PHOTOS: Inside the first, and coolest, day of the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival began on Independence Day, giving attendees two reasons to celebrate.

For the 37th year, “Portland’s best party of the summer” welcomed talented musicians and their fans to the Willamette River.

Where to celebrate Fourth of July throughout Portland

Take a look at the festivities below.

  • KOIN 6 bags
    KOIN 6 bags at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival (KOIN)
  • KOIN 6 ear plugs at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival
    KOIN 6 ear plugs at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Kona Big Wave at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Kona Big Wave at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Vendor at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Vendor at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Vendor at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Vendor at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Keep Portland Weird poster at Music Millennium booth at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Keep Portland Weird poster at Music Millennium booth at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Lineup posters at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Lineup posters at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • KEEN Footwear at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    KEEN Footwear at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Entrance to Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Crowd at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Art installation at Entrance to Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Art installation at Entrance to Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Front Porch Stage at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Front Porch Stage at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Art installation at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Art installation at Entrance to Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Music Millenium's "Keep Portland Weird" merch at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Music Millenium’s “Keep Portland Weird” merch at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Crossroads Stage at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
    Crossroads Stage at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Poster for Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Poster for Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Poster booth at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Poster booth at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • T-shirt at at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    T-shirt at at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • KOIN 6 tent at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    KOIN 6 tent at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Crowd at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
    Crowd at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Blues Stage at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Blues Stage at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Merchandise at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Merchandise at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Entrance to Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Entrance to Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • Exit at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Exit at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • KOIN 6 tent at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    KOIN 6 tent at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • Crowd at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    Crowd at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)
  • View of Willamette River at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    View of Willamette River at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (KOIN)
  • South Stage at Portland's 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024
    South Stage at Portland’s 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (KOIN)

Not only was Thursday the first day of the four-day festival, but it was also the coolest — literally. Meteorologists are forecasting a heat wave that could bring triple-digit temperatures throughout the weekend.

National Weather Service extends excessive heat warning through Monday

Event organizers are offering several accommodations to help attendees safely enjoy the festival.

Stay with KOIN 6 for continuing coverage.

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