The sounds of blues, rock and funk will once again fill the streets of downtown Eureka Springs as the Eureka Springs Blues Party returns May 28–31. Now entering its next phase of growth, the four-day festival is positioned as a destination live music event expected to generate more than 5,000 additional visitors and drive overnight stays throughout the community.
Centered in Basin Spring Park and anchored by venues including the Basin Park Hotel and The Auditorium, the Blues Party has evolved into one of the region’s most dynamic multi-venue festivals. With more than 20 performances scheduled across downtown stages, clubs, and outdoor spaces, the event is designed to create a citywide experience that benefits lodging properties, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues alike.
“This is about building a weekend where live music drives visitation and the entire community participates,” said Mary Howze of Eureka Springs Productions, organizer of the event. “It’s not just a concert—it’s a coordinated effort to bring people into Eureka Springs, keep them here for multiple nights, and create energy across downtown.”
The 2026 lineup reflects that broader vision, with three major headliners spanning multiple styles and audiences. Friday night’s “Women of Blues” feature will be led by internationally recognized guitarist Orianthi, whose high-energy performances blend blues and rock with technical precision.
The weekend begins Thursday evening with a kickoff street party in Basin Spring Park, where live music, vendors, and community gathering spaces will set the tone for the festival. That energy carries directly into The Auditorium, where Grammy-winning guitarist Eric Gales headlines the opening night, delivering a powerful and soulful performance that anchors the first evening of the event.
Saturday night shifts gears with a funk-driven finale featuring Dumpstaphunk, the New Orleans-based group known for its deep grooves and dance-heavy sets. The addition of a “FUNK feature” to close the weekend expands the event’s appeal and encourages extended stays, giving visitors another reason to remain in town through Saturday night.
From Thursday through Sunday, music flows throughout downtown with late-night performances, club shows, and festival activations continuing across multiple venues.
Among the participating locations are Basin Ballroom, The Auditorium, Chelsea’s, Frisco Sporting Club, Missy’s White Rabbit, Gotahold, The Quarter, Top of the Crest, Gravel Bar, and New Delhi. These venues will host a mix of live performances, late-night programming, and themed experiences, reinforcing the festival’s multi-stage format and ensuring that music can be found throughout the downtown corridor.
In addition to ticketed shows, BluesLand in Basin Spring Park will serve as a central hub throughout the weekend and is free and open to the public, offering a space for visitors to gather, explore vendors, and experience the festival atmosphere between performances.
Howze emphasized that the event’s success depends on strong local participation. Businesses are encouraged to extend hours, offer themed specials, and integrate Blues Party messaging into their marketing efforts. Opportunities remain for additional partners to join through live music bookings, lodging packages, and promotional alignment.
“This event works best when the entire downtown ecosystem is engaged,” Howze said. “From hotels and restaurants to retail and nightlife, everyone plays a role in creating a memorable visitor experience.”
A regional marketing campaign is already underway, targeting key drive markets including Northwest Arkansas, Tulsa, Little Rock, and Kansas City. Promotion includes digital advertising, social media, public relations outreach, and a large-scale radio campaign, with additional television placement currently in negotiation. Media partnerships with KY3, KISR, and River 101.9 are expected to further amplify visibility.
Local residents will also have an opportunity to participate, with discounted tickets available for select shows through ReserveEureka.com using the code “LocalBlues26.”
With momentum building and participation growing, the Eureka Springs Blues Party continues to establish itself as a signature event on the region’s music calendar—one designed not only to entertain, but to drive meaningful economic impact for the community.
For full event details, tickets, and updates, visit www.eurekaspringsbluesparty.com.
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