This fall, downtown Hot Springs will ignite with rhythm and flavor as two beloved Arkansas festivals merge into one extraordinary weekend: the Big Steam Blues & Roots Music Festival and the Spa City Food Truck Festival are teaming up for BEATS & BEANS: The Ultimate Blues and Bites Weekend, taking place September 26–27, at Hill Wheatley Plaza and the Bridge Street Entertainment District.
The event offers free general admission and an optional $100 VIP experience, creating a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere for music lovers, foodies, and festivalgoers of all stripes.
Headliners Set to Blow the Roof Off
Kicking off the weekend on Friday, Sept. 26, is Grammy-nominated Vasti Jackson, a Mississippi guitar legend whose soulful, electrifying style has supported icons like Bobby “Blue” Bland and Little Milton.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, the stage belongs to Paul Thorn, known for his unforgettable blend of Southern rock, Americana, blues, and country. Thorn has shared stages with Sting, Bonnie Raitt, and Jeff Beck, and now brings his signature grit to Hot Springs.
The full musical lineup includes:
- Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band
- Fred T. Band
- OSO
- Matthew Curry
- Trey & Jason
- Stan Street & The Hopeless Case Band
- Jerry McCoy & The Groove Diggers
- Tina Cossey Band
- Steve Malec Band with special guest Brady Roseberry
30 Food Trucks. Zero Restraint.
Alongside the music, attendees can indulge in over thirty food trucks offering a global menu of mouthwatering eats. From crispy wings and gourmet sliders to street tacos, deep-fried desserts, and bold international dishes, the Spa City Food Truck Festival promises a culinary experience as diverse and dynamic as the music.
A New Cultural Collision
“This isn’t just two festivals on the same weekend—it’s a full-scale cultural fusion,” said event organizers. “We’re bringing together the soul of the blues & roots music with the soul of the street through incredible music and unforgettable food. It’s going to be loud, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.”
Event Details
- What: Beats & Beans – The Ultimate Blues & Bites Weekend
- When: Friday & Saturday, September 26–27
- Where: Hill Wheatley Plaza + Bridge Street Entertainment District, Downtown Hot Springs
- Admission: Free General Admission | $100 VIP Experience
- More Info: BigSteamMusicFestival.com
- Follow: Facebook: Spa City Food Truck Festival
About the Event
Big Steam Blues & Roots Music Festival and Spa City Food Truck Festival brings you: Beats & Beans, a celebration of music, flavor, and Southern culture, uniting the rich legacy of blues and roots music with the sizzling creativity of modern street food.
Held in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, this free, two-day experience invites attendees to dance, feast, and connect with a vibrant community of artists, chefs, and fellow festival lovers. Get loud. Get messy. Get fed.
Beats & Beans is coming — and it’s gonna shake the streets.
