The Urbana Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival presented by Fluid Events will once again take over Downtown Urbana on Friday and Saturday.

Popularity has been increasing each year for the festival, now in its third year, which event manager Perry Davidson said was initially created to tie into Urbana’s birthday.

“We had 2,000 guests the first year, 15,000 last year, and I think we’ll see about 25,000 this year,” Davidson said.

“Blues appeals to a large crowd of people,” Davidson said.

Davidson said the event attempts to welcome all ages with various activities. Sponsors have allowed much of the festivities, including blues music, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities, arts and beer tasting, to be free of charge.

There will be 24 different beers on tap, as well as other bottled brands. Guests can relax with a brew and listen to the diverse musical line up. The festival’s theme is “The Next Generation,” which is exemplified through the artists that will perform. The main stage is located at the corner of Vine and Main, and will host musical groups including Bernard Allison, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and Wayne Barker Brooks.

“Most of (the artists) are national and they are children of great blues artists,” Davidson said.

The blues music is free, but guests will need to buy barbecue. Vendors include local barbecue restaurants like Little Porgy’s Barbecue, Holy Smoke and Hickory River Smokehouse.

Luke Rothmund, manager of Hickory River Smokehouse, said the most popular dish his restaurant will serve is barbecue pulled pork.

“Participating in the Blues festival increases the amount of business,” Rothmund added.

For the food enthusiast, cooking demonstrations are inside Lincoln Square Mall.

Guests who walk outside the mall down Broadway Avenue will find themselves in a world of arts and crafts. The block will host booths of artists displaying their work. In addition to the provided entertainment and visuals, guests can get their hands on free items.

“We’ll be giving away kazoos all day,” said Ed Nystrom, manager of Samuel Music, 1006 West Anthony Drive.

Nystrom looks forward to the family aspect of the event, as he said the festival’s activities attracts a crowd that includes both students and families.

Samuel Music, for example, will be hosting an area with a “Future Stars” theme, which will include drum circles, blues harmonica lessons and guitar demonstrations.

“It is not for the diehard blues and beer fan,” he said.