2026 Willimantic Winter Blues Fest

A Night of Blues, Dancing, Door Prizes, Cash-Bar, & More! Benefitting Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Festival 2026 Season!

🎶 2026 Willimantic Winter Blues Festival 🎶

Turn up the heat this winter at the 2026 Willimantic Winter Blues Festival — an unforgettable night of powerhouse blues and an electric atmosphere!

Join us on Friday, March 6th at the Willimantic Elks Lodge #1311 (198 Pleasant St, Willimantic, CT 06226) for a high-energy night of live blues that directly supports the 2026 season of Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Fest!

🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎵 Music Starts: 7:00 PM

🎸 Featuring Two POWERHOUSE Acts:

Otis & The Hurricanes (7:00–8:00 PM)

Otis & The Hurricanes bring the true roots of American Rock ’n’ Roll to the stage, drawing inspiration from legends like Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Little Feat, The Funky Meters, Alan Toussaint, Delbert McClinton, and Chuck Berry. This powerhouse group of veteran musicians knows how to rock the house — and they’re guaranteed to get things movin’ with infectious rhythm, groove, and feel-good energy.

The Brandt Taylor Band (8:30–9:30 PM)

Connecticut-based guitarist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader Brandt Taylor is a dynamic presence on the regional blues circuit. The Brandt Taylor Band performs regularly at venues like Music Lady Café and festival stages including the 5th Annual Mike Crandall Blues Festival (4th of July weekend) and other events throughout New England. He kicked off 2026 with a New Year’s show at the Cajun Boil in Torrington and has appeared in co-bill performances at The River Room in Willimantic. In 2025, he was featured as a guitarist performer at regional events such as the Manchester Jazz Festival — a testament to his continued momentum and reputation as a compelling live act.

🎵 More Than a Concert — It’s an Investment in Downtown Willimantic

Every ticket purchased helps fund the 2026 season of Willimantic’s beloved 3rd Thursday Street Fest, now entering its 23rd season. Your support helps bring:

• FREE live music to Main Street each fest (May thru September)
• Local artists and performers
• Free family activities and cultural programming
• Thousands of visitors to downtown Willimantic!

Winter Blues Fest is one of the key fundraising events that makes the entire summer season possible. When you attend, you’re helping fuel economic vitality, artistic opportunity, and community connection all year long.

✨ Enjoy door prizes, raffles, a lively dance floor, and a cash bar — all while knowing your night out makes a real impact.

We’re also proud to announce that the 2026 Winter Blues Festival is sponsored by the Connecticut Blues Society, supporting live blues music and helping keep this tradition strong in Connecticut. Thank you, CTBS!

Chase away the winter blues. Support your community. Keep the music playing.

🎟 Grab your tickets now — and we’ll see you on the dance floor! 💙🎶