FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, Missouri, The District, the Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival encapsulates the best of two worlds; music and food. Specifically, roots music to be performed by over 27 nationally known and award-winning musicians.

What is roots music? It's blues, bluegrass, Appalachian folk, gospel and more – really all kinds of early American music that laid the foundation for the music we listen to today including rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz.

Blues and BBQ are the perfect duo because St. Louis’ blues tradition and Kansas City’s famed BBQ represent our regional history here in the heart of the Midwest. Plus, a juicy spare rib and blues riff just seem to go together.

After all, most celebrations in mid-Missouri include great food, often cooked outside, even in the middle of winter. Specifically, we like to barbecue—with friends and family—all in the great outdoors.

In addition to BBQ dishes and flavors, the festival will feature many other food vendors to keep your mouth watering all weekend long.