Award-winning blues, craft beer, family fun – and admission is free!
It’s back! The Blues, Brews & BBQ festival will return to Washington Park on Sunday, September 20, from noon to 6 p.m., with nationally acclaimed blues artists, local craft breweries, barbecue vendors, artisans, and hands-on activities for all ages in a late-summer tradition that brings neighbors, families, music lovers, and visitors together for a day that feels uniquely Alameda.
A beloved local tradition since its launch in 2015, Blues, Brews & BBQ brings together music lovers, food enthusiasts, and families from all over the Bay Area for an afternoon of big sound and big flavors. Hosted by the nonprofit West End Arts District, the festival celebrates our community’s vibrant arts and culinary culture while supporting year-round arts programming throughout Alameda.
Blues
Featured performances start with the Aki Kumar Bollywood Blues Jam (12:30 to 3 p.m.) with with Marina Crouse and Jules Leyhe, followed by powerhouse vocalist Terrie Odabi (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.), and headliner Chris Cain (5 to 6 p.m.).
Living Blues Magazine called returning festival favorite Aki Kumar’s music “breathtaking,” and blues legend Charlie Musselwhite called their music “really, really hot stuff.” Check out his videos and see for yourself. Kumar will bring a special edition of his one-of-a-kind blues set, celebrating the depth, range, and joy of the Bay Area blues scene with guest artists Marina Crouse and Jules Leyhe.
That’s a tough act to follow, but if anyone can meet the challenge, it’s powerhouse vocalist Terrie Odabi, whose stirring vocals and magnetic stage presence have made her one of the Bay Area’s standout blues performers. The late great blues critic Lee Hildebrand called her “the most dynamic blues and soul woman to have emerged in the Bay Area since Etta James came out of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the Fifties.”
Hildebrand went on to say, “Terrie has a powerful set of pipes, writes terrific tunes, leads a kicking band and has onstage movements that perfectly match the rhythms of her material. Surely stardom awaits her.” Be sure to see and hear her at the festival.
The headliner at this year’s Blues, Brews & BBQ celebration is acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Chris Cain, whose soulful style and masterful musicianship have earned him recognition as one of today’s premier blues artists. According to Kid Andersen, there’s no better blues player working today.
“Chris Cain is the rarity whose blues prowess is so undeniable that he has gained everyone’s approval. Ask any of your favorite guitar players who they think are the greatest living masters of the instrument, chances are they will all have Chris Cain at the very top of their list.”
Listen to his latest album, Good Intentions Gone Bad, to hear some of what he’ll bring to the festival when he takes the stage from 5 to 6 p.m.
Brews
Pairing with the bold flavors from the grill are seasonal selections from regional craft breweries, including Alameda Brewing, Faction Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing, Drakes Brewing, Oakland United, and many more. Wine selections will feature Alameda’s own Urban Legend Cellars, plus a selection of festival cocktails and alcohol free options.
BBQ
The food is also amazing, with mouthwatering barbecue prepared by local pitmasters. Adding even more flavor to this year’s celebration, Evergood Sausage will commemorate its 100th anniversary at this year’s Blues, Brews & BBQ. Founded in 1926 in San Francisco, Evergood has become a Northern California icon, known for its handcrafted sausages and deep roots in Bay Area barbecue traditions. Festivalgoers can join the centennial celebration while enjoying one of the region’s most beloved local food brands.
Blues, Brews & BBQ celebrates bringing families together around the grill, making this year’s event an especially memorable celebration of local heritage and flavor.
Family fun
You can shop ’til you drop and the kids can play all day. Bay Area artisans and community vendors will showcase locally made products, while the popular Family Zone—hosted by Ozzy’s Music Academy with support from local organizations—offers interactive music, art, and creative activities for children. Swings & Wings, an Alameda favorite playland for kids, will bring their fun to the park, encouraging child-led play and family musical activities.
More info
Washington Park, located at 740 Central Avenue, provides the perfect backdrop for the festival, offering expansive green space, playgrounds, and scenic San Francisco Bay views. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and make a day of enjoying great music, outstanding food, and community festivities.
Admission is free for everyone. Tickets are not required, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP online in advance to receive festival updates and be automatically entered for prize drawings. For additional information, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or to RSVP, visit the West End Arts District website.
About the West End Arts District
The West End Arts District is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring communities and transforming spaces through arts and cultural programming. Through festivals, exhibitions, performances, public art, and community partnerships, the organization creates opportunities for artists and residents to connect while enriching the cultural life of Alameda.
