Blues by the Bay 2026: East Tawas Festival & Cabin Guide
Late August is a sweet spot on Michigan's Sunrise Side: warm Lake Huron days, cooler evenings, and one of the Tawas area's signature music weekends. Blues by the Bay returns to Harbor Park in East Tawas from August 28 through August 30, 2026, making it an easy reason to plan a Lake Huron getaway based in Au Gres.
Stay on the water, start your mornings at a relaxed pace, and head north on US-23 when the music begins. This guide covers the verified event details, what to bring, and how to turn the festival into a full weekend near Lake Huron.
At a glance
August 28-30, 2026 | Harbor Park, East Tawas | Three days of waterfront blues
Blues by the Bay 2026: Quick Details
- Dates: Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Location: Harbor Park, East Tawas, next to the East Tawas State Dock
- Event type: Three-day blues festival presented by the volunteer-run Tawas Bay Blues Society
- Weather policy: The organizer describes the festival as a rain-or-shine event
The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce event listing confirms the 2026 dates and Harbor Park venue. Check the official Blues by the Bay website shortly before your trip for the final band schedule, admission details, and any last-minute updates.
Event information was verified August 12, 2026. Dates, rules, and schedules can change, so confirm details with the organizer before leaving your cabin.
Why Stay in Au Gres for the Festival?
Blues by the Bay gives you the energy of a waterfront music festival, while an Au Gres cabin gives you room to slow down between sets. Lake Huron Cabin Rentals offers seven waterfront cabins in Au Gres, so couples, families, and groups can choose a home base that fits their weekend.
Every cabin includes a first-floor bedroom and bathroom. Most are pet-friendly, while Granny's Cabin is the pet-free option and includes a sandy swimming beach. Compare layouts, guest capacity, and availability on the Lake Huron cabin rentals page.
Au Gres and East Tawas are connected by US-23 along Michigan's Sunrise Side. The festival organizer's directions route southbound visitors through Standish, Omer, Au Gres, and Tawas City before East Tawas, making an Au Gres stay a practical base for combining the event with lake time.
A Simple Blues by the Bay Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Check In, Settle In, and Catch the Opening Music
Cabin check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Unpack, have an early meal, and confirm the evening schedule on the organizer's website before heading to Harbor Park. Keep a light layer in the car for the cooler lake breeze after sunset.
Saturday: Sunrise, Tawas Market, and a Full Festival Day
Start with coffee and a Lake Huron sunrise at your cabin. The Tawas Area Chamber calendar lists the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market at Gateway Park in Tawas City from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, giving you an easy local stop before the music.
Then continue to East Tawas for the festival. Downtown parking is available around the event area, and the organizer recommends carpooling. Because schedules and transportation details may change, use the official festival information for the latest shuttle and gate details.
Sunday: A Slow Lake Morning and Final Sets
Keep Sunday morning open for a shoreline walk, breakfast at the cabin, or a little extra sleep after Saturday's music. Before returning to Harbor Park, check the day's lineup and weather. If your group wants more time on the Sunrise Side, review the available cabin add-ons; early arrival or late departure extensions may be offered when availability allows.
What to Know Before You Go
The festival's current FAQ says guests may bring lawn chairs, limited to two per person, but not recliners or chairs with footrests. Chairs cannot be left on the grounds overnight. The FAQ also says outside containers are not allowed, with beverages available for purchase inside the festival area.
Pets are not allowed inside the festival, according to the organizer's rules. If you book one of the pet-friendly cabins, plan for your pet to remain safely and comfortably at the cabin while you attend, and never leave an animal unattended unless permitted by the property's rules. Review the Lake Huron Cabin Rentals house rules before your stay.
Festival Packing Checklist
- Admission or button details
- Photo ID
- Approved lawn chairs
- Sun protection
- Light rain layer
- Sweater or jacket
- Charged phone
Make It a Group Weekend
A music festival is often better with friends. Lake Huron Cabin Rentals has three nearby A-frame cabins that can sleep up to 18 guests across the group, plus additional cabins nearby for larger gatherings. Each household gets its own space while the group stays close together. Use the multi-cabin booking guide to compare dates across the cabins.
Designate a driver before leaving for East Tawas, or confirm current public transportation details with the festival organizer. Planning transportation in advance lets everyone enjoy the weekend without last-minute decisions.
Plan Your Blues by the Bay Cabin Stay
Pair three days of live music at Harbor Park with sunrise views and room to relax in Au Gres.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Blues by the Bay 2026?
The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce lists Blues by the Bay for August 28 through August 30, 2026.
Where is Blues by the Bay held?
The festival takes place at Harbor Park in East Tawas, Michigan, near the East Tawas State Dock at US-23 and Newman Street.
Can I bring my dog to Blues by the Bay?
The festival organizer's current FAQ says pets are not permitted inside the festival. Most Lake Huron Cabin Rentals properties are pet-friendly, but guests should review cabin rules and make a safe plan for their pets during the event.
Where can a group stay near the festival?
Lake Huron Cabin Rentals offers seven waterfront cabins in Au Gres, including a multi-cabin option for groups that want separate private spaces near one another.
