The Legacy of Blues on the Green in Austin
Blues on the Green, an iconic summer event in Austin, has been a staple of the city's live music scene for over three decades. What began as a modest attempt to draw more visitors to the Arboretum shopping plaza has evolved into one of the most anticipated free music festivals in the region. Now held at Zilker Park, the event offers a unique experience where local artists perform against the backdrop of the downtown skyline, drawing thousands of attendees each night.
The origins of Blues on the Green date back to 1989, when it was first introduced as a way to boost foot traffic at the Arboretum. The inaugural performance featured Austin blues legend W.C. Clark, who played for around 3,000 people. Lisa Richardson, then the Arboretum’s head of marketing, noted that the turnout far exceeded expectations, setting the stage for what would become a beloved tradition.
By 1999, the event had outgrown its original venue and moved to Zilker Park, where it continued to grow in popularity. Over the years, the festival expanded beyond blues to include a diverse range of musical genres, featuring artists from country, rock, and Latin backgrounds. This evolution helped solidify Blues on the Green as a cornerstone of Austin’s cultural identity.
A Threat to a Beloved Tradition
Despite its long-standing success, Blues on the Green faced a significant challenge in early 2024. Organizers announced the cancellation of the 2024 event, citing financial difficulties. As a free event, Blues on the Green relies heavily on sponsorships and community support to cover operational costs. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Austin music community, prompting widespread concern and calls for action.
A social media post by X user @JansonEBWoodlee expressed disappointment, stating, "So sad to hear it - the live music capitol of the world deserves much better." Similarly, local businesses like Austin Beerworks questioned the cost of keeping the event running.
A Community Effort to Save the Event
In response to the cancellation threat, Austin City Council took swift action. They approved a resolution directing the city manager to explore ways to support and preserve inclusive, open-to-the-public events like Blues on the Green. The council encouraged partnerships with local educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to ensure the event remained accessible and representative of Austin’s diverse culture.
H-E-B, a well-known Texas grocery chain, also stepped up to the plate. The company pledged to be the presenting sponsor for the 2025 event, helping to secure its future. Heidi Post, H-E-B’s senior director for public affairs, emphasized the importance of preserving this community asset, stating, "Blues on the Green is a local institution and an event that Austinites have cherished for many years."
This isn’t the first time H-E-B has supported Austin’s music scene. In 2016, the company acquired naming rights for the Cedar Park Center, now known as the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. More recently, H-E-B partnered with the Long Center for the Performing Arts to sponsor an outdoor stage at the venue. Additionally, the company launched its own True Texas Tunes concert series, which features monthly performances at its South Congress Avenue store.
What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 edition of Blues on the Green will take place on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6, starting at 7 p.m. Each night will be free and open to the public, with pets welcome. Tuesday’s lineup will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Antone’s, a legendary blues venue in Austin, featuring performances from Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, The Peterson Brothers, Blakchly, and Bob Schneider. Wednesday’s shows will include acts such as Elijah Delgato, Next of Kin, and Chaparelle.
The event will be held at Zilker Metropolitan Park, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with music, community, and the spirit of Austin’s rich musical heritage.
