Aug. 24-25, Friday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Savory and sizzling barbecue tops the weekend menu while hard-driving, toe-tapping blues music rocks the stage at the Old Capitol Blues and BBQs the last full weekend of August, Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th. Located at Fifth and Washington streets in downtown Springfield, this will be a yummy and entertaining end-of-summer party.

Featuring more than 40 BBQ competitors and vendors, you’ll be able to sample the bestof-the-best in barbecue made in the Midwest.

Two new award categories – Most Festive Booth and BBQ Hospitality – have been added at the celebration,” states Ann Frescura, Downtown Springfield, Inc. events director and festival organizer.

Local and national blues talent is featured alongside the Illinois Central Blues Club Challenge. The competition begins at noon. The winner of the band challenge receives $1,000 in travel money to represent the ICBC at the Blues Foundation’s 29th Annual International Blues Challenge, scheduled to take place Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2013 in Memphis,

Tenn. A separate competition for a solo/duo act takes place on the same day. The winner of the solo/duo contest receives $500 in travel monies. These acts will have at least one member who belongs to the Illinois Central Blues Club.

Headliners for Friday’s music include: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound at 6 p.m., JD McPherson at 8 p.m. and Wayne Baker Brooks at 10 p.m. Saturday’s lineup: Brooke Thomas and the Blue Suns, 4 p.m.; Chicken Shack, 5 p.m.; Hurricane Ruth, 6:15 p.m.; Maria Muldaur, 7:30 p.m.; Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, 9:30 p.m.

Admission to listen to the blues is $5. Ages 12 and under are admitted free. Free entertainment for your kids is presented on Aug. 25 1-6 p.m.

Special Downtown hotel overnight packages are offered for Old Capitol Blues & BBQs. They include admission and food/beverage tickets with your hotel room booking.

Walk to and from the festival. For more information about this or the festival, contact DSI online or at 217-544-1723.