- The Bilbao Blues Festival transforms the city into the European capital of blues
- Free and diverse programming from July 25 to 27 in El Arenal
- Big international names: Jimmie Vaughan, Blackburn Brothers, Vanessa Collier
- Activities for everyone: educational concerts, dancing, and a state band competition.
Bilbao is preparing these days to become the great European benchmark for blues.. At the end of July, the city hosts an event that not only offers an abundant free program but also consolidates its position as international capital of this musical genreAn event designed for both longtime fans and those looking for great cultural experiences under the summer sun.
The new edition of Bilbao Blues Festival it will be held del 25 al 27 de julio in the centric ArenalThis privileged enclave will bring together some of the most renowned figures of world blues alongside young artists and local bands in an eclectic program, where the quality and diversity of music are the hallmark.
International and exclusive stars
One of the great attractions of this edition will be the presence of the Legendary Texas guitarist Jimmie VaughanWho will perform in his only concert in the State and will receive the IV Bilbao Blues Festival Award in recognition of his outstanding career. Vaughan, winner of four Grammy Awards, will share the bill with other top-level bands and will be the highlight of a festival that has already established Bilbao on the European blues circuit.
The festival also aims to bring artists who have never graced national stages. Among the featured international artists are: Blackburn Brothers from Canada, the explosive Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience with its unmistakable Creole rhythm, or the young American Delanie Pickering, which rescues the purest sounds of American blues. Vanessa Collier, Blues Music Award-nominated saxophonist and vocalist, and the Chicago Blues Summer Tour complete the international lineup.
A dozen free concerts and special programming
The heart of the festival will beat every evening on the main stage of the Arenal. viernes 25 The local band will open the program Mississippi Queen & The Wet Dogs, a reference of Bilbao soul-funk, followed by The Kings of Blues and Blackburn Brothers on his only date in Spain.
El Saturday 26 will begin with a morning concert, bringing together Sweet Marta & The Blues Shakers y To dualIn the afternoon, the program grows with performances by Delanie Pickering, the expected Jimmy Vaughan and the vibrant proposal of Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience.
El Sunday 27 reserve space for fans and families: from open classes to boogie-woogie at the Arenal kiosk, passing by the performances of Delanie Pickering y Martín Burguez & His Rhythm ComboIn the evening, the festival closes with Vanessa Collier, the Chicago Blues Summer Tour 2025 and the Ray Collins' Hot Club filling Bilbao with swing, jazz and contemporary blues.
Inclusive Festival: Educational Proposals and Emerging Talent
Beyond music for all audiences, the The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao will host an educational show on Friday morning. by the duo Devils ta Bluezifer, accompanied by Oihan Vega and Nagore Sanz. An initiative presented in Basque and Spanish so that families and schoolchildren can get closer to the world of blues, with free and educational admission.
Special importance will also be given to the Volotea Blues Challenge, the final of which will be held on Thursday, July 24th, as a prelude to the festival at the Arenal kiosk. Here, four of the state's best blues bands (BigBlack Rhino, Jonás Molina Band, María Carbonell Blues Mood and Sirjo Cocchi & Balta Bordoy – The Blues Way) will fight to represent Spain in the European Blues Challenge, one of the key events of the genre at an international level.
Bilbao and its commitment to the blues as a cultural value
The festival, promoted by the Bilbao City Hall and the entity Crazy Blues —recognized with European and American awards for its work in promoting the blues—aims to enrich the local cultural summer by offering a free and prestigious alternative. According to Kontxi Claver, Councilor for Economic Development, "Bilbao wanted to establish itself as an international benchmark for blues, and it's achieving this, attracting a diverse audience and building loyalty among music lovers."
Festival director Carlos Malles emphasized the importance of including both established artists and young talents in the lineup, and of maintaining the commitment to exclusivity and a variety of styles. Programming bands that are new to the country distinguishes the event and places it at the forefront of European festivals, providing a showcase for the local scene to share the stage with legendary figures.
Bilbao consolidates its position as a must-see destination for blues fans once again this year.. Combining Free concerts, international artists, family activities and iconic venues make this event one of the great musical references in Europe, consolidating the Biscayan capital as the epicenter of blues during the summer.
