It may have been hot outside, but thousands of blues enthusiasts still gathered for the 11th annual Blues at the Arch Festival, presented by the Steward Family Foundation. There is something so special about this annual tradition, hearing the blues drift through the Park each year and seeing neighbors, visitors, and generations of music lovers moving to the rhythms in unison, in the place where blues music found its home in St. Louis—along the riverfront.

Over the course of the weekend, artists like the Soulard Blues Band, Mr. Sipp, Toronzo Cannon, Stevie J. Blues, Lady J Huston, Devin C. Williams, and Tullie Brae, kept the crowd grooving and dancing for a total of 14 hours of live music.

Beyond the music, guests stayed energized and cool with food and drinks from seven local vendors, kids enjoyed the Kids Korner, and people connected with St. Louis’ blues history on the history walk and the new “Exploring the BluesPrint” educational panel with St. Louis’ own blues music legends.

Blues at the Arch remains free each year because we believe the joy, connection, and sense of belonging this festival creates should be available to everyone who calls this city home. And, that’s only possible thanks to our sponsors, members, and donors, whose support keeps this tradition thriving year after year.

To our supporters: Thank you for making Blues at the Arch possible. And to our festivalgoers, thank you for celebrating a weekend of blues with us. We’ll see you next year!