King Biscuit Blues Festival
Celebrate soulful music, sing along in style at the King Biscuit Blues Festival, and then explore the Mississippi Delta town of Helena, Arkansas.
Event information
Multiple stages and venues await to delight the avid blues fan. The King Biscuit Blues Festival encompasses four days of the best artists in the genre. Local talent and performers from afar grace the Main Stage, the Front Porch Stage, and more.
The Malco Theater houses a blues symposium, and the Mark Twain Courtyard is home to the Blues, Bloodies, and Biscuits Bar. Stop by for a drink on your way between stages. Consider taking a songwriters workshop if you like to pen a tune or two yourself.
Philips County Courthouse is where the fun run begins for those ready to run a 5k. If cycling is more your speed, join the Tour da Delta Bike Ride. After building your appetite, have a feast at the People’s Choice BBQ.
Helena is a town to explore. Steeped in history, Helena is home to several Civil War sites that allow visitors a unique perspective. Don’t miss Delta Heritage Trails State Park, where 14 miles of hiking trails are ready for exploration. Helena River Park is worth a visit, too.
Tickets
Single-day tickets to the King Biscuit Blues Festival are usually around $60, and if you want to spend a bit more, you can buy a pass for multiple days. Become a sponsor and get a VIP ticket that comes with several perks, including seats in the VIP tent that view the Main Stage.
Explore King Biscuit Blues Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
US-49's Business Route takes you toward Helena and the mighty Mississippi River. As you pass through rural areas, be on the alert for wildlife. Make the Welcome Center in town your first stop to chat with locals about their favorite things to see and do within the community. Activities happen in several places throughout town. IDrive Arkansas is the go-to site for road closures and traffic stops due to weather-related incidents.
Parking areas
Parking for the event can be found all over town. When you visit the Welcome Center, ask where best to park your motorhome to be central to the festival for the time you wish to stay. As well, you will want to check out spots like the Levee Walk and Pavillion, and the Boardwalk to the Mississipi. It is recommended to park your RV once and move about town on foot. King Biscuit Blues Festival offers entertainment on almost every corner.
Public Transportation
Public transit isn’t offered in the historic town of Helena, but a shuttle service is available to and from the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino. Consider this an option, along with finding a place to park your Class A and taxiing or ride sharing to the venues.
Where to stay
Onsite
Although there is a “tent city” in the festival area, RVs cannot park there. However, the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino does allow for RV parking, and there is accommodation for full hookups. It’s a great place to park your RV for the duration of the fest, and it is only four miles from downtown.
Nearby
The State of Arkansas is an excellent one for exploring. St. Francis National Park is home to Mississippi River State Park, found within its vast acreage. Camp here in one of the recreation areas. Bear Creek Lake Recreation area offers full hookups at Beechpoint Campground, while Lone Pine Campground allows the RV enthusiast to try a primitive site.
Getting around
Plan on plenty of walking while at the King Biscuit Blues Festival. It won’t be a chore, though. Your interest will be piqued by the action on the stages, the vendor’s wares, and the sheer number of people enjoying the fest. If you are in a wheelchair, getting around should be navigable. Look for the accessible seating near the Main Stage.
What to pack
Clothing
October is a great time to visit Arkansas. Pack your Class A with a variety of apparel. Shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and a few sweaters should fit the bill for festival clothing. Bring along a hat to protect from the sun and make sure that you throw in a few pairs of shoes. You will be walking a lot each day.
Gear
Tote a lightweight chair to the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Comfortable seating at every performance will allow you to enjoy the music to the fullest. Because the weather is never a sure thing, plan on putting a poncho in your backpack, along with a small umbrella. Although coolers are not permitted, bring a water bottle so that you stay hydrated all day long. The Helena Delta is famous for birdwatching, so include a pair of binoculars to see the Swainson’s Warbler.
Health & Safety
Rving is all about exploration and having a wonderful vacation. To ensure that your road trip is a healthy one, pack essentials like sunscreen and bug spray. Whether camping or hiking a trail in the Ouachita or Ozark National Forests, keeping the bugs at bay is important. Remember, when moving from campground to campground, do not transfer your firewood. Doing so may allow an invasive insect to easily travel from place to place.
Where to eat
Cooking
With all of the fun that awaits in Arkansas, it’s highly likely that the family will have a hearty appetite every evening. Set up the grill and prepare burgers with plenty of sides to sate the hungry. Before leaving home, check the camp stove fuel and stock up on briquets for the barbecue. Whenever camping in a forest setting, store your food securely out of reach of curious animals.
Restaurants
Choose a restaurant in proximity to the levee or the Mississippi River and enjoy a sit-down meal with a view of history. Prepare for top-notch hospitality and down-home cooking, specialties in Helena. Local food in Helena pairs well with the bluesy atmosphere of the festival. Carry the vibe right to your table and discuss your most enjoyed musical performance of the night.
Vendors
Choose your favorite piece of official King Blues memorabilia and take home a memory of your fabulous time at the event. A unique festival poster is a nice souvenir; make a purchase and hope for the opportunity to have the artist sign it. Cash or credit cards are accepted when purchasing merchandise.
Safety
Security
Your wristband is proof of payment. If you are over 21, you can purchase alcohol anywhere within the gates. Have ID in hand to prove your age. When leaving your RV for any length of time, close the curtains and stow valuables in a secure place. Many RV owners use motion detector lights to deter visitors at night, whether human or curious animal.
Weather
Tote an umbrella to the King Biscuit Blues Festival to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the fun, come rain or shine. If inclement weather is in the forecast, stay put at the campground another night or two before moving onto your next location. Secure all outdoor gear and have a portable radio to keep you informed of changes in the weather.
Medical
A well-staffed first-aid station is in proximity to the Main Stage. Take a look for it before starting your exploration of downtown Helena. When taking inventory of supplies before leaving home, don’t forget the medicine cabinet. Check the dates on items like antibiotic cream, peroxide, and rubbing alcohol.
