Just a couple of miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the third iteration of the Vero Beach Blues Festival was held on the 139-acre Indian River County Fairgrounds in Vero, Florida on February 28-March 1, 2026. Following weeks of snow and frigid temperatures that covered most of the country, even some in Florida, the fest’s sunny skies was a wonderful way to kick off the year for blues musicians and fans alike.
Pre-sale general admission was only $30 for both days, and fest goers got to see headliners Grammy-winner Eric Gales and the legendary Bobby Rush, as well as Muddy Waters' son Mud Morganfield, state-native Dottie Kelly, 16 year-old Australian guitarist phenom Taj Farrant, and others.
While this column routinely covers blues festivals it should be acknowledged that during the past few years there has been a noticeable uptick in the interest in the blues. For more blues coverage, check out ND's new column, Best of the Blues.
ND regular, Florida resident, and blues enthusiast Kim Reed was again at the Vero Beach Blues Festival to report on the action.