by Elisa Schlosser
Magic City Blues, touted as an urban music festival for a rural state, has been lighting up Billings since 2001. This year’s line-up will be no different, except one major change. This weekend, August 5 and 6, the music festival will be held outside at MetraPark’s fairgrounds, offering up more space for the thousands of music fans who come from around the country for the event.
The two-day music festival is renowned for bringing top of the line musicians from Ben Harper, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, Johnny Lang and Ziggy Marley.
This year’s musical guests include Lynard Skynard, Whiskey Myers, John Cleary and Shane Smith and The Saints.
Outside food and beverages will not be allowed; however, there will be plenty of fresh food on site with eleven food trucks serving everything from fresh doughnuts to hot off the grill burgers.
Magic City Blues happens rain or shine, so plan accordingly. There will be first come, first served free parking available. You can bring a low back lawn or camp chairs to the festival, and there will be picnic tables and bleachers available. Umbrellas or tents will not be allowed.
Both Friday and Saturday, gates open at 4:30 pm, and live music starts at 5:30 pm, lasting until midnight.
The festival is open to all ages. Tickets can be purchased at MetraPark, Holiday Stations or www.magiccityblues.com. One dollar of every ticket purchased will be given to the Skynard Foundation.
Please call (406) 534-0400 if you have any questions