Blues, Brews & BBQ

Join us for our 7th annual celebration of world-class Blues musicians, a myriad of local craft breweries, and smoking BBQ vendors.

Date

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024

Time

12:00-6:00pm PST

Where

Washington Park
740 Central Avenue, Alameda

Prices

FREE - *RSVP & Raffle

*RSVP for a chance to win 3 free drinks packages and 3 free festival T-shirts.

Six names will be selected randomly from our RSVP list to be our lucky winners. Winners will be notified by email and prizes will be distributed at the festival from the West End Arts District booth.

  • Mark Hummel

    5:00-6:00pm
    GRAMMY nominee, Blues award winner, author, and harp man. “Top notch from start to finish, skip this one at your peril." – Mark Smith, Music Revue.

    Learn More

  • The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Sextet

    3:30-4:30pm
    A living legend with her own unique acoustic sound in Black music.

    Learn More

  • The Mighty Mules

    2:00-3:00pm
    Where slinky T-Bone Walker-esque West Coast shuffles, Stax soul scorchers, and Chicago Blues raucous converge.

    Learn More

  • The Bonafides

    12:30-1:30pm
    Jazz, Funk, Rhythm & Blues, and Soul with a repertoire from classic New Orleans R&B of Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, etc.

    Learn More

RSVP to Win Prizes!

  • Free RSVP Raffle

    Tell us you're coming and be automatically entered to win a Festival T-Shirt or Drink Package (value $25)

    RSVP to win

Family-Friendly Activities

In addition to the festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to peruse locally-crafted wares from Bay Area vendors. Kids can get crafty and stay engaged at the Family Zone hosted by Ozzy's Music Academy.

The BBQ & Bites

The BBQ grills will be smoking up delicious plates throughout the day. Fuel up with San Francisco-made Evergood beef hot links, smoked ribs, chicken, and bratwurst served up hot by Tante's Catering. Returning food truck Bombzies BBQ, Tracy-based Speer Family BBQ, and Oakland’s Smokin Woods BBQ are bringing their flavor-packed experiences to the festival. Other caterers are offering delicious bites that will pair perfectly with a generous selection of local craft brews.

Featured Craft Beverages

Join the Festival

  • Volunteers

    Get 2 free drinks, an official Festival T-shirt (worth $25), snacks, and our heartfelt gratitude. Bonus: It's fun!

    SIGN UP

  • Sponsors

    Learn more about opportunities to align your brand with this exciting cultural festival.

    More Info

  • Vendors

    Thank you, we are SOLD OUT! But you can get on the waitlist in case a spot opens up.

    Waitlist

  • Facebook Event

    Get engaged at our Facebook Event page, tell us you're coming, and share it with friends.

    Facebook

Sponsors & Partners

We're green!

We're green!

Join WEAD in our commitment to sustainability! In line with Alameda's Disposable Food Ware ordinance, we've banned single-use plastics at our events.

Say goodbye to waste with our reusable glass beer mugs and wine glasses, available with your drink package purchase.

Plus, all food orders come in compostable-fiber service ware for added eco-friendliness!

Location

Washington Park
740 Central, Alameda, CA 94501

With acres of green space, easy access, and great facilities, the whole family will love this community park turned live music festival. Want to escape the crowds at the stage? Brink a blanket or lawn chair, take the kids to the playground, or even go view the breathtaking San Francisco Bay.

 

Festival FAQs

  • Parking around Washington Park is limited. Where possible, we recommend coming by bike (drop it at our on site Bike Valet). Or take the bus (AC transit line 20 stops right at the park and the line 51 is 2 blocks away). Plan your bus trip here; your destination is 740 Central Avenue, Alameda.

  • No, the festival is free and open to all. We encourage you to RSVP so that we can send you festival updates and you can be automatically entered to win prizes!

  • Yes, all areas of Washington Park are fully accessible.
    PARKING: There will be limited accessible parking available alongside the park on Central Avenue.

    We encourage you to reach out to us at info@westendartsdistrict.org if you have specific access requirements &/or questions.

  • There will be some seating at the event and some shaded areas. Feel free to bring a lawn chair as this is also a public park.

  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome, in accordance with park regulations they must be kept on a leash. Should they need a bit of exercise, there is a dog park in lower Washington Park.