Where the Blues Were Born
Blues Heritage
Runs Deep Here
Helena, Arkansas is hallowed ground for blues music. From the longest-running radio broadcast in American history to the legendary King Biscuit Blues Festival, the Delta's musical soul lives here.
Living History
King Biscuit Time
Since November 21, 1941, King Biscuit Time has broadcast live from Helena—making it the longest-running daily radio program in American history. The show launched the careers of Sonny Boy Williamson II, Robert Lockwood Jr., and countless other blues legends.
Today, host Thomas Jacques, Assistant Director of the Delta Cultural Center, carries on this remarkable tradition. The 30-minute broadcast airs weekdays from the Delta Sounds Gallery, and here's the best part: you can be part of it.
Visitors are welcome to attend—and can even be interviewed on air. Just show up at 12:15 PM on any weekday. It's free, it's historic, and it's an experience you won't find anywhere else.
Broadcast Schedule
Weekdays 12:15–12:45 PM
Location: Delta Cultural Center, 141 Cherry Street
Station: KFFA 1360 AM
Admission: Free
80+
years on the air
Every October
King Biscuit Blues Festival
For over 30 years, the King Biscuit Blues Festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of blues lovers to downtown Helena. Set along the banks of the Mississippi River, it's one of the most celebrated blues festivals in the world.
When
Weekend Before Columbus Day
October annually
Where
Downtown Helena
Along the Mississippi River
Legacy
30+ Years
of legendary performances
Festival Office: 319 Phillips Street (Biscuit Row) • (870) 572-5223
Plan Your Festival Trip
Local Favorite
Delta Dirt Distillery
What started as a fourth-generation Delta farm has become one of Arkansas's most celebrated craft distilleries. Delta Dirt transforms home-grown sweet potatoes and other crops into award-winning spirits—a true farm-to-bottle story rooted in this land.
Their historic downtown Helena tasting room offers tours and seasonal cocktails. It's the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring the Delta's blues heritage.
Arkansas Tourism Business of the Year
2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition • Platinum Winner
Hours
Friday: 4–8 PM
Saturday: 2–8 PM
Location
430 Cherry Street
Helena, AR
Delta Cultural Center
A museum of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Delta Cultural Center preserves and celebrates the unique heritage of the Arkansas Delta—its music, its people, and its enduring spirit.
Delta Sounds Gallery
Home of King Biscuit Time broadcasts and blues music exhibits
History Exhibits
Explore the Delta's rich cultural history and diverse heritage
Free Admission
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM at 141 Cherry Street
Experience the Blues
From the daily broadcast of King Biscuit Time to the annual festival that draws fans from around the world, Helena is where the Delta blues live on. Come hear it for yourself.