W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing attendants from just about every state and many countries. The festival is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues", William Christopher Handy. This year the festival will be held June 12-19.

Enjoy live blues music, great smokey barbecue, children's activities and much more! Here's a schedule of the bands selected to play at this year's festival!

Saturday, June 12

Central Park (Downtown Henderson)

11:30 am - Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society

1:30 pm - Blues 4U

4:00 pm - Velveeta Jones

6:00 pm - Albert Castiglia



Wednesday, June 16
Audubon Mill Park (Henderson Riverfront)

4:30 pm - Alias Jones

6:00 pm - Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm

7:30 pm - Shirley Johnson

9:15 pm - Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers



Thursday, June 17 (Zydeco Night)
Audubon Mill Park (Henderson Riverfront)

4:30 pm - Doug MacLeod

5:30 pm - Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble

8:30 pm - Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band



Friday, June 18
Audubon Mill Park (Henderson Riverfront)

Noon – Hog Maw Blues Band

2:00 pm - Bryant-Stevens Band

4:00 pm - StellaVees

6:00 pm - Albert Castiglia

8:00 pm - Kenny Neal

10:00 pm - Tab Benoit



Saturday, June 19
Audubon Mill Park (Henderson Riverfront)

Noon - Doug MacLeod

2:00 pm - Kilborn Alley Blues Band

4:00 pm - Otis Taylor Band

6:00 pm - Magic Slim and the Teardrops

8:00 pm - Shemekia Copeland

10:00 pm - Joe Louis Walker


Other things not to miss!

On Saturday, June 12 there will be a Mardi-Gras style parade in downtown Henderson at 10am to kick off the festival. The "Taste of Henderson" barbecue will begin at 11am, following the parade. Gardeners won't want to miss the Garden Tour at 10am. For more information on these activities, visit the Handy website.

The Riverfront Fountains offer a great place for children to cool off. For other great activities to do while in Henderson, visit the Henderson County Tourist Commission website and check out all there is to SEE and DO in Henderson!