Fest Guide: Prairie Dog Blues Fest 2023
Get ready for some Blues & Roots entertainment at the 2023 Prairie Dog Blues Fest! Running July 27 through the 29th, the summer festival features three days of epic live performances in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin from both established Blues & Roots artists and up and coming artists. The Blues are a cherished American art form, and the Prairie Dog Blues Festival aims to keep it alive and flourishing each year. Check out this fest guide to learn everything you need to know about rocking at the festival including where to buy last minute tickets, where you can camp, and more!
Listen to “E.416: Duwayne Burnside | Hill Country Blues” on Spreaker.
Festival Basics
Dates and Location: The Prairie Dog Blues Festival is held every year on historic St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, right on the Mississippi River. The annual festival brings three days of Blues and Roots music from Chicago Blues, West Coast Jump, hard-driving Mississippi Hill Country Blues, New Orleans horns to Texas Boogie, Zydeco, Gospel, and Blues Rock (you’ll hear it all!). Plan to camp to make the most of your festival experience, and spend a few nights in the beautiful Mississippi River Valley. Let this guide provide you with all you need to know to become a true Prairie Dogger at Prairie Dog Blues Fest 2023!
Tickets: Purchase your last minute tickets at the gate as you come into the festival. Pricing is $45 for One-Day admission and $85 for Two-Day admission. Three-Day campsites (up to four persons) are $100 at the gate, and campsites are on a 1st come, 1st serve basis as early as Thursday, July 27th.
Listen to “E.414: Tullie Brae | Blues Singer” on Spreaker.
Music Lineup
Must-See Performances: Jane Lee Hooker, Victor Wainwright & The Train, John Primer, Nick Schnebelen, Tullie Brae, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, and Duwayne Burnside are a few of the featured acts for the 2023 Prairie Dog Blues Fest. There will be live performances all Friday evening, and from Saturday afternoon starting at 1:00 pm into the evening.
Listen to “E.412: Dana Athens | Jane Lee Hooker” on Spreaker.
Navigating the Festival
Schedule Highlights: Plan your day by checking the festival schedule. Note the timings of any performances you’d like to attend.
Signage and Information Booths: Look out for clear signage and information booths scattered throughout the festival grounds. They will provide directions, answer questions, and offer assistance when needed.
Listen to “E.409: Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys” on Spreaker.
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshments: The festival offers a variety of excellent food vendors ranging from good ol’ American food to Cajun and BBQ, plus sweets for a little treat. The beer tent has its own music stage, and festival goers can refresh with varieties of ice cold beer and wine coolers along with pop and water. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat throughout the day to stay refreshed in the summer heat.