Blind Willie McTell Music Festival heats up Thomson, Georgia in September
The 2026 Blind Willie McTell Music Festival heats up Thomson, Georgia, September 12 for one of the best music festivals of the fall season.
Tickets are still available for the September 12, 2026, in Thomson, Georgia. Known as one of the best music festivals in the South, Blind Willie McTell Music Festival features iconic acts that will get you out of your lawn chair and onto the dance ‘field.’
Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first artist takes the stage at noon. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite and ready to serve. Beer and wine are available. Outside food/beverages are not allowed. Free parking is adjacent to the stage. Shuttle services are available from various local hotels.
Can’t make it Saturday? Catch the FREE Friday night concert in downtown Thomson featuring Blair Crimmons and The Hookers. The concert is held in front of the Historic Depot in downtown Thomson from 7-9 pm on Friday, September 11.
Blair Crimmons & The Hookers on stage at Blind Willie McTell Festival.
Location: 965 Stagecoach Rd NE Thomson, GA 30824
Canopy tents are located in the designated tent area. No cooler or large bags. Most vendors accept card payment. No pets other than service dogs. ADA restrooms available.
Blind Willie McTell was an influential American blues musician born in 1901 in Thomson, Georgia, and he passed away in 1959. Despite being blind from a young age, McTell became renowned for his exceptional guitar playing and unique voice. He was known for his proficiency in a style of blues that often incorporated elements of folk and ragtime. His music often featured intricate fingerpicking guitar techniques and a deep, soulful voice. McTell's songs, such as "Statesboro Blues" and "Delia," have had a significant impact on the development of blues music. His work influenced many later artists, and his recordings have been celebrated for their authenticity and depth. Although he wasn't widely known during his lifetime, McTell's legacy has grown over the years, and he is now considered a seminal figure in the history of American blues.
2026 Lineup
Los Lobos (headliner)
Los Lobos is an iconic American band renowned for blending genres like rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, and traditional Mexican music.
Mike Mattison & Trash Magic
Mike Mattison & Trash Magic offer a fresh twist on American roots music, led by singer and songwriter Mike Mattison—a well-known member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Geno Delafose
Geno Delafose is a big name in Louisiana’s zydeco world, thanks to his punchy accordion playing and engaging presence on stage.
Andy Leftwich and the Acres
Andy Leftwich & The Aces are a standout group in the American roots music scene, celebrated for their dynamic blend of bluegrass, country, and folk. The Aces are led by accomplished fiddler and mandolinist Andy Leftwich, who was recognized as a prodigy early on, winning national fiddle and mandolin championships as a teenager. He gained wider acclaim as a founding member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, contributing to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums and touring internationally.
The Sam Grisman Project
Bassist Sam Grisman leads the Sam Grisman Project, inspired by his father, mandolin legend David Grisman. The band mixes folk, jazz, and Americana, blending traditional sounds with new ideas.
Macon Music Review
The Macon Music Revue pays tribute to the rich musical roots of Macon, Georgia, the hometown of legends like Otis Redding and The Allman Brothers Band.
For more information and ticket information, visit the website.
