Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2025: The XXL Blues Experience in Calais
Every spring, Calais XXL becomes the meeting point for blues enthusiasts from all over France and beyond! From April 3 to 26, 2025, the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival is taking over the city for an XXL edition, mixing big names from the international scene and emerging artists.
The Blues Rendezvous on the Opal Coast
With big evenings at La Halle de Calais, the Place d'Armes becomes the vibrant heart of the festival, where the captivating rhythms of the blues resonate until late at night. Whether you are a fan of Chicago Blues, fiery soul or vintage rock'n'roll, the festival has breathtaking performances in store for you. But the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival is also an immersive experience that goes beyond the official stages: with an OFF that takes over the bars of the city center and Calais Plage, transforming the city into a true temple of the blues. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, where Wild harmonicas, haunting guitars and gravelly vocals awaken the city's musical soul.
Download the program
©Mario Olmos An intense program for three days of music
Thursday April 3:
Festival opens with living legends
The festival begins with a bang with Johnny Sansone, a key figure in American blues. A master of the harmonica and accordion, he transports his audience to the heart of the bayous with his gravelly voice and captivating sounds. The evening continues with Hot Chickens, an explosive band that revisits the essence of rock'n'roll with raw and unbridled energy. Expect a night where the rhythm will never falter!
Thursday April 24:
A tribute to Chicago Blues and the roots of the genre
Make way for a dive into the authenticity of the Chicago Blues with The French Blues All Stars, a group bringing together exceptional musicians, inspired by BB King, Albert King and Freddy King. One of the last great acoustic bluesmen, Cisco Heart, will then come to offer an intimate performance, carried by his picking game and his vibrant harmonica. Finally, The Suitcase Brothers will transport the audience into the world of Mississippi Blues, with their perfectly mastered guitar-harmonica duo.
©City of Calais 
©City of Calais Friday April 25: The transatlantic meeting
For the first time in France, the Bay area is in the spotlight with Aki Kumar, Johnny Burgin and June Core, who cross the Atlantic to offer an exceptional service. The journey continues with Saron Crenshaw, whose warm voice and 'Lucille' guitar signed by BB King make him an essential reference of contemporary blues. Finally, Doug Deming & The Jewels Tones immerse us in a vintage and authentic universe where each note resonates with passion.
Saturday April 26: Soul and blues in apotheosis
The last day of the festival showcases artists with unstoppable groove. Eli “Paperboy” Reed will set the stage on fire with his Rhythm'n Blues inspired by Motown and Stax Records. The charismatic Koko-Jean & The Tonicswill take over with a high-energy set mixing soul, blues and funk. Finally, the pianist Shrimp City Slim will close the evening with his unique blend of boogie-woogie and blues from the southern United States.
The OFF of the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival
The Blues Takes Over the City
The Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival is also an immersive experience throughout the city! From April 3 to 20, 19 bands will rock 21 bars in the center and Calais Plage with free concerts. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the blues, whether in a cozy pub or facing the sea. Each evening is an opportunity to discover talented artists in rare proximity with the public. Accessible to all, these musical events make the off a real urban party where Calais lives to the rhythm of the blues. Don't miss this total immersion in the soul of the festival!
OFF ProgrammingTake advantage of the Festival to Explore Calais!
The Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival, This is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover Calais XXL! Between two concerts, let yourself be surprised by the Belfry, listed by UNESCO, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Stroll along the Seafront, breathe in the salty air and admire the majestic sculpture of the Bourgeois by Rodin. Want a cultural immersion? Beaux-arts museum opens its doors to you with its inspiring exhibitions. And for a nature getaway, head to the Calais Dragon : climb aboard this fascinating creature and let yourself be carried along the coastline.
Where to park for free?
To enjoy the festival with complete peace of mind, several free car parks are available:
Place d'Armes car park – A stone’s throw from La Halle, free in the evening.
Minck parking lot – Close to downtown, ideal for quick access to concerts.
Between heritage, culture and the great outdoors, Calais vibrates to the rhythm of the blues and much more!
Getting around & parking in Calais XXL
©Fred Collier 
©Nohcab