The Mimbres Region Arts Council’s (MRAC) unparalleled Blues Festival, the last remaining FREE Blues Festival in the Southwest, celebrates 20 extraordinary years of success with a new name, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival, and an expansion that will include a third full day of motorcycle related activities on Friday, May 22 in and around Gough Park. Blues Hall of Famer, Lifetime Achievement and 2-time Grammy award winner Taj Mahal will headline the festival Saturday night, May 23. The festival runs through Sunday afternoon, May 24, featuring the Campbell Brothers as Sunday headliners. Presented in and around Silver City's Gough Park, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival is the same great festival you’ve come to expect, renamed and expanded for a total Blues & Bikes Lovers Experience.

Friday’s expanded events will include the People’s Choice Bike Show, judged by festival attendees in two categories: early 1900s to 1984 and 1985 to present day; the American Wall of Death Thrill Show (www.americanwallofdeath.com/), 50+ vendors; a Gila Wilderness bike run; custom bike builders and other high quality bike-themed vendors.

In addition the Blues Festival hosts a diverse array of artisans from across the region. Handmade and one-of-a-kind fiber arts pieces, pottery, and jewelry can be found in the Artisans Alley framing the park. The Festival will offer a beer garden and over 20 food vendor booths providing a variety of traditional festival and ethnic foods.