Blues Ball On The Way To Medicine Park, Here’s What To Expect

It's already almost time for the annual Mayor's Blues Ball in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. This year, the festival will be celebrating 19 years of keeping blues alive and loved in southwest Oklahoma. The three-day, free-to-attend music festival kicks off on Friday, August 29 and runs until the late hours of Sunday, August 31.

Even if you've been to other festivals in Medicine Park, you've never quite experienced one like the Blues Ball. Since it's one of the longest-running festivals in the town, it's gained quite a traction over the years.

Despite the fact that Medicine Park has done some major glow-ups in recent years, it still lives up to the "small town" name. With so many people traveling from all over the country to be there, things can get stressful quickly. There are a few tips you should know about navigating the town during one of the largest festivals they have yearly.

19th annual Mayor's Blues Ball Music Line Up

This year's line up has some incredible soulful voices gracing the stage from all over Oklahoma. Starting on Friday, August 29, the main stage at Hitchin' Post Park will have:

• Sweet Brenda and Sour Mash - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• KALO - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

On Saturday, August 30, the headliners are:

• Five Aces - 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Ike Lamb & The Creepers - 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Dirty Red & The Soul Shakers - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Matthew Scott - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

On Sunday, August 31 things wrap up with:

• Amanda Howle & The Big Bad Wolves - 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Chebon Tiger Band 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Blues Ball Legend Chant Duplantier - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Sweet & Dirty All Star Blues Review - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Don't let other music festivals tell you that Sunday night isn't much of a show - the last night of the Blues Ball is nearly always an iconic wrap up that many regret they missed out on.

Tips & tricks for prepping for the Mayor's Blues Ball in Medicine Park.

No matter how much growing Medicine Park may have been doing, they still remain a small town. The experience is almost perfect - except for when you don't expect to have so many people in a small area. Take our advice and plan ahead before coming to the festival.

• Parking near the park is nearly impossible - expect to do some walking. The later you arrive, the harder it will be to find spots.
• Pay close attention to where you've parked. There are still people living in Medicine Park that may not want anyone blocking their driveway. Some, however, will allow you to park in their driveway for a fee.
• If you're planning on trying out the Old Plantation, expect a long wait time. This place is never empty and fills up quickly with reservations during festival season.

• Arrive early to town to get acquainted with the area. Many of the other businesses also hire live music earlier in the day, outside of when there are artists on the main stage.
• Walking and golf carts are the best way to travel in town. Main street is generally cut off during major festivals and the wait to get where you need to go is a long one.
• Bring lawn chairs! There's only so much seating at the main stage and you might be out of your seat for a lot of the festival, but it will be nice to have a seat available when you need it.
• Dogs and families are welcome in nearly all of the establishments in Medicine Park. But be mindful of hot roads and heat stroke.

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