IRS-Recognized 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization — Est. 2022 — All Donations Tax Deductible
About the Festival
The Flint River Blues BBQ & Heritage Festival is a celebration of the music, culture, and communities along the Flint River — from its headwaters in College Park, Georgia to its end near Bainbridge. Born at Chehaw Park in Albany in 2017, the festival is designed to bring economic and cultural impact to every market along the corridor where it is presented.
Albany holds a special place in this story — it is the birthplace of Ray Charles, who still has family here. Live blues, a sanctioned BBQ competition, heritage exhibits, and the kind of Southern hospitality that can't be manufactured — only earned over generations.
IRS-Recognized 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Incorporated in Georgia — Est. 2017 — All Donations Tax Deductible
The Flint River — Albany, Georgia
✦ Blues on the Flint — Great State of Georgia
The Flint River Blues Festival will present itself at least every quarter — somewhere along the Flint River corridor from College Park to Bainbridge, Georgia. Great programming that rocks, in communities that deserve it.
College Park → Bainbridge
At least four times a year, the Blues will find a home somewhere along the Flint River corridor. From the headwaters in College Park to the delta near Bainbridge — every community along this river deserves great music.
Programming — In Development
Blues education programs are being planned to bring the history, craft, and culture of this American art form to students and communities throughout Georgia. The music has roots here — and those roots deserve to grow.
Reach Out — Let's Talk
If you are a venue along the Flint River corridor and would like to feature great programming — we want to hear from you. Reach out and let's bring the Blues to your community.
GET IN TOUCHTAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS NOW ACCEPTED
As an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your support directly funds Blues programming, education, and live events along the Flint River. Every dollar goes to work in Georgia communities. — Patricia & Thomas Swain, Founders
Official Festival Promo
Albany On My Mind
Willie Moody — Performing Artist
Flint River Blues BBQ & Heritage Festival — Official Promo
Feel the soul of Albany, Georgia — where the blues meets the river and every note tells a story.
Championship BBQ Competition
The festival's sanctioned BBQ competition draws pit masters from across the South — competing for trophies, bragging rights, and the title of Flint River Grand Champion. The cook-off — including both the sanctioned competition and the "Homeboy Cook-Off" — is held once a year at the main event only.
Categories include whole hog, brisket, ribs, and chicken — judged by a panel of certified BBQ judges. Plus dozens of food vendors serving everything from smoked catfish to Georgia peach cobbler.
Tickets & Event Info
