Audubon Mill Park on the Henderson riverfront is about to get busy with the blues! The WC Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival runs Wednesday-Saturday (June 15- 18).
While for many this is a annual tradition (this will be the 31st year, 2020 was cancelled due to COVID), some have never attended. Here are some pro-tips for newbies!
- Go to the website and check out the lineup. Maybe you haven’t heard of ANY of these artists. That’s okay. Go to youtube or check out the band website or Facebook page and listen to a couple songs. Maybe you will find a new favorite band! Or, you can just go in with an open heart (and ears) and enjoy some or all of the 18 bands scheduled to appear this year. Spoiler: they are ALL fantastic!
- Dust off your favorite camp chair! Or treat yourself to a new one. This is a bring your own seat festival. But don’t be afraid to get up and dance….especially on Thursday night which is Zydeco night! You will be chanting “ain’t no party like a Chubby party cuz a Chubby party don’t stop” the next day!
- Speaking of Zydeco night on Thursday. Get their early to enjoy red beans and rice and bread pudding. This is an annual fundraiser to help keep the festival free and they sell out every year!
- This is an outside festival, so we are all at the mercy of the weather. Be prepared. Dress appropriately, hydrate, bring mosquito repellant, ponchos if rain is in the forecast. Keep in mind NO COOLERS are allowed in the park during the festival. Handy Fest complete rules HERE.
- The festival is family friendly. Bring the kids. Bring your friends. Bring your neighbors. Bring your sweetie. DO NOT BRING YOUR PETS. Pets are not allowed at the festival.
- Check out the website if you have any questions.
- You can pregame (eat/drink) before the festival…or you can enjoy food at the fest or at some of the nearby Henderson restaurants. There is also a beer tent at the festival, stage left, with excellent viewing of the bands!
- This is a FREE festival! Help keep Handy Fest free and buy some merch if that’s in your budget. You can sport your WC Handy Blues & Barbecue t-shirt all year and your friends will definitely be jealous.
- Have fun!
