As a long-time Bluesfest enthusiast, I couldn't wait to experience the music, food, and vibrant atmosphere with my little one by my side. However, my plans took an unexpected turn as my baby wasn't feeling well, and I had to put him to bed instead of bringing him along. Nevertheless, I learned valuable lessons for next year and had an awesome time exploring the festival grounds. I love seeing it grow and change over the years. Let me take you through my journey as a first-time parent at Bluesfest!

Every year at Bluesfest, I love checking out the new products being sampled. This time, I stumbled upon Libra alcohol-free beer, and to my surprise, it was absolutely delicious! Really crisp, light and refreshing. The festival's food selection keeps getting better every year too, and I couldn't resist trying the decadent bacon bits topped poutine from My Catering Group. A perfect treat to accompany the festival vibes!

Enjoying Local Bands and Nostalgic Acts:

Although my baby's early bedtime limited my time at the festival, I've been a Bluesfest regular since 2002, and I always cherish any opportunity I can get to catch up with bands and friends I've played with or interviewed on my show, Eva Bee's Jamboree. Supporting local acts and reminiscing about the music of the past while seeing life long favourites is one of the reasons why Bluesfest holds a special place in my heart.

Bluesfest with Kids: A Doable Adventure:

While it was disappointing not to have any weekend festival days with early acts this year, I'm positive that Bluesfest is doable with children. The festival offers bands and lawn games on-site, making it enjoyable for young teens. There’s also an indoor area in the War Museum that offered washrooms and reprieve from the heat. With a wide array of food options available, and a few water refill stations to stay hydrated, Bluesfest ensures a family-friendly experience… except maybe on certain nights where the crows can get rowdy!

Lessons Learned and Amendments From My Previous Prep Post:

During my time at Bluesfest, I learned some valuable things that I want to amend from my previous festival post. While a stroller is okay for attending with a baby, a carrier is even better, especially because the festival grounds are mostly grassy. It provides more flexibility and ease of movement, allowing families to explore freely.

Additionally, bringing a picnic blanket and lawn chairs might seem like a lot of bulk, but it's undoubtedly worth it if you plan to be at the festival all day. I even saw a family with a cart to bring their kids around, though it may seem a little excessive, it sure makes the festival experience more enjoyable for the little ones.

Inspiring Budding Musicians at Blues in the Schools:

A highlight of Bluesfest that touched my heart was the Blues in the Schools showcases, featuring local youth performers. Witnessing these young talents on stage was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the power of music to shape and encourage the dreams of budding musicians. It's an excellent opportunity for kids to see what they can achieve with dedication and passion.

A Memorable Adventure Awaits!

My first time as a parent at Bluesfest was equally strange and inspiring, filled with incredible music by Radiohead side project, The Smile, delicious food, and valuable insights for the future. Though my baby couldn't join me this time, I can't wait for the next Bluesfest, where I'll have my little one by my side to create even more cherished memories together. I really want to show him how much independent music means to me and how much it has allowed me to discover who I am.

Until then, let's make the most of the summer festival season, embracing the music and experiences that bring us together as a community of music lovers!

Thanks to Luca Fiore for the incredible photos!

Share Your Bluesfest Stories:

Have you experienced Bluesfest with your kids? I'd love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below! Let's celebrate the magic of live music and festival adventures with our loved ones. 🎶🤗