XXII Santa Maria Blues Festival
Portugal's biggest blues festival returns to Santa Maria at Lugar dos Anjos with three nights of international concerts by the sea. The 22nd edition features Carolyn Wonderland, Will Wilde, John Primer & Giles Robson Band, The Cinelli Brothers and the Stephen Hull Experience Band.
The Santa Maria Blues Festival celebrates its 22nd edition in 2026, cementing its status as Portugal's capital of blues. On July 16, 17 and 18, the small and magical Lugar dos Anjos, on Santa Maria island, hosts three consecutive nights of concerts right beside the Atlantic Ocean, in one of the most inspiring settings in the Azores.
The international lineup gathers some of the biggest names in contemporary blues. Texan singer and guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, a former member of John Mayall's band, headlines one of the nights with her powerful vocals and unmistakable slide playing. British harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde, one of Europe's finest, brings his energetic electric blues. The legendary pairing of Chicago master John Primer and harp virtuoso Giles Robson promises an authentic traditional blues night.
Italian award-winners The Cinelli Brothers and the Stephen Hull Experience Band, with their blues-rock fusion, complete the main lineup. The intimate atmosphere of Lugar dos Anjos – a small cove with a historic chapel – creates a unique experience, where festival-goers can enjoy the concerts just metres from the sea.
Beyond the concerts, the festival features jam sessions, local Azorean gastronomy, handicrafts and side activities that take advantage of the natural setting of the southernmost Azorean island. Admission is free for children up to 14, making it an accessible family event. Daily tickets cost €25 and the three-day pass €65 for the general public, with reduced prices for members.
Santa Maria, with its mild climate and white sand beaches unique in the archipelago, is the perfect destination to combine top international blues with a summer holiday. Book flights and accommodation in advance, as the festival draws visitors from around the world.
