Waterfront Blues Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup

Tank and the Bangas to headline Fourth of July weekend festival in Portland

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon has announced its lineup, featuring headliners Tank and the Bangas as well as a diverse array of blues, soul, funk, and Americana acts. The three-day festival will take place from July 2-4 at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, culminating in a fireworks display over the river.

Why it matters

The Waterfront Blues Festival is a beloved annual event that has been a fixture in Portland's cultural landscape since 1988. The festival's diverse lineup reflects the city's vibrant music scene and provides an alternative Fourth of July celebration for those looking to experience something beyond the typical patriotic festivities.

The details

The 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival will feature a mix of established and up-and-coming acts across three stages. Headliners Tank and the Bangas, who won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album last year, will bring their genre-blending sound to the festival on July 4th. Other notable performers include retro soul trio Durand Jones & the Indications, NOLA band The Revivalists, and local legends like Ural Thomas & the Pain and The Delines.

  • The festival will take place from July 2-4, 2026.
  • The fireworks display over the river will be on July 4th.

The players

Tank and the Bangas

A New Orleans-based band that won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album in 2025 and is set to headline the 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival.

Durand Jones & the Indications

A retro soul trio that will be performing at the 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival.

The Revivalists

An eight-piece band from New Orleans that will be headlining the festival on Thursday, July 2nd.

Ural Thomas & the Pain

A Portland-based blues legend who will be performing at the 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival.

The Delines

A 'retro country soul' group featuring Willy Vlautin and Jenny Conlee of The Decemberists, who will be playing at the festival.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival go on sale today.

The takeaway

The Waterfront Blues Festival continues to be a must-attend event for music lovers in Portland, offering a diverse lineup that celebrates the city's vibrant blues, soul, and Americana scenes while providing an alternative to traditional Fourth of July festivities.