pride in its organization and planning. While Charles Ross oversees everything and handles contracts, marketing and financial responsibilities, it’s the long-term staff that gets the credit for organizational excellence. Diane Nicola oversees all production details, from hotel reservations to transportation and other details (too many to name), Traci Ross handles artist hospitality and backstage issues.
Our stage manager, Henry Smith (tour management for Led Zeppelin & The Yardbirds) oversees our stage set up, backline and sound matters, and keeps the entertainment on schedule. Phil Mitchell manages the infrastructure set up and tear down. These key personnel have been on board from the early days, so they have decades of hands-on experience. Things run smoothly because these key leaders know what is required and they get it done without much guidance. It’s a great feeling when you know you have expertise at every critical area.
AMENITIES
BFG: Besides a great line-up, what are some of the amenities that your festival has to offer. CWR: The festival also offers a variety of amenities in addition to the entertainment. It recruits excellent food vendors from all around the country, bringing tremendous food options like seafood, barbecue, Cuban cuisine, Mexican, Asian, Latin, Cajun, and classic American favorites. The quality and diversity of our food vendors sets us apart from most other music festivals – so plan to arrive with an appetite! The festival also features full liquor bars with mixed drinks, wines and multiple craft and domestic beers. It’s like a “mini city “within Vinoy Park, and you won’t have to leave to find great options at the venue.
BFG: What will the weather be like that time of year? CWR: Springtime in St. Petersburg is usually fabulous. It’s almost always sunny and warm, but not too hot. Many folks attend the festival to get away from the cold northern winters, and spend a while by the bay with dolphins, pelicans, sea breezes and the best blues music.
VIP
BFG: Please describe the VIP experience. CWR: TBBF also offers the best VIP EXPERIENCE for those seeking an enhanced festival alternative. It’s the most comfortable and generous VIP program anywhere. Benefits include front stage seating in padded chairs located directly in front of the stage with a custom sound mix, free unrestricted beers, wines and beverages, a complimentary meal at one of our 3 VIP restaurants, air-conditioned restrooms with attendants, huge backstage shade tents, with tables, chairs and fans, all located directly on the bay, champagne & mimosas on Sunday, private VIP entry and re-entry privileges, and hotel discounts while inventory lasts. Many out-of-town guests who travel to the festival enjoy these upgrades to make their trip unforgettable!
BFG: Have you been able to determine how many of the attendees come from out of state? CWR: A huge diverse fan base attend the festival every year. Attendees come from all over the United States, and a large number from Europe, Scandinavia, UK, Canada, Australia and other foreign countries. TBBF is delighted to draw music fans from around the world and welcomes everyone with friendship and appreciation. Without a doubt, these fans from beyond Florida are critical to our success and have helped us to grow the festival every year. We value our loyal fans from around Florida and beyond, and our goal is to provide everyone with a cordial and rewarding experience.
GETTING THERE
BFG: Which airport do people fly in to? CWR: Access to St. Petersburg is very easy. Frequent flights service Tampa International Airport, which is only 30 minutes from the venue. Travel by vehicle is also convenient via interstate highways. Downtown St. Petersburg provides many hotel options such as the classy Vinoy Hotel & Resort, and hotels by Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Hampton Inn, and multiple boutique hotels are close to the festival. It’s a “walk-friendly” area, and many guests find that rental cars are not necessary. St. Petersburg is a friendly and diverse community, and everyone will be welcomed in the Sunshine City!
FUND RAISER
BFG: Is Tampa Bay Blues Festival a non-profit? Which cause does it raise money and awareness for? CWR: For 30 years, our non-profit foundation has supported local charities, with our primary charitable partner being the PARC Center For Disabilities.
BFG: What are the ticket prices? Can you go for just one day? Are there different tiers? If so, please tell our readers the details. CWR: We offer a great variety of ticket and VIP options. Guests can purchase single-day tickets, a discounted 3-day pass, VIP passes for any single day or for a discounted 3-day VIP pass. All options and pricing are at tampabaybluesfest.com
JOIN US
Because the Tampa Bay Blues Festival was founded by blues musicians, the attention to sound, lights and stage production is of the highest priority. We refuse to compromise on sound quality, and always supply the best, state-of-the art sound system available. From our huge, built onsite stage, to our premier sound system, lights and video screens, we are dedicated to giving our guests the very best concert experience. This focus on sound, stage and support will always be our top priority and will guarantee the fans and musicians the very best audio available.
UNIQUE FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITY
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival was awarded a “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award by the Blues Foundation and enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s finest blues music festivals. Our combination of the best blues bands, tropical waterfront venue, ideal weather and the highest quality production makes TBBF a unique festival opportunity. Please join us on April 10, 11, and 12, in St. Petersburg, Florida and let us deliver your best blues music experience of the year!! We look forward to seeing you soon.
