Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Fest: A Weekend of Music, Flavor and Community Spirit
As the Gulf Coast of Florida warms into spring, music lovers, foodies, and families alike are gearing up for one of the region’s most anticipated events of the year: the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival. Set to take place from March 20–22, 2026 at the scenic Venice Airport Festival Grounds in Venice, Florida, this three-day celebration wraps up the best in live music with award-winning barbecue, vibrant vendors, and community pride.
An Eclectic Musical Lineup for Every Ear
What sets the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Fest apart from other spring events is its diverse musical palette. Festivalgoers can expect to hear the stirring grit of blues, the electrifying punch of rock, and the laid-back rhythms of reggae — all woven into one weekend lineup. Each day delivers something fresh: Friday night opens with classic blues, Saturday cranks up rock vibes, and Sunday brings soulful reggae beats and family-friendly festivities.
The festival’s stages will feature both national touring acts and treasured regional artists, offering audiences a chance to discover new talent as well as enjoy festival favorites. Whether you’re swaying to the deep grooves of blues guitar, jumping to rock anthems, or settling into the feel-good sway of reggae rhythms, there’s a performance for every music lover.
A Feast for the Senses: BBQ, Vendors, and More
Music may be the heartbeat of the festival, but the soul of the event lies in its food and community atmosphere. The weekend boasts award-winning barbecue, food trucks serving everything from classic festival fare to creative culinary delights, and a wide array of vendor offerings ranging from artisan crafts to local goods.
The event also features live muralist painting, where artists transform blank canvases into colorful works of art right before spectators’ eyes — adding a visual art dimension to the festival experience. With cold drinks flowing and plenty of shaded spots to settle into, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between energized and relaxed.
Family, Fun, and Community Focus
Part of what makes this festival a local favorite is its accessibility and family-friendly spirit. Kids 12 and under enter free, and there’s something for attendees of all ages to enjoy throughout the weekend. From live music and delicious food to interactive art and a welcoming crowd, this festival has become a staple springtime gathering for families and friends in the Venice area and beyond.
Beyond just entertainment, the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Fest also celebrates community. The event supports local organizations and draws residents together in a shared celebration of culture, music, and good food. Whether longtime Venetians or visitors from across the Sunshine State, attendees leave with full stomachs, happy ears, and fond memories.
What makes the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival more than just another weekend event is the heart behind it. Yes, there will be big guitars, smoky brisket, live murals and kids laughing with instruments in hand — but the energy fuels something deeper. Proceeds from the March 20–22, 2026 festival at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds support local homeless initiatives through Coffee Talk Venice, Inc., meaning every ticket, every rib, every raised glass gives back to the community.
So whether you come for the blues riffs, the reggae sway, the rock edge or the championship BBQ, you’re part of something bigger. Grab your tickets, bring your friends, and plan to spend a weekend where Venice turns up the volume — on music, on flavor and on community.
The Man Behind the Music: Nick Sperry
No discussion of the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Fest is complete without highlighting the role of Nick Sperry, a musician and festival organizer whose passion for music and community has helped shape this event into the vibrant experience it is today.
Sperry is a multi-instrumentalist with deep roots in Venice’s music and cultural scene. Born in Springfield, Illinois, he developed his love for music at a young age, blending influences from blues and jazz to soulful melodies that have carried him through a lifetime of performing and producing music. Today, he lives in Venice, Florida, where his creative energy has expanded beyond performance into event planning and community engagement.
In addition to performing and teaching, Sperry is heavily involved with Daisy Does It Events & Festivals, the organization responsible for producing the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Fest. His work includes booking talent, coordinating logistics, and connecting local vendors, volunteers, and partners — all with a focus on making the festival both entertaining and meaningful.
Sperry’s vision for the festival goes beyond music and food; it’s rooted in community connection. By creating an event that spotlights local talent, supports charity and economic activity, and draws people together in celebration, he has helped transform the festival into a seasonal highlight for the city.
More Than a Weekend — A Tradition in the Making
Since its early days, the Venice Blues & BBQ Festival has grown consistently, and the addition of rock and reggae elements has broadened its appeal. What started as a weekend of blues and barbecue has evolved into a multi-genre musical experience with full-spectrum entertainment and cultural vibrancy.
For ticket holders, the festival offers flexible options — from single-day passes to full weekend access — making it easy for locals and visitors alike to plan their weekend around the performances, food, and festivities. Whether you arrive for one night or settle in for all three days, the energy of the festival promises fun, flavor, and irresistible live music.
The March 20–22, 2026 lineup features blues firepower from Wayne Baker Brooks, the soulful grit of Regina Bonelli, and the groove-driven energy of Southern Hospitality, alongside a dynamic mix of rock and reggae artists rounding out the weekend. It’s the kind of bill that brings serious musicianship with that easy, coastal Florida vibe — big sound, no pretense.
https://www.waynebakerbrooks.com
Taking the stage as a featured reggae headliner is Grammy Award-winning artist Eric Swanson, whose global recognition underscores the caliber of talent coming to Venice Blues. Swanson’s Grammy distinction is a testament to his exceptional musicianship and influence within the reggae world, blending authentic island rhythms with soulful depth and dynamic performance energy. His sound is both polished and powerful — rooted in tradition yet undeniably contemporary. When a Grammy Award winner brings that kind of groove to the waterfront, you can expect an atmosphere that’s vibrant, uplifting, and impossible to stand still for.
Save the Dates
Mark your calendar for March 20–22, 2026, and prepare for a celebration that fires up every sense — from the sizzling smoke of BBQ pits to the rhythmic beats that fill the air. The Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival embodies the spirit of community, creativity, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re a blues devotee, rock enthusiast, reggae fan, or simply love great food and good company, this festival offers a weekend you won’t soon forget.
For more info and tickets
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.venicebluesandbbq.com/event-details/ticket-for-
venice-blues-rock-reggae-bbq.
You can check out the lineup and all the fun on our website:
www.venicebluesandbbq.com
