The New York State Blues Festival is almost here. This year, the 3-day annual music festival is celebrating 30 years of rhythm and blues! The largest free blues event in the northeast will be held at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, June 18. Watch as a large collection of regional and national artists perform one of America’s most unique styles of music right in Syracuse.

1.It’s FREE

Yes, you read that right. This festival is free, making it the perfect option for a group outing or something you can even bring the whole family to. Take advantage of the opportunity to see a ton of artists you couldn’t see for free anywhere else and save your money for snacks and drinks from the many vendors present. Parking will be available in the Fairgrounds' Brown Lot for $10 per vehicle, and $5 per motorcycle. Proceeds from parking help offset expenses to keep the festival admission-free.

2. VIP Access is Available

Big blues fan or just really like catered meals and cold beverages? Then this is the perfect option for you. Purchase a VIP package or passes for an individual day. Sample tasty foods from one of their fantastic vendors while relaxing in the VIP area. Grab a drink from the VIP bar and enjoy special seating where you can catch all the action from the best spots the festival has to offer!

3. Where to Stay

With tons of convenient hotels near the Fairgrounds, booking your stay for the festival can be done easily. The Holiday Inn Express Syracuse-Fairgrounds, is located just minutes from the fairgrounds and offers an exclusive festival rate you don’t want to miss out on. Additional hotels offering discounted rates during the festival are Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport, the Quality Inn Farrell Road, and Embassy Suites at Destiny. No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll find the hotels filled with fellow blues fans and even the artists themselves! For a complete listing of hotels in the Syracuse area, click here.

4. Headliners and More!

Rhythm and blues artists from all over will come together for three days at Chevy Court to show you what the genre is all about. This year’s headlining acts include JJ Grey and Mofro, The Kingsnakes, and Terrance Simien & The Zydeci Experience. Attendees can also groove to some of the area's most renowned musicians with performances by The Carolyn Kelly Blues Band, Phil Petroff & Natural Fact, and Slidin Home, a five-piece band including two NYS Blues Hall of Famers, guitar legend George Deveny and Dave Liddy, as well as many others.

This is one of the largest free blues festivals in the Northeast, come join the action and enjoy world-class music in the heart of New York state!

You can learn more about the New York State Blues Festival by heading over to their website today.