Austin Blues Festival Set for 2025 Return at Moody Amphitheater, Celebrating Antone’s 50 Years

A cornerstone of Austin’s vibrant music scene is set to make a significant return in 2025. The 3rd Annual Austin Blues Festival has been officially announced, scheduled to take place on April 26-27, 2025, at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in downtown Austin.

This iteration of the festival holds particular significance as it is presented by the legendary Austin institution, Antone’s, which will be commemorating its 50th year in 2025. The convergence of the festival’s return and Antone’s golden anniversary underscores a deep connection to the city’s musical heritage and its enduring status as a global hub for blues music.

A Legacy Revived: Tracing the Roots of the Austin Blues Festival

The announcement of the 2025 festival marks the revival of the original Antone’s Blues Festival. This seminal event was first hosted by the club’s founder, the late Clifford Antone, in 1999. Notably, the inaugural festival also took place at Waterloo Park, establishing a historical link between the park and this celebrated blues gathering.

The 1999 festival featured an extraordinary lineup of blues titans, including iconic figures such as Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles. Their performances cemented the festival’s place in Austin’s musical history and set a high standard for future iterations. The decision to bring the festival back under the Antone’s banner, returning to the site of its origins, pays homage to Clifford Antone’s vision and the club’s unparalleled impact on the blues world.

The 2025 Event: A New Chapter at Moody Amphitheater

The upcoming festival promises to build upon this rich legacy. Scheduled for two days in late April, the event will showcase an incredible lineup of national talent. While specific artist names for the 2025 roster have yet to be revealed, the association with Antone’s and the festival’s history suggests that attendees can anticipate performances from some of the most respected names in contemporary blues and related genres.

The choice of the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park as the venue provides a modern, state-of-the-art setting for the festival. This open-air venue boasts a capacity of 5,000 seats, offering ample space for blues enthusiasts to experience the performances in a comfortable and engaging environment. The amphitheater’s design and location within the revitalized Waterloo Park make it a premier destination for large-scale musical events in the city.

Antone’s at 50: Celebrating a Blues Institution

The year 2025 represents a major milestone for Antone’s. Since its founding, the club has served as a crucial stage for blues artists, both established legends and rising stars. It played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of numerous musicians and became known worldwide as “Austin’s Home of the Blues.” The presentation of the 3rd Annual Austin Blues Festival as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations highlights the club’s ongoing commitment to the genre and its foundational role in the city’s cultural identity.

Celebrating five decades is a significant achievement for any music venue, particularly one dedicated to a specific genre like the blues. Antone’s longevity and continued influence are a testament to its importance in preserving and promoting blues music. The festival provides a fitting platform to honor this half-century legacy.

Austin’s Enduring Blues Connection

Austin has long held a reputation as a city steeped in music, earning the moniker “Live Music Capital of the World.” While its identity encompasses numerous genres, blues has always been a vital thread in its musical tapestry. From the early days of pioneers who moved to the city to the establishment of venues like Antone’s, blues music has shaped Austin’s sound and culture.

The return of the Austin Blues Festival reinforces this connection. It offers a dedicated event where fans can immerse themselves in the genre, celebrating its history while experiencing its contemporary evolution. The combination of historical significance, a premier venue, and the backing of an institution celebrating its 50th year positions the 2025 festival as a must-attend event for blues aficionados and music lovers alike.

As anticipation builds for the April 26-27, 2025 dates, the focus will soon turn to the announcement of the national talent slated to perform. The revival of the Austin Blues Festival, presented by Antone’s during its 50th anniversary year, promises to be a landmark event, continuing the legacy established by Clifford Antone over two decades ago at the very same location within Waterloo Park.