This weekend, the Fountain Blues Festival is set to take over downtown San Jose, turning Plaza de César Chávez into a two-day blues hub with Grammy-winning stars sharing the bill with Bay Area favorites. The festival runs Saturday and next Sunday, with Eric Gales topping Saturday's main stage and Ronnie Baker Brooks closing things out next Sunday night. Organizers say fans can expect beer gardens, barbecue, an artisan alley, and a Blues Explosion showcase featuring local legends.
According to The Mercury News, the stacked lineup also includes Ruthie Foster, Southern Avenue, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Marc Broussard on the main stage. The outlet reports that tickets run roughly from $30 to $200, with VIP and limited meet-and-greet packages on offer. Organizers say both advance passes and single-day tickets are available through official sellers.
Main Stage Highlights and Set Times
The festival's official schedule lists a Blues Explosion opening set at noon on Saturday, featuring Miss Faye Carol, Fillmore Slim, Lady Bianca and Alvon Johnson. They are followed by Ruthie Foster in the early afternoon and Joanne Shaw Taylor ahead of Eric Gales' evening closer. On Sunday, the main stage includes Marc Broussard, a mid-afternoon set from Southern Avenue and Ronnie Baker Brooks headlining the night, with additional local acts performing on a second stage. Those set times are posted on the festival's events pages, according to Fountain Blues Festival.
Food, Beer and Extras
Festival organizers are billing a large beer garden pouring dozens of local and regional brews, along with barbecue, lobster rolls, tacos and sweets from a rotating list of vendors, per local coverage. Drink tickets are sold in bundles, and organizers say there will be more than 40 craft beers on tap. Artisan Alley, an Instrument Petting Zoo and new meet-and-greet packages round out the experience for families, casual fans and serious collectors alike.
Street Closures and Travel
Festival-related street and lane closures will be in effect for staging and vendor load-in. Northbound Market Street will be reduced to one lane between San Fernando Street and Paseo de San Antonio, while southbound Market Street will be closed between San Fernando and Park Avenue. Those restrictions are scheduled from 1 PM Friday through 8 AM next Monday for setup and breakdown, according to The Mercury News. Attendees are advised to allow extra travel time and consider using nearby VTA light-rail stops or rideshare to avoid parking delays.
What to Know Before You Go
Organizers recommend buying advance tickets if you want reserved spots or VIP packages, and bringing ID for alcohol purchases. Meet-and-greets are limited and sold separately. For the full lineup, ticketing options and vendor details, see Fountain Blues Festival. Expect crowds, sunny summer heat and a weekend of blues, soul and R&B right in the heart of downtown San Jose.
