Join us at the Bayfront Blues and Fine Art Festival, where art meets soulful blues music. Experience a juried showcase of fine art in the heart of Galveston, Texas.
May 2–3, 2026 ~ 10am-4pm
Join us for the inaugural debut of the Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival, an exciting new spring fine art tradition on Galveston Island.
Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival features nationally and regionally recognized blues musicians, juried fine artists from across the country, food vendors, and a lively waterfront atmosphere celebrating art and music.
General admission is $15 per day. Children are free.
Artist Open Call
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Applications are now open for the inaugural Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival, a juried, two-day outdoor fine art and live blues event set along the beautiful waterfront at Pier 21.
This high-quality festival pairs fine art with live blues music drifting across the bay.
Accepted Categories:
Ceramics • Digital Art • Drawing • Fiber/Textiles • Functional Art • Glass • Jewelry • Leather • Metal • Mixed Media • Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor) • Photography • Printmaking • Wood • Sculpture • Other
Live Blues Music
Enjoy live blues throughout the weekend as talented regional musicians perform against the beautiful backdrop of Galveston Bay.
SATURDAY: 10 AM – 6 PM
10:00 – 11:30 AM | Big E and the Lowdown
12:00 – 1:30 PM | Leonard Lowdown Brown
2:00 – 3:30 PM | Mighty Orq and band
4:00 – 5:30 PM | Keesha Pratt
SUNDAY: 10 AM – 6 PM
10:00 – 11:30 AM | Leonard Lowdown Brown
12:00 – 1:30 PM | Ned Evett
2:00 – 3:30 PM | Zydeco Jay and Creole Pressure
FEATURED BLUES ARTISTS
Big E & The Lowdown
Making their mark on the Texas blues scene, Big E & The Lowdown bring a powerful, high-energy sound rooted in rhythm & blues, rock, and soul. Fronted by Big E on guitar and vocals, the band features Dwayne Johnson on drums and Ray Sauter on bass.
Though Big E has spent a lifetime immersed in music and performance, this dynamic trio marks his true introduction to the greater Houston area and beyond. Known for his electrifying guitar work and commanding stage presence, Big E blends rich melodic hooks with hard-driving rhythms and soulful grooves.
The result is a bold, layered sound that reflects a wide range of influences — always tight, always authentic, and always a crowd pleaser.
More Info
Join us for the inaugural debut of the Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival an exciting new spring fine art tradition on Galveston Island.
Under the direction of Sarah Piel, former Director of ARToberFEST Galveston, this outdoor waterfront festival at Pier 21 brings together exceptional juried fine art and the soulful sounds of live blues music drifting across the bay.
Designed to become a cherished island treasure, the festival offers collectors, music lovers, and visitors a vibrant coastal weekend filled with creativity, rhythm, and inspiration.
Presented by ARTS Downtown GTX, all proceeds from the Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival directly support Galveston’s Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District and its mission to strengthen the arts as an economic and cultural driver for the community.
About
Join us for the inaugural debut of the Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival an exciting new spring fine art tradition on Galveston Island.
Under the direction of Sarah Piel, former Director of ARToberFEST Galveston, this outdoor waterfront festival at Pier 21 brings together exceptional juried fine art and the soulful sounds of live blues music drifting across the bay.
Designed to become a cherished island treasure, the festival offers collectors, music lovers, and visitors a vibrant coastal weekend filled with creativity, rhythm, and inspiration.
Presented by ARTS Downtown GTX, all proceeds from the Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival directly support Galveston’s Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District and its mission to strengthen the arts as an economic and cultural driver for the community.
Come experience fine art.
Feel the blues.
Celebrate the island.
