The Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival — formerly known as The Illinois Blues Festival — has been a proud end-of-summer tradition on Peoria’s beautiful riverfront for 35 years. What began as a celebration of the blues has grown into a rich, roots-driven experience that honors the past while embracing the vibrant sounds of today.
Each Labor Day Weekend, festival goers bask in the golden glow of the late-summer sun, surrounded by the scenic beauty of downtown Peoria and the rolling waters of the Illinois River. From soul-stirring blues and foot-stomping Americana to funk, roots, and Southern rock, our lineup features world-class artists that span generations and genres.
This year, we’re turning up the volume for our 35th Anniversary, and you’re invited to be part of the legacy. As the music fills the riverfront, the celebration spills into downtown — at Kenny’s Westside for the official after parties as well as other businesses throughout Peoria.
Come for the music, stay for the community, and be a part of one of the Midwest’s most beloved musical traditions. Join us as we honor 35 years of blues, heritage, and unforgettable memories—right here on the Peoria Riverfront.