Prairie Dog Blues Fest to happen on island
Kris Lager will play at Prairie Dog Blues Fest on Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26 (Steve Van Kooten/Courier Press)
Parker Barrow is one of many acts that will take the stage for Prairie du Chien’s annual Prairie Dog Blues Fest, which will happen on St. Feriole Island this weekend. (Submitted photo)
This past year, Prairie Dog Blues Fest kept its beat through oppressive heat and stormy weather, and this year, the Blues Fest is ready to rock the island for a three-day, 10-band extravaganza despite mid-summer flooding.
Patrons can head down to the island on Thursday, July 25, for the Fest’s Kick-Off Party from 5:30 p.m. to midnight at the beer tent, where Kris Lager Band will start off the event’s festivities. Admission is free to the Kick-Off Party and is done in conjunction with the city parks, forestry, and recreation department’s Concerts on the River.
Kris Lager is an experienced Blues Fest act with a mix of soul, blues and reggae influences. He has played at Blues Fest multiple times, most recently in 2019 and 2023.
“I love this place; there’s a vibe here,” Lager said. “Todd knows how to throw a good party.”
The beer tent is typically standing room only; however, festival goers are encouraged to bring chairs or use the available picnic tables during the event.
The vibes and music continue through Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, with a menagerie of different bands and singers.
On Friday, Kris Lager will return for an encore performance in the beer tent. Other acts include Mud Morganfield, Albert Castiglia and Wayne Baker Brooks.
On the final day, the Terry Quiett Band will occupy the beer tent while Stefan Geisinger, Duwayne Burnside, Big Ray & Chicago’s Most Wanted, Eric Johanson and Parker Barrow will take the stage for an entire day of blues, rock and grassroots tinged jams.
In addition to music, a plethora of vendors will have jewelry, clothes and assorted novelties to purchase and food vendors from all over the country will bring barbecue, desserts and other dishes to the festival grounds.
“It’s my favorite weekend: the music, the people, everyone is super chill and relaxed,” Kaitlyn Balk, the owner of Gypsy Soul, said in 2023. Balk and her mother were among the dozens of vendors that offered unique, handmade items during the Blues Fest.
On Friday and Saturday, admission is $50 at the gate per day or $90 for both days. Campsites are available for $110 at the gate. Children 12 and under get free admission.
For camping and ticket sales, go to prairiedogblues.com or call 608-326-0085.
