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Noxon will have the blues the first weekend in August, but it won’t get people down. The 11th Annual Big Sky Blues Festival is set for August 5-7 at Pilgrim Creek Park.

Along with nationally known musicians, the three-day event features free workshops for kids. Musicians performing during the weekend donate their time and will instruct kids of all ages on harmonica, guitar, drums and bass. “It’s fun for the kids to learn from national acts,” said Lorne Riddell, organizer of the Big Sky Blues Festival. “It’s great to have the kids learn about music and carry on these talents.” He noted that the kids can also get on stage during the all-star jam on Sunday. “They have a lot of fun being up on the stage and making music,” Riddell added. The workshops are free and start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

This year the festival will also host “Guitars for Kids” and is accepting donations of used instruments. “If you have an old instrument sitting around that’s not getting used, bring it down,” Riddell said. The instruments are donated to local schools and Riddell said all instruments, not just guitars, are accepted.

Riddell noted that there are new bands as well as regular favorites performing this year in Noxon. The music will fill the park beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 5, and performances will go noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Friday performers will include Kenny James Miller Band, David Raitt & The Boogie Band and bobby Patterson & The Two Tones. Saturday opens with John Firshi Project, following by Jan Harrison Band, Eddie Turner, Rae Gordon, Tullie Brae and Jimmy D. Lane will close out the evening. On Sunday, Cary Fly Band and Larry Taylor will play before the all-star jam starts at 4 p.m.

A weekend pass giving concert goers access to all of the performances is $80. Though Riddell says it is one of the cheaper festivals in the northwest, he wants to encourage everyone to come enjoy the music. Sanders County residents can show their ID and receive a discount on tickets.

The weekend will also include a variety of food trucks and craft vendors, and camping is available at the venue. “Everything is right there for a fun weekend at the park,” Riddell said, adding that dogs are welcome as long as they are on leashes. “We’re lucky and thankful to Avista for all they have done to let us have it at the park.”

Tickets are available online at bigskyblues.org, however Sanders County residents will need to purchase tickets at the gate to receive the local discount. For more information, contact Riddell at (406) 370-1288.