★ Blues Fest 2026 has wrapped — thank you, Kalamazoo. See you next year. ★
Dabney & Co. Presents
Blues Fest at Dabney & Co. — live blues in downtown Kalamazoo
From the Mississippi Delta to Detroit — Music for the Soul
5 BIG BANDS · 3 NIGHTS · JULY 16–18
★★★★★4.7 on GoogleNow in its 3rd YearKalamazoo’s Blues Weekend
The Experience
What to Expect
Where the Delta meets Detroit — up close.
For one weekend, Rose Street becomes a juke joint. Five bands carry the blues from the Mississippi Delta to Detroit and back — one on stage each night, close enough to feel it in your chest. Come for a single set or stay the whole weekend: reserve a table for the full dinner-and-a-show, or grab general admission and post up at the bar.
5
Live Bands
Delta blues, jump swing, Hammond B3 soul-jazz and gospel R&B — a different headliner every set.
3
Nights
Thursday–Saturday, July 16–18. Doors at 6 · early sets 7 PM · late sets 10 PM.
1
Intimate Room
No massive-festival crowds — a warm cocktail bar where you’re just feet from the stage.
★
Bar & Kitchen
Craft cocktails and our Southern Contemporary Kitchen, open all night, every night.
On Stage
The 2026 Lineup
Five bands. Three nights. One room.
★ Opening-Night Headliner ★
Thursday · July 16 · Opening Night
The Chris Canas Band
Detroit’s “Prince of Blues” — soul, funk & blues
7:30–9:30 PM
Friday · July 17 · Early Show
Michael Howe Group
Guitar-driven jump blues & swing
7:00–9:00 PM
Friday · July 17 · Late Show
The Clif Metcalf Organ Group
Blues & soul-jazz on the Hammond B3
10–12 AM
Saturday · July 18 · Early Show
Asamu Johnson & the Associates
Mississippi Delta blues & gospel tradition
7:00–9:00 PM
Saturday · July 18 · Late Show
Anthony Tyler + Friends
Soul-blues, gospel & R&B
10–12 AM
The Roots of the Room
“Born in the Delta juke joints. Alive on Rose Street.”
Juke joint, Clarksdale, Mississippi, 1939 · Marion Post Wolcott / Library of Congress
Admission
That’s a Wrap
Blues Fest 2026 is over — three nights, five bands, a full room. Tickets for next year go on sale in the spring; the lineup lands here first.
Know Before You Go
Good to Know
★ Parking
Free 90-minute on-street parking throughout downtown, plus free 90-minute parking in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall ramps. Metered spaces ($2/hr) begin at 10 AM near the Mall. We’re a short walk from Arcadia Creek — full map at downtownkalamazoo.org.
Age
21 and over, all three nights. Please bring a valid photo ID.
Doors & Show Times
Doors at 6 PM each night. Early sets run 7–9 PM and late sets 10 PM–midnight — see the full lineup above.
Seating & Tickets
General Admission ($10/night) is standing room and includes the open cocktail-bar side. Reserved seating with a view of the stage is booked by the table right here at checkout — a Reserved Dining table is $40 (2-top) or $80 (4-top), Front-Row VIP is $60 or $120. Going solo? Grab a $20 Rail Seat on the dining-side rail. The Weekend Pass ($49) covers all three nights.
Food & Drink
The full bar and our Southern Contemporary Kitchen are open all night, every night of the festival.
Rain or Shine
Blues Fest is entirely indoors at Dabney & Co. — comfortable no matter the weather.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible. Note any accommodations when you reserve and we’ll take care of you.
Getting There
Dabney & Co., 344 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 — the heart of downtown’s Rose Street entertainment corridor.