FAQ

Headed to Exit 56? You’re in the right place. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Exit 56 Blues Fest—a free, rain-or-shine celebration of Blues in the heart of Brownsville—Soul Town, Tennessee. Just off I-40 at Exit 56 in Brownsville, the music is easy to find and even easier to love.

  • Exit 56 isn’t just a highway marker — it’s a mile marker in Blues history.

    Because this is where the music lives. Located just off Interstate 40 along Tennessee’s legendary Music Highway, Exit 56 in Brownsville isn’t just a convenient stop — it’s Soul Town.

    Brownsville is the hometown of 3 legendary Bluesmen - Sleepy John Estes, Yank Rachell, and Hammie Nixon — pioneers whose influence helped shape the sound of Blues around the world. They weren’t just passing through. They lived here. They played here. They built their style of Blues here.

    Here, the music isn’t borrowed — it’s rooted. So we make it easy and practically give you directions in our name: take Exit 56, and you’ve arrived.

  • No! Admission to Exit 56 Blues Fest is completely free.

    While there are no tickets required, donations are appreciated. If you’d like to help us keep the festival free for everyone, you can contribute through our donation link here.

  • Exit 56 Blues Fest takes place at:

    121 Sunny Hill Cove
    Brownsville, TN

    The festival is held on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, just off Interstate 40 at Exit 56.

    We are approximately:

    • 60 miles east of Memphis

    • 30 miles from Jackson

    • 200 miles west of Nashville

    • Just 4 minutes from historic downtown Brownsville – Soul Town, TN

  • Yes, parking is free.

    Please note: depending on when you arrive, you may need to walk a short distance from your parking spot. A limited number of ADA parking spaces are available and fill up quickly.

  • We recommend bringing a lawn chair and/or blankets for comfortable viewing. You will also be in a grassy area, so you may want to bring bug spray; and sun screen of course.

  • Expect a wide range of Blues — from acoustic country blues to Delta Blues, Rhythm & Blues, and everything in between.

    Sunday features a full-day Women in Blues Showcase, celebrating incredible female artists in the genre.

  • The festival begins at 10:00 AM each day.

    • Saturday ends at 6:00 PM

    • Sunday ends at 5:00 PM

  • Yes, Exit 56 Blues Fest is a rain or shine event. In the case of severe weather, the festival will be cancelled for safety reasons.

  • Yes! A variety of food trucks will be on site, along with a beer vendor and arts and crafts vendors.

    Because we have food and beverage vendors, coolers are discouraged.

    You must present a valid ID to purchase beer.

  • Yes! Official festival t-shirts will be available for purchase.

  • Interested vendors can click the Vendors tab on our website or contact us directly for more information.

  • Yes! Sponsor opportunities are available. Please contact us directly to learn more about supporting Exit 56 Blues Fest.

    Exit 56 Blues Fest is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and music lovers like you. Because of this support, we’re able to keep this celebration of Blues in Brownsville, Tennessee free and open to all.

    Whether you attend, donate, sponsor, or simply spread the word, you’re helping keep the music alive at Exit 56.

    See you in Brownsville – Soul Town TN.