Old Town BluesFest - September 18 & 19, 2009!
The Old Town BluesFest is a two-day FREE music festival that brings local, regional, and national acts to an audience of roughly 15,000 people from across Michigan and nearby states. BluesFest's music truly is living music, history in the making. Each artist at the festival is asked to play an original composition, something that hasn't been played at any other festival.
This year's festival will take place Friday, September 18 (4pm-12:30am) and Saturday, September 19 (2pm-12:30am), in the streets of Old Town, surrounded by the best of the Capital City's art galleries as well as unique retail stores and grand architecture. Vendors lined the streets offering ethnic food, beverages, art, clothing, and crafts, and nearby galleries and boutiques opened their doors during festival hours.
Old Town BluesFest continues to grow thanks to the contributions of its sponsors and volunteers.
Last year's sponsors include founding sponsor MessageMakers, presenting sponsors Capital Area Blues Society, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Adams Outdoor Advertising, Flagstar Bank, City Pulse, Ingham County Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, VanAtta's Greenhouse, City of Lansing, and more!
Lansing 150 Signature Event!
This year's Old Town BluesFest has been recognized as a Lansing 150 Sesquicentennial Celebration Endorsed Event. Don't miss it!
Survey!
Please help Old Town improve the quality of its festivals by taking the Old Town Festival Survey.
Location
The Old Town BluesFest takes place in the streets of Old Town Lansing, at the intersection of Turner St. and E. Grand River Ave.
2008's venue map:
Volunteering
Old Town BluesFest is in need of volunteers in order to continue as a fantastic, free community event.
Volunteering for BluesFest is a great way to go behind the scenes, meet new people, and have fun. If you're interested in volunteering, please e-mail volunteer@oldtownarts.org or call OTBADA at 517-371-4600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really a free festival? Where might I end up spending money?
Yes, this is a free festival - where one can enjoy all performances without charge. Donations are encouraged to help the nonprofit organizers keep the festival free.
You will want to bring cash to purchase food, beverages, and merchandise from our vendors and local businesses. You may choose to pay for parking, as well.
Admission to the beverage tent is $5/day. This is a prime location to enjoy music from both main stages. The beverage tent is also the only festival vendor licensed to sell alcohol. Because of this, all entrants must show ID proving they are at least 21 years of age.
Where can I find parking?
Handicapped-designated parking will be available on the south side of E. Grand River near Turner. There is limited metered parking along Grand River Ave., free from 6 pm through the weekend. Adjacent businesses may offer lot parking for a fee - look for signs. Free unmetered parking is available on streets surrounding the festival area, including the west side of Old Town (connected to the festival area by the Grand River bridge). Come early to find a good spot!
What is seating like?
Chairs are provided in front of the stages (on paved surfaces), but we cannot guarantee to accommodate everyone who attends. Many choose to bring their own portable chairs.
What is your weather/cancellation policy?
The festival continues, rain or shine, with covered stages and some covered seating. If the forecast is discouraging, bring an umbrella. Of course, if severe weather would jeopardize persons or equipment, performances will be halted until such conditions have passed.
