Before we get started, a quick personal note: I'll be attending a funeral this week and may miss a few editions of Port City Jams. Family comes first, and I appreciate your understanding.

Now, onto the music. If you're looking for a reason to get out this weekend, Wilmington is giving you plenty. You can catch Dear Maribella and The Pigkickers at Bluegrass in the Grove Fest on Saturday at Poplar Grove, or spend all weekend soaking up live music at the Cape Fear Blues Festival at The Rusty Nail. Whether your thing is banjos, harmonicas, saxophones, or soulful guitar solos, there's something on the calendar worth hearing.

Cape Fear Blues Festival

Jun 12-14 @ Rusty Nail - DT
The Rusty Nail - Wilmington NC and The Cape Fear Blues Society
Proudly Present the 2026 Cape Fear Blues Festival #29.

A Three Day Celebration of The Blues !
June 12th - 13th - 14th 2026
Friday - Saturday - Sunday
@ The Rusty Nail
1310 S. 5th Avenue
Wilmington N.C.

Admission
Friday - $10 Door Cover (Night Only)
Saturday - $20 Door Cover (All Day/Night)
Sunday - $10 Door Cover (All Day/Night)*

Friday June 12th 8-11pm

• $10 Door Cover

• Hosted by the Cape Fear Blues Society

• The Instigators - Rocking Straight Ahead Chicago Blues & Southern Soul !

Saturday June 13th

• Gates Open at Noon

• Music starts 2pm-11pm

• $20 Door Cover

• Various Vendors, Food Svc, & Raffles

• Carter Minor Blues Band - Blues / Rhythm and Blues.

• Randy McQuay - Singer/ Songwriter / International Blues Challenge Winner / Lee Oskar

• Harmonicas Featured Artist.

• Maggie’s Kitchen - Serving Up Tasty Blues !

• Two Picky Guys - Old / New Blues, Rock, Americana, Ragtime, & Bluegrass.

Sunday June 14th 2026 3:30 - 10:30 pm

• $10 Door Cover (All Day/Night)

• *Still Wearing Your Saturday Paid Entry Wristband and Get in Free !

• Various Vendors, Food Svc, & Raffles

• The Rhythm Bones - Original Rhythm & Blues with a New Orleans Nod.

• Dram Family Jam Band - 2 Female Vocalists, 2 Horns, 2 Drummers, and a Blistering Guitarist !

To Prevent Extreme Ticketing Fees We are offering Advance Tickets by Phone or In Person at The Rusty Nail ONLY.
Phone 910-251-1888 or Stop In at The Rusty Nail !

We have Two Stages - Outdoor Stage in our Wonderful Courtyard and the House Indoor Stage. There is seating in Both Areas and Attendees are Welcome to Bring Their Own Chairs for the Outdoor Area.
Sea Devil Audio / Jim Hoffman - Sound and Lighting.
Sam’s Grill Food Service IS BACK !!

We ask that No Pets & No Coolers Policies Be Observed.
( Verified Service Dogs Allowed )

There will be Food and Merchandise Vendors.
Interested Vendors can contact Sandy Williams Via the Rusty Nail Direct Messaging.

Please Join US in Our 29th Celebration of The Blues !!

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