Festival Overview
Founded in 1986, the King Biscuit Blues Festival is one of the nation’s foremost showcases of blues music. Held for three full days (plus the bonus “Warm Up Wednesday” the evening before) annually in October, tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts from all over the world converge on historic downtown Helena, Arkansas to hear stirring and uplifting performances of an American art form on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Consisting of five stages (including the levee-top amphitheater “Main Stage”), a wide variety of buskers (street musicians), supplementary events (including the Flour Power 5k Run, the Tour da Delta bicycle race, and a Kansas City sanctioned BBQ Contest), the indescribable personality and culture of “Tent City,” food and arts/crafts vendors galore, and one-of-a-kind shopping in the eclectic shops and boutiques of historic downtown Helena, there is truly something for everyone.
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General Festival Information
(services, maps, etc.)
This information pertains to the 2018 festival. Check back later for 2019 information.
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For a .pdf copy of the 2018 brochure, click here.
Free Festival Isle of Capri Shuttle Service
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. until midnight
Available to and from Isle of Capri – Lula, Mississippi
Handicapped Accessible Parking
Corner of Missouri and Walnut (first-come, first-serve)
Handicapped Accessible Stage Area
Gated and secured north side of the Main Stage
First Aid Station
Sponsored by Helena Regional Medical Center and Pafford Ambulance
Official King Biscuit Merchandise
Located at the Main Stage Gated Area or Hunt Education Center (105 Missouri Street). Items can be purchased with credit card/cash and you present one form of I.D.
Official Blues Bucks
Sponsored by Ludwig Distributing
Festival Wristbands
Provide entry to the Main Stage gated area
Alcohol Wristbands
Located in each beer tent or cash bar. With a valid ID, those over 21 can receive a wristband for the purchase of alcohol anywhere in the festival.
Camping at Tent City
$70 for the weekend / P: 870-817-7444
Sponsored by Helena Fire Corp
Festival Collectibles & More
2018 King Biscuit Festival Poster
Original art by Becci Edwards of Metairie, LA. A limited number of posters signed by the artist are available at the Main Stage Gated Area or Hunt Education Center (105 Missouri Street)
Custom Painted Guitar & Other Raffles
Raffle tickets for sale on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Main Stage Gated Area. Raffles include:
• Guitar designed by Michael Gauf – Painted Axe
• Overnight stays sponsored by the Capital Hotel (Little Rock) and the Peabody Hotel (Memphis)
• King Biscuit Blues Festival poster, signed by Becci Edwards
Last modified: October 11, 2018
