Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival Returns December 6, Continuing a Manatee County Music Tradition
Lakewood Ranch, FL — The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, presented by Bank of America, will return to Waterside Park on Saturday, December 6, 2025, bringing a full day of nationally recognized blues music, local food and drink, artisan vendors, and community spirit.
Festivalgoers can enjoy performances from touring blues artists, sample offerings from area restaurants and food trucks, browse a curated selection of vendors, and choose between open seating or premium front-of-stage access. Advance tickets are $75, with day-of admission priced at $95. Information on tickets, vendor participation, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities is available at www.lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com.
Building on a Legacy
The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival is in its second year, but its roots trace back more than a decade to the Bradenton Blues Festival. From 2012 to 2019, that event drew thousands to the Bradenton Riverwalk each December. Early editions attracted crowds of more than 3,000 and featured acclaimed artists from across the country. The festival was recognized for its contribution to the local arts scene and its role in boosting the downtown Bradenton economy.
When the Bradenton Blues Festival ended, longtime blues promoter Paul Benjamin partnered with event producers Morgan Bettes Angell and Antonio Hernandez of Independent Jones to launch a new event in Lakewood Ranch. Bank of America signed on as the presenting sponsor, ensuring the continuation of a blues tradition in Manatee County.
Successful Debut in 2024
The inaugural Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival took place on December 7, 2024, at Waterside Park. The lineup included Melody Angel, Dylan Triplett, Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s, Kat Riggins, Monster Mike Welch, Vanessa Collier, and the Danielle Nicole Band. The event drew an estimated 750 attendees, who enjoyed a waterfront setting, upgraded seating options, and the opportunity to support local charities, including the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry program.
Community Impact
The festival’s return in 2025 is expected to attract both local residents and visitors, furthering its role as a cultural and economic driver for the region. Organizers aim to blend high-caliber blues performances with opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and nonprofit organizations to connect with the community.
