The Mine Shaft Tavern hosts the 20th Annual CrawDaddy Blues Fest on May 16 and May 17, 2026, in Madrid, New Mexico. The festival features fresh crawfish from Nome, Texas, Cajun specialties, and live blues performances across four stages. Advanced tickets cost $35 per day ($40 at the door), with free parking and shuttle on the north end of town. Kids 12 and under enter free with an adult. Gates open daily at noon at the Madrid Railyard.
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Where is the 20th Annual CrawDaddy Blues Fest?
The 20th Annual CrawDaddy Blues Fest will happen at the Madrid Railyard adjacent to the Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid, New Mexico, about 27 miles from Downtown Santa Fe on Highway 14.
What is the musical lineup for the CrawDaddy Blues Fest?
The festival hosts over 20 acts across two days at the Mine Shaft Tavern, the Cantina, the Hurricane Bar, and the CrawDaddy Amphitheater. Putnay Thomas will emcee the main stage.
- Saturday, May 16: Performers include Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts, Felix Y Los Gatos, Alex Maryol, Ken Valdez, Kevin Burt, and Rudy Boy. The lineup also features Julie Stewart & Animal Parade, Partizani Brass Band, and a Tom Petty tribute by Sunbender.
- Sunday, May 17: Performers include Hillary Smith with Chillhouse & High City Horns, Levi Platero, Amanda Fish, Geoffrey Castle, and Silver Sky Blues Band. Other sets include CW Ayon, Turquoise Steel, and Joe Daddy Blues Trio.
Check out the full CrawDaddy Bluesfest lineup and buy tickets.
What food and drinks are available at the festival?
The event specializes in Cajun and Texas-style cuisine prepared with fresh crawfish from Broussard’s Crawfish Farm.
- Main Dishes: Fresh boiled crawfish, crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and housemade pork boudain.
- Other Options: Green chile blue crab cakes, Texas BBQ ribs, brisket, and smoked pork.
- Beverages: Fresh-squeezed Hurricanes are served at multiple bars.
How do I buy tickets and find parking?
Advance tickets are available for $35 per day through Hold My Ticket or at the Mine Shaft Tavern. Day-of tickets cost $40. Children under 12 get in free with an adult ticket.
Free parking and a shuttle service are located at the north end of Madrid. Outside food, beverages, and coolers are prohibited. The festival takes place rain or shine.
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| May 15 |
|
|
Mine Shaft Tavern |
| May 16 |
|
|
Madrid Railyard |
| May 17 |
|
|
Madrid Railyard |
Join the Celebration
The CrawDaddy Blues Fest is a long-standing tradition in Madrid, combining high-quality musical acts with authentic Gulf Coast cuisine. With four stages and a diverse lineup of local and touring blues musicians, the festival provides a comprehensive look at the regional blues scene.
Buy your tickets in advance to save on daily admission and use the free shuttle parking on the north end of Madrid. Ensure you arrive when gates open at noon to secure a shaded spot and enjoy the full menu of Cajun specialties like gumbo and fresh boiled crawfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to park for the CrawDaddy Blues Fest?
Public parking within the town of Madrid is limited during major festivals. To accommodate visitors, the event provides free parking and a dedicated shuttle service located on the north end of town along Highway 14. Drive slowly and look for signs directing you to the shuttle lot to avoid congestion in the historic district. This shuttle runs regularly throughout the festival hours to transport guests directly to the Madrid Railyard and the Mine Shaft Tavern. Using the shuttle is the most efficient way to access the gates without searching for street parking.
What should I bring to the festival at the Madrid Railyard?
The festival grounds include several bars and areas with shade, but prepare for outdoor high desert May conditions. Wear sunscreen and a hat for the afternoon sets. While plenty of seating and shade are provided, please note that no coolers or outside food and beverages are permitted onsite. Small bags may be subject to search at the gate. The event is held rain or shine, so check the local Madrid weather forecast before arriving to determine if light rain gear or extra layers are necessary for the evening performances.
How do I get tickets for the 20th annual event?
You can buy tickets in advance for $35 per day through the official CrawDaddy Blues Fest ticketing site or in person at the Mine Shaft Tavern. Buying before the festival dates gets you a $5 discount compared to the $40 day-of price. If the event does not sell out, you can buy tickets at the gate starting at noon each day. Children under 12 do not need a ticket to get in when accompanied by an adult. For group inquiries or specific ticketing questions, you can contact the venue at 505-473-0743.
Is there a pre-party event before the main festival starts?
Yes, a special CrawDaddy Pre-Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15, at the Mine Shaft Tavern. This event features a live performance by Betty Benedeadly starting at 8 p.m. This pre-party allows early arrivals and local residents to gather before the main festival gates open at the Railyard on Saturday. While the main festival requires specific daily tickets, the Friday night event is an introduction to the weekend festivities. The pre-party is a great time to visit the historic tavern and enjoy the atmosphere before the larger crowds arrive for the Saturday and Sunday music schedules.
What makes the food at this blues festival unique?
The CrawDaddy Blues Fest is known for its authentic Cajun specialties, specifically its fresh live crawfish. The Mine Shaft Tavern sources its crawfish directly from Broussard’s Crawfish Farm in Nome, Texas, ensuring the quality and freshness of the boil. In addition to the crawfish, the menu features regional favorites like housemade pork boudain and green chile blue crab cakes. This combination of Texas BBQ and Louisiana-style Cajun cooking gives a distinct experience from standard festival fare in New Mexico. All food is prepared on-site to be served fresh throughout the afternoon.
This article was posted by Jess
