June 13th, 2026

12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

29th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival

29th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival Shines a Spotlight on Community, Culture, and Local Talent

The Columbia Pike Partnership, in collaboration with Arlington Arts, proudly presents the 29th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival, returning Saturday, June 13th from 12-8pm. Currently on a national tour, Lexington, Kentucky’s powerhouse Joslyn and The Sweet Compression headline a lineup of nationally recognized musicians and a hometown favorite. It will be a high-energy celebration that honors great music and the Columbia Pike community.

This year, the festival will be held in a new location: Penrose Square, part of the Penrose Square development at 2597 Columbia Pike. Even with the new spot, the Blues Festival will deliver the same energy, great music, and community spirit that people have come to love about this great festival.

This year’s lineup delivers something for everyone. Headliner Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, has won national acclaim for her irresistible mix of funk, soul, and pure joy, with Billboard Magazine proclaiming “Magical…gives everybody the joy.”

Rising star Armani Burnham — a 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-based artist — brings a fresh voice to the lineup. Next up is Stacy Brooks, the DC Queen of the Blues and past winner of the DC Blues Battle of the Bands. Guitar virtuosos Guy Bouchie & Bobby Thompson follow, bringing serious instrumental firepower to the stage. Arlington’s own Curbfeelers kick things off, setting the tone with hometown energy.

2026 Artist Lineup:

This Blues Festival is about more than incredible music— it’s a celebration of everything that makes Columbia Pike so special: its rich diversity, deep community roots, and vibrant local culture. Our incredible lineup combined with the incredible lineup of Pike-based restaurants, artisans, and vendors make this a can’t-miss event.

“We were thrilled to be named the best festival in Arlington in 2025 by Arlington Magazine, and we are going to build on that success in 2026. This festival isn’t just about great music — it’s about us,” said Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Partnership. “It’s neighbors coming together, amazing talent taking the stage, and all the energy that makes the Pike feel like home. We’re here to celebrate our identity and everything this community stands for.”

The Curbfeelers

12:00 – 1:00 pm

The Curbfeelers are Arlington’s own premier blues and soul powerhouse, bringing the authentic sounds of Chicago and classic soul to the D.C. area since the early 1990s. Known for their high-energy performances and tight musicality, they have become a beloved fixture at local institutions like The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant in Arlington. The band expertly bridges the gap between gritty Delta-inspired riffs and smooth, horn-driven soul, creating a “feel-good” atmosphere that resonates with every audience. Whether headlining a regional stage or kicking off a local festival, they embody the homegrown musical culture of Northern Virginia. Come catch a show and experience the band that has helped define the Arlington sound for over three decades.

Guy Bouchie & Bobby Thompson

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Guy Bouchie and Bobby Thompson are a powerhouse blues-rock duo and frequent collaborators central to the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) music scene. While both lead successful solo careers, they are best known as a tandem for their high-octane, guitar-driven performances that anchor the region's premier blues festivals. Together, they bridge the gap between traditional blues foundations and modern rock energy.

Stacy Brooks

3:00 – 4:15 PM

Stacy Brooks, internationally acclaimed and dubbed the “DC Queen of the Blues,” brings a fresh, funky energy to the traditional sounds of Chicago and Delta Blues. From her early start in Germany to opening for legends like Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush, Stacy’s soulful voice and “toe-tapping” arrangements have captivated audiences from the Chicago Blues Festival to Sri Lanka.

Whether she’s portraying idols Etta James and Koko Taylor on the Broadway stage or performing her residency at Madam’s Organ in DC, Stacy bridges the gap between genres and generations.

Amani Burnham

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM

Amani Burnham is a 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, US-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter bringing a fresh voice to the blues-rock world. His debut album Roots & Wings (Blind Pig Records), out May 29, features 11 originals and a Hendrix cover, showcasing his groovy riffs, cosmic solos, stinging vibrato, and soulful vocals.

With a rapidly growing online following- 109K TikTok followers, 3.9 million likes, and 25 million cumulative views, plus 89K on Instagram- Amani is quickly making his mark. Live, he performs as a trio, bringing the same raw energy from the record to the stage.

Joslyn Sweet Compression High Res Image 2624

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

6:30 PM – 7:45 PM

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression is a Lexington, Kentucky-based funk and soul band led by powerhouse vocalist Joslyn Hampton. Formed with her stepfather, veteran guitarist Marty Charters, they released their self-titled debut in 2019 to critical acclaim. Known for a high-energy mix of soul, funk, and rock, the band is a staple at regional clubs and festivals.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Intereted in volunteering? Pick a shift here!

Volunteer Shifts

Getting Here

This year the Blues Festival will be held at Penrose Square at the intersection of S. Barton St. and Columbia Pike. There are several car-free options for getting to the festival and ample parking is available in nearby garages, include Penrose Parking Garage.