Great Beer Meets Great Music
The Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival is One of the Region's Biggest Events for Blues Fans
Live music and local craft beer on the waterfront? Sign us up!
The annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival, held in August at Des Moines Beach Park, is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Des Moines, Washington. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park, this all-day celebration showcases what makes this waterfront town so special.
The next festival takes place on August 29, 2026. Read on for more details, including who's playing.
What is the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival?
Each August, the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival brings top blues acts from across the country to Des Moines Beach Park in Des Moines, Washington. This stunning location on the shores of Puget Sound is located about 30 minutes south of downtown Seattle. It's close enough to the city to be convenient yet far enough to feel remote and serene.
Visitors come back year after year to enjoy the amazing lineup of musicians and sample craft beer from roughly 20 breweries, as well as wine, cider, and food trucks. You can sip your beverage while gazing out at the ocean, taking in the salty sea air, and enjoying the sunshine.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park, the festival was named the Best Community Blues Festival by the Washington State Blues Society. All net proceeds fund Rotary-powered projects and causes, including Highline Music4Life, which provides musical instruments to kids in need.
This Year's Festival
Time & Date
This year's festival will be held on August 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Buy tickets here.)
The Lineup
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - CD Woodbury Band
Kick off the day with a gritty, soulful blend of blues, roots, and rock on the waterfront stage.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys
Turn up the energy with a lively mix of blues, boogie, and feel-good rhythm that’s built for a summer crowd.
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. - Too Slim and the Taildraggers
Enjoy powerhouse guitar work and hard-driving blues that will keep the festival rolling all afternoon long.
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Highway 99 All Stars
Close out the night with a powerhouse lineup of Northwest blues talent and deeply rooted rhythm and blues
Featured Brews
- Georgetown Brewing Company
- Acorn Brewing
- Timber City Ginger Beer
- Logan Brewing Company
- Fremont Brewing
- Narrows Brewing
- Rachel’s Ginger Beer
- Empyrical Orchard and Cider
- Woodinville Ciderworks
- Yonder Cider
- Republic of Cider
Things to Do Near the Festival
If you're looking for places to eat and explore beyond the festival, we've got you covered.
Morning
If you're an early riser, take a stroll up the Des Moines Creek Trail, a paved, shady path that extends from Des Moines Beach Park up to a trailhead near the Angle Lake light rail station. You can also check out the marina and all the fascinating public art nearby.
Get coffee or tea at several places in town, including Quarterdeck, which is right by the park, and Second Love Coffee, a popular, Seattle-style cafe that roasts its own coffee and serves delicious breakfast bites.
Midday
If you prefer to eat a full meal before heading to the festival, there are plenty of places to fill up. The Des Moines downtown, which is within walking distance from the festival, has many places to stop, including Arturo's Mexican Restaurant for tacos and fajitas and Auntie Irene's for comforting diner vibes. Browse many more restaurants in our food & drink directory.
Late Night
Want to keep the fun vibes going after the party ends? Head back to Jamar's Sports Bar & Grill for soul food, burgers, and a festive atmosphere. Or hop in your car and explore many late-night destinations just a short drive away. You can keep the music going at 13 Coins Restaurant in SeaTac, which hosts local artists on weekends. Or chill out at a Sharps RoastHouse with some smoked meat and good, Washington whiskey.
An Extra Day
There's a ton to do in Seattle Southside. With even one extra day, you can pack in more outdoor adventures, culture, and great food. Marvel at hundreds of vintage planes at the Museum of Flight, the largest nonprofit air and space museum in the world. Check out some of the best parks and trails in the region. Or explore restaurants in the World Table District and taste your way through dozens of cuisines from around the world.
Trust us, you'll have no trouble filling your time!
Where to Stay When You Come to the Festival
If you're planning on coming to the festival, why not make it a whole weekend getaway? There are dozens of hotels in Seattle Southside within minutes of the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival. Use our directory to browse hotels and filter by amenities such as pet-friendly and free breakfast.
A Poverty Bay Inspired Blues Playlist
We put together this playlist featuring some of the past artists who've played at the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival.
You may also be interested in...
16 Things to Do in Seattle Southside This Summer
Some of the best Seattle attractions are in Seattle Southside, and there are all kinds of things to do near…
Summer Festivals and Events in Seattle and Beyond
Summer in the Northwest is packed with festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival
When is the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival?
The Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival takes place annually in late August at Des Moines Beach Park in Des Moines, Washington. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where is the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival held?
The festival is held at Des Moines Beach Park on the waterfront in Des Moines, Washington, approximately 30 minutes south of downtown Seattle and just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The scenic location offers beautiful Puget Sound views throughout the event.
What can you expect at the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival?
Visitors can enjoy a full day of nationally and regionally recognized blues performances, craft beer from Washington breweries, cider, wine, food trucks, and waterfront scenery. The festival also supports local community programs through the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park.
What else is there to do near the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival?
Turn your festival visit into a weekend getaway by exploring Seattle Southside. Walk the Des Moines Creek Trail, visit the Des Moines Marina, discover the Museum of Flight, dine at restaurants in SeaTac's Global Dining District, or enjoy shopping and entertainment throughout Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines.
Where should I stay when attending the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival?
Seattle Southside offers dozens of hotels within a short drive of Des Moines Beach Park. Visitors can choose from airport hotels, waterfront accommodations, and family-friendly lodging, many offering complimentary airport shuttles, free breakfast, and other convenient amenities.
