The Bilbao Blues Festival returns from 25 to 27 July 2025 with free concerts, legendary artists from the world of blues and a unique cultural experience on the banks of the estuary.
An essential fixture for blues fans
Bilbao will host a new edition of the Bilbao Blues Festival from 25 to 27 July 2025. In just four years, the festival has cemented its place as one of the most prominent events on the international blues circuit. El Arenal will be the main stage for the festival, which is offering free admission and promises three days of vibrant music and cultural activities in a unique riverfront setting.
A top-level roster with an international flavour
This edition will feature the exceptional presence of Jimmie Vaughan, a legendary Texan guitarist and winner of four Grammy Awards, who will also receive the 4th Bilbao Blues Festival Award. He will be giving his only concert in Spain during the event.
Joining Vaughan, the line-up features big names like The Kings of Blues (a supergroup made up of legendary blues musicians), Canada’s Blackburn Brothers, up-and-coming American Delanie Pickering, and veteran Terrance Simien with his explosive mix of zydeco and Creole rhythms. Other performers will include young saxophonist and singer Vanessa Collier, the Chicago Blues Summer Tour supergroup, Ray Collin’s Hot Club with their lively swing, and the Bilbao-based group Mississippi Queen and The Wet Dogs.
Two stages, many voices
Besides the main stage at El Arenal, El Kiosko del Arenal will be hosting more intimate performances by artists including Al Dual, widely regarded as a classic rock ‘n’ roll master, Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo, Sweet Marta & The Blues Shakers, and Delanie Pickering who will also be performing at this venue.
Much more than music: activities for all tastes
The festival offers more besides concerts. As a warm-up event, the state final of the Volotea Blues Challenge will be held on 24 July, with the bands Big Black Pino (Girona), Jonás Molina Band (Madrid), María Carbonell Blues Mood (Valencia) and Sirjo Cocchi & Balta Bordoy – The Blues Way (Barcelona) competing to represent Spain in the 2026 European Blues Challenge.
The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum is joining the programme with a series of free educational concerts aimed at children on Friday 25 July. On Sunday morning, the boogie-woogie open classes will return to the kiosk, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy dancing in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
A city that breathes the blues
This year’s festival poster, showing a wandering bluesman crossing the iconic Puente de la Salve bridge, encapsulates the spirit of the event: a musical journey that blends tradition and modernity, American roots and the essence of Bilbao. Created by the Basque studio Moriskette, this image symbolises the arrival of the blues in the heart of the city.
Practical information
📅 Dates: From 25 to 27 July 2025 (with the Challenge on 24 July)
📍 Venue: Arenal de Bilbao and Kiosko del Arenal
🎟️ Admission: Free for all concerts and activities
🌐 More information: www.bilbaobluesfestival.com
Bilbao Blues Festival is a unique opportunity to catch top international acts in an amazing urban setting, with something for everyone and a city totally committed to celebrating music. If you have the opportunity of visiting Bilbao in July, be sure not to miss it.
