Over the first weekend of August, Aug. 5-7, blues lovers poured into downtown Durand for the 2026 Blues on the Chippewa music festival.

This year's musical lineup included headliners Judith Hill, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter with former ties to Prince, Michael Jackson and Josh Groban; Southern Avenue, a Blues Music Award-winning soul and roots ensemble; and Wisconsin's own, The Stephen Hull Experience. 

Plenty of pre- and after-party hangouts and happenings come along with the official festival lineup, and a lot of love was given to the event's organizers, sponsors and local businesses online. 

As one area biz, Bearfish Brew, shared online, Blues on the Chippewa continues to bring buzzy energy to town each year (well worth the increase in traffic, they noted). 

"Music is healing. It brings people together. It creates energy, connection and positivity," Bearfish Brew wrote, "and I think there's something pretty special about a small town like ours becoming known as a place where people can come and experience great live music." 

Blues on the Chippewa, while free to attend, does accept donations toward regional organizations each year. Over the years, those have included the Durand Area Food Pantry, the Pepin County Historical Society, Brent Titus Music For Children program and others. 

The same Blues on the Chippewa organizers also put on the newer Brews on the Chippewa event, slated for Sept. 12 this fall. Learn more about that and more online at bluesonthechippewa.com.