The Blue Collar Festival is back and runs from August 11-15, 2021 and is located in the heart of Faribault, the historic downtown. While the hallmark event remains Saturday’s 12 hours of live music and bean bag tournament, the expanded event kicks off on Wednesday with a concert, includes a Friday car show, and closes on Sunday with a golf tournament.
Los Rebeldes, a Minnesota based Tex-Mex band with 4 decades of experience kicks off the fun in Central Park on Wednesday, August 11th from 6-9pm. Their style blends Tex-Mex, Conjunto, Cumbia, Country, Rock, and Folk genres alive on stage. Thursday, families won’t want to miss the City of Faribault’s Annual Pet Parade, followed by KidsDance DJs in Central Park as part of the Concert in the Park series.
Friday, August 13th, classic cars roll into downtown Faribault for the Main Street Car Show from 6-9pm, with music by local favorites the Tropical T-Birds and Wreckless, also from 6-9pm.
Saturday, August 14th, music enthusiasts will be treated to music from 11am to 11pm. Kicking things off with Old-Tyme music is Bob’s Rubber Band. A festival staple, guitarist and singer Moses Oakland brings blues to the Blue Collar. Bringing a blues/roots sound is Minnesota native Annie Mack. Trevor McSpadden brings his 4 piece honky-tonk country tunes to the stage in the afternoon, followed by Old Country Boys who play classic hard drivin’ country hits. Closing out the night is Street Talk performing hits from the eighties, nineties and 2000’s. Saturday also boasts a corn hole tournament, BBQ contest, RC Demo Derby, and a delicious variety of food vendors.
Sunday, hit the greens and join the fun at the 2nd annual Blue Collar Red Eye Golf Tournament at the Straight River Golf Course in Faribualt with music by Luke Smith. Registration is at 9:30am, tournament starts at 10am. Preregister by calling 507-334-4381 or emailing kelly@faribaultmn.org
“Festivals like those are great community builders,” said Mayor and Blue Collar Festival chair Kevin Voracek “It’s really an all-encompassing festival. You look around and see multiple generations here and multiple cultures.” Voted the region’s best music festival by readers of Southern Minnesota Scene in 2017, the event has become increasingly popular. Chamber CEO/President Nort Johnson said that “It brings people from out of town,” he went on to note “They come into town, experience the downtown area and spend money at the hotels and restaurants.” It’s a nice little boost, to be sure.” After having to cancel most of the activities last year due to COVID 19, the committee is working to ensure a great experience for everyone who attends and for our community. Tourism Director and Committee member Kelly Nygaard says, “We’re look forward to showcasing a wide variety of music and are excited about the strong lineup of musicians.”
Stay up to date by checking the Blue Collar Festival Facebook page for updates!
