Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival

The Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival in Lafayette, Indiana, is a lively one-day event held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, located on Main Street in downtown Lafayette. It features a rich blend of live blues and jazz music, with local stalwarts from the Lafayette jazz and blues scene headlining the performances. The event typically runs from mid-afternoon in the early evening hours, roughly from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm local time, with some sources indicating music continuing up to 11:30 pm, providing a full evening of entertainment.

The festival's vibe is that of a vibrant community gathering, encouraging music lovers to enjoy live bands alongside dancing, food, beer, and wine in the open-air setting of downtown Lafayette. It provides a staged musical experience centered around Fifth Street between Main and Columbia Streets. The event is adult-friendly with ticket admission (around $15 for adults), and also family-friendly, offering discounted rates for ages 13-18 and free entry for children under 12. It is also handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.

Activities and Highlights:

• Live music performances on the Main Stage, typically featuring multiple acts such as local blues and jazz bands. Past lineups have included groups like Palace Kat, Cordak Blues Band, Brent Laidler & The Swing 48 Quintet, and Scratch Thing Blues Band.
• Food and beverage options including a variety of festival foods and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, allowing attendees to relax and enjoy in a festive atmosphere.
• Opportunities for dancing and socializing in the street-block party setting, enhancing the sense of a communal celebration.
• Local vendors and possibly craft stalls enhancing the cultural and economic life of downtown Lafayette during the event day.

Rough Schedule:

• Early afternoon (around 2:00 pm): Festival begins with performances by local jazz and blues bands on the main stage.
• Evening (till around 8:30 pm or later): Continued live music and entertainment, food and drink service ongoing.
• Late evening (up to 11:30 pm in some reports): Final acts close out the music lineup.

Event Location and Surroundings:

• The festival is set in downtown Lafayette’s Main Street area, specifically between Fifth Street and Columbia Street. This urban setting offers a charming mix of historic and modern local businesses, restaurants, and bars contributing to a lively downtown scene.
• Downtown Lafayette is known for its welcoming atmosphere and has been actively supporting community events that highlight local culture and music, making the festival a staple event for locals and visitors alike.
• The area surrounding the festival is pedestrian-friendly with restaurants and shops providing additional activities and dining options.

History and Founding:

• The Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival evolved from the Uptown Jazz & Blues 2.0, itself derived from the Riverfront Jazz & Blues Fest initiated in 1996. This lineage reflects a long-standing tradition in Lafayette of celebrating blues and jazz music as central to the city’s cultural identity.
• It has grown into a significant annual event that honors regional musical talents and invigorates downtown Lafayette with live arts culture.

The event is organized by the Friends of Downtown Lafayette, a community group dedicated to promoting the vibrancy of the downtown district. Tickets are available both online and at the gate. For further details or updates, the festival’s official website and their Facebook page offer ticket information and event news.

Overall, the Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival is a well-loved summer highlight in Lafayette, offering an engaging community experience filled with good music, food, drink, and cultural celebration in an accessible downtown setting.