Chicago Blues Festival Photo Recap Friday June 5, 2026 by Alan Frohlichstein

The Chicago Blues Festival was celebrated in the city, Thursday thru Sunday, June 4 - 7 2026. The largest FREE blues festival in the world, features exceptional blues talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park and at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport.

On Friday June 5 the Chicago Blues Festival celebrated 55 Years of Alligator Records on the Pritztker Pavilion stage featuring Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss and Tinsley Ellis.

Other blues greats at the festival included Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Marquise Knox, Ra’shad the Blues Kid, Eden Brent, The Big Time Rhythm & Blues Band, Mississippi Marshall, Freddie Dixon Blues Band, The Mike Wheeler Band with Demtria Taylor, Funky MojoDaddy, and the Nick Alexander Blues Band.

All photos by Alan Frohlichstein.

Through a shared commitment to supporting artists, venues, and audiences, Alan Frohlichstein’s work has become an important part of telling the story of jazz and blues in Chicago. Alan’s images have captured memorable performances, festivals, community gatherings, and special moments, and ChicagoJazz.com is proud to recognize him as a longtime partner and contributor to our mission of celebrating and promoting jazz and blues in Chicago.

You can see more amazing photography at AlanFrohlichstein.com

ChicagoJazz.com is a part of Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment and has been the proud publisher of the Official Chicago Blues Festival Program since 2007. We now produce a print and interactive online version providing even more information about the blues artists, music and venues you love. For more information, visit our site dedicated to Chicago Blues, www.BluesinChicago.com