It’s that time of year again: Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival is back in Columbia.

Roots N Blues first started in 2007. Each year the festival brings out a wide range of performances that range from international and local artists. Some of the artists this year include NEEDTOBREATHE, Buddy Guy and Brandi Carlile. There will be 28 artists total preforming at the festival.

Obviously, the festival offers music and BBQ, but there’s a ton more to it. Before the festival even begins there will be a kick-off event Thursday evening that will be held in The District at 5 p.m. During the festival there will be food, crafts and art vendors, a Ferris wheel to overlook the festival, Roots N Blues merch, a half marathon and a 10K that any festival goers can sign up for.

“I ran the half marathon last year and I got a big discount so I got to go to the Roots N Blues which was fun,” senior Julia Reed says.

The festival will be held Sept. 25 to 27 at Stephens Lake Park.

This year, Roots N Blues is doing something a little different for students.

“We have a new $25 a day student ticket,” assistant festival director Hilton Peeples says. “We also have a volunteer program, which is a great way for students to get involved and earn a free weekend ticket.”

You can purchase tickets at Vinyl Renaissance Columbia box office located on Tenth Street downtown, at the MSA/GPC Box Office in the Student Center, and online at rootsnbluesnbbq.com.

Reed says she is definitely more likely to buy a student ticket rather than the regular priced ones.

At the festival there will be two different stages so make sure you check out the artist schedule so you don’t miss your favorite performance.

The festival also offers a free shuttle to and from downtown CoMo. You can park in any of the downtown parking garages and then take the shuttle to the festival. COMO Connect will also be free all weekend long!

There will be a wide variety of artists and activities for everyone’s taste. With the ticket deal this year it’s a cheap and easy way for college students to experience live music and enjoy their weekend outdoors.

“When people come to Roots N Blues Festival, they can expect an eclectic, laid back experience,” Peeples says. “There is so much to look at, eat and listen to, we promise you will not experience a dull moment.”