Blues in Chippewa is an annual nonprofit blues festival. As of February 2011, admission to the festival is free and the festival operators collect free-will donated canned foods for the local Pepin Country & Durand school district food pantry. The festival hosts about 15 bands in two days and is held during the weekend of August 6th and 7th. Blues in Chippewa is located in Durand. Other attractions at the festival are craft shows, bike shows and classic car shows.
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest is located in Fern Island Park, Wausau. The festival offers a beer garden and a variety of foods and operates in mid August. In 2010, the festival was from August 19th to the 21st. Basic tickets cost $2 on Thursday, $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday. Two-day passes were between $20 and $25. VIP tickets costing $75 were also offered. The price included drink tickets, private tent and restrooms. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on if you plan to attend this festival.
Trempealeau Hotel is a historic hotel and saloon built in 1871. The hotel offers lodging but also does weddings, parties and throws an annual concert series. The Blues Bash is generally held in early June. As of February 2011, the Blues Bash is to be held June 4th. The concert takes place outside from the early afternoon to until 11 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The hotel offers food and beverages, including its classic Walnut Burger.
As of February 2011, Bay Front Blues will hold its 23rd annual festival from August 12th to 14th. This is a large blues festival based in Superior, but venues included in the festival range from Superior to across the border into Duluth, Minnesota. The festival has hosted over 300 blues bands since its beginnings and three-day tickets cost between $85 and $95. If you arrive the day of the festival, single day tickets cost $40. Video cameras, coolers and pets are prohibited, and only one lawn chair is permitted per guest.