Austinites who feel the winter blues setting in have something else to look forward to when spring arrives: The Austin Blues Festival returns April 25 and 26, with Parliament-Funkadelic ft. George Clinton, BadBadNotGood, and Eric Johnson at the top of the lineup.
The festival is a revival of an old effort by Antone's Nightclub that's now in its fourth year back. It follows a big year for Antone's, which just celebrated its 50-year anniversary and signed a lease for the next 50 in its current location. However, the festival isn't at Antone's; it'll be held at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. A portion of proceeds from the festival will benefit the park via the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy.
In addition to the big headliners, attendees will see a mix of notable blues, psych, folk and other musicians from home and afar. That includes: Larkin Poe, Adrian Quesada's Boleros Psicodélicos, The War and Treaty, Chaparelle, Los Amigos Invisibles, D.K. Harrell, Annie & The Caldwells, Huston-Tillotson Jazz Orchestra. There will also be second line parades (New Orleans street processions) by Pinettes Brass Band & New Breed Brass Band.
The full lineup is as follows:
Austin Blues Festival 2026 lineup.Graphic courtesy of Austin Blues Festival
"Each year, Austin Blues Festival brings together generations of music lovers and introduces new audiences to our amazing and unique lineup of artists," said Antone's and Blues Fest co-owner Will Bridges in a press release. "Our 2026 programming represents the incredible depth and diversity of music today—from its traditional roots to its modern innovations—and we're thrilled to share this experience with the Austin community and music fans from around the world."
Tickets for two-day entry will go on sale Friday, December 5, at 10 am via austinbluesfestival.com. There will also be add-ons for a private lounge and rooftop terrace, plus garage parking. More details about single day tickets are "coming soon."
“The energy these musicians bring, combined with the emotion and history of the Blues, will make Waterloo Park come alive in ways you simply have to feel to believe," said Waterloo Greenway Conservancy CEO Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette. We are thrilled to welcome the community for a weekend that’s powerful, joyful, and deeply Austin."
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri