Blues Rock Review to cover Playing With Fire as international acts come to Omaha

Blues Rock Review will once again be on hand to provide coverage of Playing With Fire, returning for its third consecutive year covering the annual concert series in Omaha, Nebraska.

This year’s event once again showcases an international lineup of acclaimed blues, blues rock and roots artists from across Europe and North America, while continuing one of the festival’s defining traditions: every concert is completely free to attend.

The three-night series takes place August 13-15 at Slowdown, located at 729 N. 14th St. in Omaha. Admission is free and open to the public until capacity is reached, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Among the headliners is Scottish blues rock favorite King King, making its third consecutive appearance at Playing With Fire after becoming a fan favorite during previous visits to Omaha. The internationally diverse lineup also includes artists from Austria, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The festivities begin even before the opening night with a free pre-party on Wednesday, August 12, in the lobby of the host hotel, the Moxy Omaha Downtown. The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with Little Joe McCarthy, followed by Jared William at 8:00 p.m., before Jeni Grouws and Andrew Bailie close out the night.

Fans traveling to Omaha can stay at the official host hotel, the Moxy Omaha Downtown, using the festival’s special room rate by booking here.

Playing With Fire 2026 Lineup

Thursday, August 13

• King King
• Will Wilde
• The Pocket Architects

Friday, August 14

• Meena Cryle & Chris Fillmore
• Colin Linden
• Steve Marriner

Saturday, August 15

• Rozedale
• Halo Rider
• Wille and the Bandits

Blues Rock Review will be covering Playing With Fire throughout the weekend with exclusive photos, interviews and coverage from Omaha.