Waterfront Blues Fest kicks off first day with music, food and fireworks
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The biggest party of the summer is just kicking off at this year’s Waterfront Blues Festival.
The events kick off Thursday morning and the first performers took to the South Stage at 1 p.m. This included Austin-based blues singer-songwriter Jackie Venson, who told KOIN 6 News that Portland audiences really know how to groove.
“The biggest thing I like about Portland versus Austin is that people dance here,” she said. “Like we’ve got a lot of dancers, the crowd dances. See in Austin, they kind of just sit there and wait for you to like, turn the spice on. Then in Portland they’re like really feeling the music and they’re dancing and moving and I really love that.”
There will be performances across four stages throughout the day, culminating in the 4th of July firework show at 10 p.m.
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This year, there are a few new rules as far as what you can and can’t bring with you to venues at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Check out the detailed list below.
What to leave at home:
Oversized bags (bags must not exceed 18″ x 6″ x 12″)
Cannabis, drugs, outside alcohol and other controlled substances
Coolers of any kind
Balloons, beach balls, frisbees, inflatable devices or outdoor games
Professional audio or video recording devices and equipment
Animals, except service animals
Glass of any kind
Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco
Tents or canopies
Oversized blankets
Carts or wagons
Weapons of any kind
Fireworks, explosives or accelerants of any kind
Drones
What you can bring:
Your festival tickets
Valid ID
Empty reusable water bottles (or factory-sealed bottled water)
One low-profile lawn chair per attendee (attendees with chair seats more than 12″ off the ground will be required to sit in specially designated areas)
But most important of all, attendees are always encouraged to bring good vibes!
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