Thousands flocked to downtown Eureka Springs from May 29 through June 1 for the annual Eureka Springs Blues Party, which once again lit up the town with soul-stirring performances, packed venues and a renewed sense of community.
From its high-energy kickoff in Basin Spring Park to the powerhouse Saturday night headliner at The Auditorium featuring Anders Osborne and Grammy-winner Ruthie Foster, the four-day event showcased more than 40 blues performances across local bars, blues stages and city landmarks.
“Blues Festival is a celebration of what makes Eureka Springs special,” said co-producer Jack Moyer. “It’s music, energy, and connection wrapped into the Best Weekend of the Year and it officially Kicks Off Summer.”
The Eureka Springs Blues Party is envisioned, produced and promoted by its lead sponsor, the Basin Park Hotel, with vital support from entertainment partners and additional sponsors. Key contributors to the festival’s success include the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, along with its Auditorium staff, marketing team and sound production, led by Ron Sumner. Special recognition goes to Ben E. Keith Foods for generously underwriting the Kickoff Event.
The Basin Park Hotel, the festival’s host and decade-long sponsor, transformed into a central hub once again — its Ballroom stage saw standout sets from DK Harrell, whose sound evoked a young B.B. King, and Annika Chambers with Paul DesLauriers, both recent Blues Music Award winners. Chambers went on to lead a crowd-moving Funk Party at Grotto Upstairs on Friday night.
Saturday’s Center Street Block Party brought another level of fun — complete with a sold-out beer tasting and live music — raising more than $10,000 for the Eureka Springs Community Center. Local businesses like Gotahold Brewing and Sauced Barbeque & Brews played key roles in creating a festive, feel-good atmosphere.
This year’s festival was the largest to date, with 47 total performances and new programming like the Opening Night Street Party, BluesLand in the Park, and expanded Saturday night headliners. Organizers say these expansions will continue in 2026 and beyond, with particular focus on enhancing the Friday Night Funk and potentially extending the festival’s length.
In addition to its cultural and economic impact, the Blues Party helps develop future leaders in hospitality. Three student interns from University of Arkansas and Penn State University worked behind the scenes, gaining valuable experience in event production and destination management.
“Downtown was buzzing,” noted co-producer Mary Howze. “This festival pulls together our restaurants, bars, hotels, artists, and fans—and the vibe downtown All-day Saturday was absolutely electric.”
The impact was measurable: Downtown hotel room revenues are estimated to have jumped 41.5 percent compared to Thursday-Sunday revenues on the weekend that followed in June, reinforcing the festival’s significance as both an artistic and economic driver for the community.
Festival producers Mary Howze, Moyer and Corey Lamb have already begun planning for 2026, with the first artist booked and further announcements expected later this year.
“Free to Be,” the city’s brand and festival’s unofficial rally cry, was felt loudest on Saturday night, when the music, lights and movement of downtown came together in perfect harmony.
Live music continues nightly in Eureka Springs. The 2026 Eureka Springs Blues Party is set for May 28–31. With momentum building year after year, it’s fast becoming the most anticipated weekend in Eureka Springs.
