Blues by the River, a popular music festival, happens in Redding California every September. Hosted by the Shasta Blues Society, this celebration helps further the volunteer organization's mission to foster and share the American Blues. The festival happens in the Northern California town that is the home of the striking Sundial Bridge and majestic landscapes.

Blues by the River History and Facts

The Shasta blues Society hosts jam nights throughout the year, but the Blues by the River Festival in Redding California is by far its biggest undertaking. The daylong jam happens at Lake Redding Park, nestled along the Sacramento River in downtown. The first festival at the dawn of 1990s was the idea of Marvin Allen and Rick Lockhart. In the decades since, the festival has grown into one of the premiere gathering places for the blues in California.

California Map

The entire festival starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. and is smoke free. Along with eleven hours of great blues music, the Blues by the River festival 2011 features vendors of food, drinks, crafts, and other things to do. The schedule of events also includes raffles, VIP meet-ups, and even more fun. Before the festival arrives in mid-September, the Shasta Blues Society will host Pre-Blues Extravaganza concerts at a local restaurant.

Tickets to Blues by the River

Festival goers over the age of twelve will need a ticket; kids can get in free as long as they visit with an adult with paid admissions. Visitors over the age of 21 should be ready to show ID if they visit a vendor and purchase an adult beverage. No glass or cans can be brought to the Blues by the River 2011. Guests should bring blankets or low-back chairs with them to one of the biggest events and holidays in this part of California.

Directions to the Blues by the River Festival

Lake Redding Park, which also is known Caldwell Park, is located along Quartz Hill Drive right in the heart of town. Redding is a part of the Shasta Cascade region, two hours south of the Oregon border and two hours north of the Sacramento Airport. From either direction, Interstate 5, one of the Golden State's scenic drives, leads right to Redding. Take Highway 44 west into town. After the Sundial Bridge and downtown, catch Highway 299 north, which leads right to Quartz Hill across the Sacramento River.

Lodging near Blues by the River

Redding's location in the heart of an outdoor recreation wonderland means you'll have many choices for overnight accommodations. RV parks and campsites are abundant, as are cozy B&B inns. More traditional hotels and motels are located in and around Redding. Many of the California hotels are located close to Highway 5, and some are closer to downtown and the festival grounds.

The Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn, at 2300 Hilltop Drive, offers style and comfort in spades. This 114-room hotel serves a full hot breakfast every morning, and its award winning restaurant opens for dinner and cocktails. When the weather is warm, patio service is available.

Another choice for lodging with a AAA rating, the Value Inn & Suites is one of the closest hotels to Lake Redding Park. This independently owned downtown hotel features 28 guestrooms with in-room coffee and excellent city views.