Faubourg du Blues Festival

A blues festival in the heart of Verdun

Created in 2015, the Faubourg du Blues Festival is a major cultural event in the city of Verdun, supported by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Grand Verdun through its cultural department. In a decade, it has established itself as one of the most renowned blues festivals in the Grand Est region and is among the unmissable autumn blues events in France. Each edition brings together artists from around the world — United States, Australia, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands — to celebrate blues in all its forms.

Two highlights, one spirit

The festival spans about ten days and is structured around two distinct periods:

The Juke Joint Week

During the first part of the festival, the bars, restaurants, and venues in Verdun transform into authentic Juke Joints, those small clubs in the southern United States where blues was born. Free and intimate concerts are offered in various establishments in the city, recreating the warm and authentic atmosphere of Mississippi clubs. Artists perform up close to the audience, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality. School interventions also aim to introduce young people to this historically rich music.

Evenings at the Jeanne d'Arc Hall

The second part of the festival takes over the Jeanne d'Arc hall, a true gem for gala evenings. Three nights of concerts feature international headliners on a grand stage, with a demanding program blending traditional blues, blues rock, soul, gospel, and boogie. The remarkable acoustics of the venue and its capacity make it an ideal setting for memorable performances. Dinner-concert packages allow for a combination of gastronomy and music.

An international program

Over the years, Faubourg du Blues has hosted renowned artists such as Archie Lee Hooker, Luke Winslow-King, Kai Strauss, Peter Karp, and Kris Pohlman, alongside emerging talents and bands from the French blues scene. The program, which includes about fifteen official concerts and several "off" concerts, offers a comprehensive panorama of contemporary blues, from the Delta roots to the most modern sounds.

A festival rooted in its territory

The Faubourg du Blues actively participates in the cultural life of Verdun and the influence of the Meuse region. By investing in the city's convivial spaces, the festival creates a strong link between music, local businesses, and residents. The Ensemble Blues du Conservatoire du Grand Verdun regularly participates, demonstrating the local roots of this passion for the blues. The festival also contributes to Verdun's tourist appeal by attracting festival-goers from all over France and abroad.

Prices and ticketing

The Juke Joint week concerts are free. For the evenings at the Jeanne d'Arc hall, tickets are available online on the festival's official website or on-site on concert nights (subject to availability). Dinner-concert packages at €48 are offered. Reduced rates are available for job seekers, students, people with disabilities, RSA and minimum old-age pension recipients, as well as those under 18, upon presentation of proof. Doors open one hour before the concerts begin, with a bar and light refreshments available on-site.