King Biscuit Blues Festival
Fall festival · Arkansas
Helena's riverfront festival brings blues musicians to stages along the Mississippi each October, a tradition tracing back to the King Biscuit Time radio show first broadcast from this stretch of downtown. The 2026 festival runs October 8 to 10.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
October 8-10, 2026, Historic Downtown Helena, on the banks of the Mississippi River
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: November 11–November 15
Color builds from October 29 · mostly bare by December 7
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at King Biscuit Blues Festival’s own coordinates and elevation (60 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
King Biscuit Blues Festival on the map
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Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When is King Biscuit Blues Festival open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Oct 8 – Oct 10. October 8-10, 2026, Historic Downtown Helena, on the banks of the Mississippi River. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does King Biscuit Blues Festival peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 11–November 15 (best estimate November 13). Color starts around October 29 and is mostly bare by December 7.
- What is King Biscuit Blues Festival best for?
- Blues fans within reach of Memphis and the Arkansas Delta.
- How do I get to King Biscuit Blues Festival?
- The closest city is Memphis, about 53 mi away. It's part of Arkansas's fall lineup.
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