Admission-Free Festival Announces Most Powerful Lineup in Its 34-Year History.

June 11–13 at Chevy Court | NYS Fairgrounds | Syracuse, NY

The 2026 New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds June 11, 12 & 13 with its most dynamic and nationally recognized lineup to date, headlined by four-time Grammy Award® winner Gary Clark Jr.

Clark will close out Saturday night, June 13, bringing his electrifying fusion of rock, soul, R&B, and contemporary influences to Central New York in what promises to be one of the region’s most anticipated live music events of the summer.

Founded in 1992, the New York State Blues Festival is now in its sixth year at the New York State Fairgrounds and has grown into one of the Northeast’s premier admission-free live music events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees while generating significant regional economic impact.

Gary Clark Jr.: A Global Force in Modern Music

Clark achieved global impact following his first Grammy Award® win in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Please Come Home,” from his Warner Records debut Blak And Blu. He expanded his reach with The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim and reached new heights with 2019’s This Land, which debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200, marking his third consecutive Top 10 debut.

“This Land” earned acclaim from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, and more — and won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. Clark performed the award-winning single at the 2020 Grammy Awards backed by The Roots.

He has headlined legendary venues including the Hollywood Bowl, topped major international festivals, and shared stadium stages with The Rolling Stones. In March 2024, Clark released his fourth studio album, JPEG RAW, via Warner Records.

His appearance marks a defining milestone in the festival’s continued growth and national profile.

Main Stage Lineup

  • Gary Clark Jr.
  • Grace Bowers
  • Eddie 9V
  • Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
  • Vanessa Collier
  • Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
  • Piper & The Hard Times
  • JW-Jones
  • Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers
  • Joe Whiting Band
  • Matt Tarbell Phil Petroff
  • All Night Boogie Band
  • Damdog
  • Blues Ignition

Side Stage Lineup

  • Golden Soul Revue
  • Raedwald Howland-Bolton
  • Buddy Manley
  • Colin Aberdeen

2026 Main Stage Schedule

Thursday, June 11

4:00pm – Gate Opens
5:00pm – 6:30pm – JW-Jones
7:00pm – 8:30pm – Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
9:00pm – 10:30pm – Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Friday, June 12

3:00pm – Gate Opens
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Joe Whiting Band
5:30pm – 6:45pm – Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers
7:15pm – 8:30pm – Piper & The Hard Times
9:00pm – 10:30pm – Grace Bowers

Saturday, June 13

11:00am – Gate Opens
12:00pm – 12:45pm – Blues Ignition
1:00pm – 1:45pm – Damdog
2:10pm – 3:00pm – All Night Boogie Band
3:30pm – 4:30pm – Matt Tarbell Phil Petroff
5:00pm – 6:15pm – Vanessa Collier
6:45pm – 8:00pm – Eddie 9V
8:30pm – 10:30pm – Gary Clark Jr.

Side Stage Schedule

Thursday, June 11

4:15pm & 6:30pm – Golden Soul Revue

Friday, June 12

5:00pm & 6:45pm – Raedwald Howland-Bolton

Saturday, June 13

1:45pm & 3pm – Buddy Manley
4:30pm & 6:15pm – Colin Aberdeen

A Cultural and Economic Anchor for Central New York

The festival draws visitors from across New York State and neighboring regions, supporting area hotels, restaurants, retailers, and service industries. Peak Saturday attendance is projected to approach 10,000 guests in 2026.

The 2026 New York State Blues Festival is supported through a Market New York grant from Empire State Development, and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.

Additional support is being provided by Onondaga County, CNY Arts, and Visit Syracuse.

Event Details

What: 2026 New York State Blues Festival
When: June 11–13, 2026
Where: Chevy Court, New York State Fairgrounds – Syracuse, NY
Admission: FREE
Website: www.nysbluesfest.com

Media Contact

Eric McElveen
Executive Director
New York State Rhythm & Blues Festival, Inc.
nysblues@gmail.com