Westland's Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival Returns Aug. 7-8 with Expanded Lineup and Drone Show

Thirty live acts, a new drone light show and Saturday-night fireworks will bring Westland residents and Wayne County families to Thomas H. Brown Central City Park on Aug. 7-8, 2026, for the Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival. With no admission or parking fees, the city's signature summer gathering will offer music, food vendors and family activities in a weekend designed to be accessible to residents and visitors alike.

The festival will run from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. Its expanded lineup includes 30 live performances across three stages, including a Main Stage and a Kid Stage. Performers will span blues, rock, soul, R&B, Americana and related styles. Nikki Hill will headline the main stage Friday, followed by Saturday headliner Jimmy Vivino.

The drone light show will debut at 10:45 p.m. Friday, while fireworks are scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Saturday. A cornhole tournament will run from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For younger visitors, the Kids Fun Zone will feature inflatables, arts and crafts, magic shows and an appearance by the Westland Fire Department on Saturday afternoon. Vendors will serve authentic barbecue and ice-cold domestic draft brews.

"This spectacular event promises an unforgettable experience, blending great music, delicious food and refreshing brews," Kevin Coleman, mayor of Westland, said. "We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of fun, community spirit and celebration as we enjoy the best our city has to offer."

The city describes Blues, Brews & Barbecue as the biggest summer bash in Western Wayne County. The festival, which began in 2010, is also listed in the Living Blues Festival Guide 2026 as a notable blues festival for the season.

Sponsorship plays a central role in keeping the event free: the festival is run on 100 percent sponsorship proceeds, which are reinvested in the community and donated back to civic groups. Blues, Brews & Barbecue is part of a broader lineup of free city programming that also includes the Live! at Nankin Friday concert series at Nankin Square & Amphitheatre.

Thomas H. Brown Central City Park is at 1901 N. Carlson St., Westland, MI 48185. Free shuttles will run every 15 minutes from designated parking locations to the festival. Pets are not allowed except for service animals, and visitors may not bring outside food.

More information is available by calling 734-713-3888. Event schedules, the entertainment lineup and festival rules are available at bluesbrewsbarbecue.com.