05/15/2026
Dear Blues Family,
The countdown begins.
On behalf of The Blues Foundation, we are excited to officially announce the dates for the 43rd International Blues Challenge taking place January 19–23, 2027, in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.
Each year, musicians, fans, industry professionals, blues societies, and supporters from around the world gather on Beale Street to celebrate the power, passion, and future of blues music. The International Blues Challenge continues to serve as one of the most important platforms for emerging blues artists while honoring the rich culture and legacy of this uniquely American art form.
We are looking forward to another unforgettable week filled with outstanding performances, networking, education, fellowship, and the global spirit of the blues.
Whether you are competing, supporting an artist, representing an affiliated blues society, or simply joining us as a fan of the music, we invite you to begin making plans now to join us in Memphis.
Additional details regarding host hotels, event schedules, ticket information, showcases, and registration timelines will be announced in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support of the blues and of The Blues Foundation.
We cannot wait to welcome the blues world back to Beale Street in January 2027.
