The Chicago Blues Festival reliably offers a constellation of opportunities to explore an original American music genre in the city that made it great. Chicago has recently lost some venues to bankruptcy, pandemic woes, or family issues (thinking fondly of Harlem Avenue Lounge and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted), but the local blues community is still hustling and going strong. And if you don’t want to deal with getting in and out of downtown, you can share in the action throughout the festival by checking out afterparties, daytime shows, and related events around the city and suburbs. Blues Fest weekend is prime time for new and memorable experiences, and whether you’re a novice or a veteran, I recommend you visit a venue you’ve never been to before. Bring cash, and be sure to tip your bartenders

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