Every Labor Day weekend, St. Louis’ historic Laclede’s Landing hosts over 60,000 people from around the country for the Big Muddy Blues Festival. This outdoor festival attracts an eclectic audience with the intention of celebrating the indigenous art from known as “the Blues.” The Big Muddy Blue Festival provides a platform for a wide range of artists who represent extensions of the Blues genre, such as, soul, R&B, rockabilly, gospel and jazz. Big Muddy is the region’s largest Blues music event features over 18 hours of music and scores of bands on multiple stages throughout the cobblestone streets of Laclede’s Landing, while boasting the Big Muddy (Mississippi River) itself as the iconic river backdrop for the weekend.

Regional and local bands are showcased on two satellite stages, while the Extreme Institute Main Stage features national headliners, Grammy award-winners and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Laclede’s Landing has always been a hot spot for aspiring Blues artists and – through this festival – continues its role as the proving ground for this generation of musicians.

Big Muddy Blues Festival is one of the longest-running events of its kind and is produced annually by Laclede’s Landing Merchants Association. Formed in 1979, LLMA is the nonprofit group of Laclede’s Landing restaurants, bars and shops that focuses on preserving and revitalizing St. Louis’ oldest community and introducing people to the historic area through its various businesses, events and sights. With the help of corporate sponsorships, government grants and the dedication of the local vendors and merchants, LLMA is committed to providing a fun and safe blues filled weekend to St. Louisans and visitors alike