Waterfront Blues Fest
The Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland is an exciting three-day event of live performances from talented musicians. The event is great for families looking for a fun summer getaway or first-time RV travelers wanting an easy festival road trip. Traveling to the festival by RV is an ideal way to experience the event, giving you the flexibility to stay near the action while also exploring nearby parks, scenic green spaces, and even the beautiful Oregon Coast before or after the festival.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival features plenty of phenomenal live blues performances. Feel the energy and experience Downtown Portland’s largest and longest-running music celebration.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There will be three stages and a variety of food and snacks available for purchase, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Guests who are 21 and older with valid IDs can buy alcoholic beverages, and there's a free water refill station. Portable restrooms are available.
LOCATION
The 2026 Waterfront Blues Festival takes place at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the banks of the Willamette River. The address is 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204.
FAQs About RVing to the Waterfront Blues Festival
Can I leave my RV overnight at the Waterfront Blues Festival?
No, you can't leave your RV overnight at the festival. There's extremely limited parking downtown. Your best option is to stay at a nearby RV park and drive your car to the event.
What are the hours of the Waterfront Blues Festival?
The hours are from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., which applies to guests with VIP passes. Otherwise, gates open at 12 p.m.
Can I carry a large bag with me to the festival?
Oversized bags aren't allowed at the event. It can't be larger than 18 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.
Will there be alcohol for sale?
Yes, there will be alcohol for sale. Make sure to bring a valid ID.
Is there designated festival parking?
There's no designated festival parking. If you're driving your car to the event, it's best to arrive early to give yourself ample time to find a parking space.
Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Dogs aren't allowed at the festival. However, service animals are welcome.
LINEUP
Multiple musicians and bands are performing as part of the three-day festival. These include: • The Revivalists • Durand Jones & The Indications • Nikki Jones Band • Tank and the Bangas You can view the entire 2026 lineup at the event's page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
While you can drive your RV to the event at Waterfront Park in Portland, you can't leave it overnight. You have to either park at a local RV park or at nearby parking garages that may be able to accommodate the vehicle. If you choose the latter, call in advance to learn more about their policies and pricing. A better, more convenient option is to stay at a local RV campground and drive your car to the event.
Where to Camp Near the Waterfront Blues Festival
There are multiple places you can camp near the Waterfront Blues Festival. You can stay at the Columbia River RV Park in North Portland, which is about 22 minutes away. The Fox Run RV Park is another option. It only offers basic amenities, such as laundry facilities and showers, but it's less than 20 minutes from the festival.
RV Rental Tips for the Waterfront Blues Festival
Create a parking plan as soon as possible if you're taking an RV to the Waterfront Blues Festival. Other visitors will also seek out nearby places to stay overnight, and you don't want to miss out on the ability to stay locally. Additionally, buy your event tickets as soon as you can. It's a popular event, so tickets go fast. If you want to rent an RV in Portland via RVshare, make your reservations ahead of time. This is the case whether you're renting any class of RV, a travel trailer, or one of the several other options.
WHERE TO STAY
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Portland has many hotels that can accommodate you and all your guests. Some provide pet-friendly accommodations if you're bringing your pets. Here are a couple of great hotel recommendations: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland has many guest rooms with comfortable beds and cozy bedding. The hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a business center, streaming entertainment, an outdoor pool, and meeting rooms. The Society Hotel Portland offers well-appointed guest rooms with queen and king beds and modern decor. It has an on-site coffee shop when you want to unwind with a delicious beverage before heading out to the event.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Portland: Take I-84 West toward downtown Portland and follow signs for City Center and the Morrison Bridge. Continue onto Southwest Morrison Bridge, then merge onto South Naito Parkway/OR-99W toward Waterfront Park. Make a U-turn at Southwest Market Street, and the venue will be on the right. From Vancouver: Take I-5 South into Portland and follow signs for US-26 East and City Center. Continue onto the Morrison Bridge, then merge onto South Naito Parkway/OR-99W toward Waterfront Park. Make a U-turn at Southwest Market Street, and the venue will be on the right.
PARKING
Parking at the 2026 Waterfront Blues Fest is free if you park along the street or in public parking lots. You can also find SmartPark garages at the corner of Jefferson and Southwest First Streets. VIP passholders get SmartPark spaces with their ticket purchase. Bicycle parking is available during event hours at your own risk.
TICKETS & PRICING
Various ticket options are available, including one-day tickets, general admission passes, and VIP passes. Three-day passes cost $125 for tier one and $150 for tier two. And a one-day tier-one ticket costs $50. View all the options on the official tickets page.
WRAP UP
The 2026 Waterfront Blues Fest is a three-day concert featuring the best of the blues and its culture. Guests can enjoy incredible live performances, meet new friends, and dig into fantastic food. Stay up to date about this event by following the official Facebook page.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the Waterfront Blues Festival
• Day 1: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Spend the day listening to musicians like The Revivalists and the Garcia Birthday Band. Before you leave for the event, choose a local spot where you can grab food afterward. • Day 2: Day 2 of the event brings musicians like Durand Jones & The Indications, Glitterfox, and the Nikki Jones Band. Bring your appetite and grab some delicious food and beverages while your favorite music plays in the background. • Day 3: Stop by the marketplace for unique finds as you listen to music from Tank and the Bangas, Seratones, and other musicians. Make sure to enjoy the fireworks!
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.