When I was just five years old, a little concert series called Blues on the Green was getting its footing at the Arboretum Shopping Center in North Austin. This July, the year after we almost lost it for good due to rising costs in the growing city, Blues on the Green announced the lineup for its 34th annual show, and many Austinites like me are reflecting on why we're glad it's stuck around.

The once-small annual tradition got so large over its first several years that in it needed a new home, so in 1999, Blues on the Green moved to its current location at Zilker Park.

The timing couldn't have been better for me. I was at that age when seeing live shows was an adventure — a place to wander off, explore, meet new people, and get into trouble. Blues on the Green in particular was the kind of environment where my friends and I could take in the sort of Austin "weirdness" that never did quite puncture our school's little bubble.

Twenty-six years after this move to Zilker, Blues on the Green hasn't changed that much. Sure, it has grown. And yes, there was that scary period last year — but then H-E-B and City Council swooped in and saved the festival.

That means this year, August 5 and 6 at 7 pm, Austinites will get to experience the tradition with a renewed sense of appreciating what we have. Night one includes Antone's 50th Allstars featuring Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, and the Peterson Brothers; Blakchyl; and then headliner Bob Schneider. Night two includes Elijah Delgado, Next of Kin, and Chaparelle.

Amazing musicians like these are just one reason of many that Blues on the Green is such a special event here in Austin. Take it from someone who's been here a while: the best things about this weird, little, big festival have stayed the same since its beginnings.

1. It's free. Since the beginning, Blues on the Green has been a free event, and largely thanks to H-E-B, it remains one today. In fact, according the KGSR website, it's the longest-running free concert series in town. This makes it truly accessible to all Austin residents.

2. The backdrop. The Blues on the Green stage is set up in the exact same place as the main stage at ACL, with that gorgeous backdrop of the skyline. The skyline has certainly changed over the years, but the vibe at the festival remains the same: very Austin.

3. It's all about Austin. Because Blues on the Green takes place in August, typically our hottest month of the year, it's not exactly attracting a lot of tourists, like some other festivals. The people who show up are largely residents here; and not only that, they're generally die hard fans of music and this community, since they're willing to brave the August temps.

4. It's a chill time. Blues on the Green is kind of like if ACL Fest and Eeyore's Birthday had a baby. It's a music festival first and foremost, but it's also a casual place to hang out. People bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, a frisbee or two, and really just hang out with family and friends, listening to the music in the background and enjoying the park.

5. You can bring your own food and (non-alcoholic) drinks. What a rarity it is these days to be allowed to bring your own food and drinks to a music event, without having to pay $9 for a bottle of water. Of course, they also do offer water you can spend hard-earned cash on, as well as plenty of food and drink vendors on site.

6. You can bring your dog. Leashed pets are welcome at Blues on the Green. The only thing to keep in mind is, even though the music starts at 7, it'll still be quite hot. Those bringing pets should be sure to stay in the shade and bring a bowl for water.

7. It's family-friendly. Because Blues on the Green allows parents to bring in snacks and blankets and it typically ends by 10 pm at the latest, it is one of the most family-friendly music events Austin offers.

8. The artists are local. A huge part of this festival's Austin pride comes from showcasing local musicians. Over the years this has included Bob Schneider, Shakey Graves, Gary Clark Jr., Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Grupo Fantasma, White Denim, and many, many more.

9. It's not just for blues fans. For those unfamiliar with the aforementioned list of musicians, many of them aren't blues artists. While this festival did start out as tribute to the blues, over the years it's expanded to include genres like jazz, R&B, funk, Latin, and hip-hop.

10. Barton Springs is a quick walk away. Bathing suit tops are absolutely appropriate attire at this festival, and in fact, may be a necessity in the August heat. Plenty of folks either walk straight to the festival from the Springs, or vice versa. (Plus, Barton Springs is free from 9-10 pm — another Old Austin tradition we are appreciating extra hard this year after a near loss.)