Waterfront Blues Festival Review - A Diverse Festival Rooted in Community

Now in its 38th year, the Waterfront Blues Festival once again brought the soulful sounds of blues to fans over the 4th of July weekend at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland.

While the beloved festival looked a bit different this year, the magic was still very much alive. For starters, it was a two-day event instead of four, and the number of stages was reduced. But don’t be fooled—fewer stages didn’t mean fewer performances. In fact, the new format created a more intimate vibe that many found refreshing. Personally, I loved the more laid-back atmosphere this year.

"The 2025 Waterfront Blues Festival proved once again why festivals and events are such a vital part of our cultural fabric," said Festival Director Christina Fuller. "We were thrilled to introduce this new festival format, and the response from attendees, artists, and community partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Thousands of music lovers flocked to downtown Portland’s waterfront, and it was a tangible reminder of just how much this festival means to both the city and its people. The vibes were high, the weather was perfect, and we truly felt the love from our Blues Fest fans—both long-time attendees and first-time guests."

Throughout the festival, there were plenty of places to dance, check out local artisans, and indulge in Portland's famous food scene. This year, sponsors and activations took things up a notch. Airbnb sponsored the Stay & Sway Stage, and White Claw’s Shore Club made its debut, offering refreshing, calorie-conscious beverages for festival-goers. Kona Beach Wave and Bulleit Bourbon also added to the fun with giveaways and cocktail stations. Food options ranged from fried chicken and catfish to chicken shawarma and hot dogs from Cobra Dogs—something for every taste.

"Some of the new changes, like the Airbnb Stay & Sway Stage and the Blues Bites food pavilion, really brought a fresh perspective to the festival," Fuller added. "These changes allowed us to spotlight fantastic local musicians and partner with beloved Portland brands. It was great seeing attendees shopping at Portland Gear, Tender Loving Empire, and Music Millennium booths, while enjoying local bites from Boke Bowl, Elephants Deli, Nico’s Ice Cream, and more."

Musically, the festival kicked off on Friday with high-energy performances from acts like Low Cut Connie, The Motet, and The Main Squeeze. Norman Sylvester and his daughter had the crowd up and dancing early on, setting the tone for the weekend with a brief but unforgettable set on the Airbnb Stay & Sway Stage.

The Motet, a six-piece band formed nearly two decades ago, delivered a dynamic blend of soul and Motown. Having performed at iconic festivals like Bonnaroo and Electric Forest, they certainly know how to bring the heat, setting a high bar for the rest of the weekend’s acts. As always, the festival closed with its famous fireworks show, which never fails to light up the Portland skyline and draw huge crowds.

On Saturday, festival-goers arrived early to bask in the Portland sunshine and enjoy activations from sponsors like StateFarm, which was handing out custom bobbleheads. Nearby, a DJ set provided a fun backdrop as people grabbed bites to eat.

Southern Avenue delivered an electric set that channeled the spirit of Tina Turner. Lead singer Tierinii Jackson wowed the crowd with her vibrant performance, connecting with fans between songs. "It’s hard being on the road, but this song is to make you feel the way we do," Jackson said before diving into their hit "Found a Friend In You." Southern Avenue’s layered harmonies and high energy created a memorable performance, paying tribute to the greats like Dolly Parton and Tina Turner.

As the weekend wrapped up, Allen Stone took the stage and closed the festival on a high note. Known for his charismatic energy and powerhouse vocals, Stone kept the crowd engaged until the very end. The highlight of his set came when he dedicated a song to his wife, Taz, in celebration of her birthday. “This is a beautiful song I wrote on our wedding day,” he shared before performing "Give You Blue," one of the crowd’s favorites. Stone’s performance was a perfect finale, reminding us all why he’s one of the best live performers around.

“Overall, this year's celebration demonstrated that the Waterfront Blues Festival is exactly what Portland needs— a joyful, diverse, and deeply rooted cultural event, and an economic engine that kicks off summertime in our city,” Fuller shared. “We’re already looking ahead to 2026, and excited to keep evolving and expanding what it means to be an independent music and culture festival."

For those looking to stay nearby, we chose Hotel Rose—a StayPineapple property—just a short walk from the festival. The hotel kept the vibe going with after-hours performances, giving us a chance to discover even more local talent.

In the end, the Waterfront Blues Festival does what it does best: bringing people together for a celebration rooted in community, music, food, and connection. Here's to next year—until then, the memories will keep us grooving!