• The state of Kentucky features its fair share of music festivals, specifically those dedicated to the blues. These festivals sit scattered throughout the state, residing in both big and small cities. Many of the blues festivals include major sponsors which allow guests to attend either free of charge or at a nominal cost.
  
  

Hot August Blues Festivals

• The Kenlake State Resort Park Amphitheater plays host to the Hot August Blues Festivals each year in Hardin, Kentucky. Dating back to 1989, the festival spans two days and features a line-up of local and nationally recognized blues artists, including Jon Justice, John D'Amato and Delta Moon. The festival grounds sit along the shores of Kentucky Lake, within close proximity to a handful of hotels and lodging accommodations. A host of food and craft booths reside on the premises as well during the festival.
  
  Hot August Blues Festivals
  
  Kenlake State Resort Park Amphitheater
  
  542 Kenlake Rd.
  
  Hardin, KY 42048
  
  270-293-6641
  
  hotaugustbluesfestival.com
  
  

W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

• Situated within Henderson, Kentucky's Audubon Mill Park, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival celebrates the contributions of blues giant, William Christopher Handy, a one-time resident of the city. In nearby Central Park, guests may sample from a variety of barbecue food. The festival offers a host of other events as well, including lectures and dance lessons. Admittance to the week-long festival remains free of charge. In 2009, more than 50,000 people attended the event. The 2010 line-up featured such blues musicians as Alias Jones, Joe Louis Walker and the Otis Taylor Band.
  
  W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival
  
  Audubon Mill Park
  
  Henderson, KY 42420
  
  800-648-3128
  
  handyblues.org
  
  

Garvin Gate Blues Festival

• Held in the month of October, and run entirely by volunteers, the Garvin Gate Blues Festival takes place on the streets of Old Louisville, close to the Ohio River and the city center. Profits made from the festival help preserve the historic region of the city. Over the years, the free two-day weekend street festival played host to such blues luminaries as Jimmy Dawkins, Eddy Clearwater, Lefty Dizz and Junior Kimbrough. Despite a hiatus from 2000-2006, the festival has functioned annually since 1988.
  
  Garvin Gate Blues Festival
  
  Old Louisville, at West Oak Street & Garvin Place
  
  Louisville, KY 40202
  
  502-495-9089
  
  garvingatebluesfestival.com