Gastronomy gained prominence at the Dipanas Blues International Festival and, in 2026, it will arrive even stronger. One of the big news of the 14th edition of the event is the expansion of the Granja Brasília/Real Alimentos Gastronomic Arena, a space that has established itself as one of the main attractions of the festival by combining good food, live music and coexistence in an environment designed for the whole family. Installed at the Francisco Olivé Diniz Exhibition Park, in Pará de Minas, the Gastronomic Arena underwent a renovation to welcome the public with more comfort and new experiences. The space will have more common areas, a strategically repositioned stage to increase the visibility of shows and musical programming throughout the festival's operating period, from 4pm to 2am. Dipanas Blues Sign Dipanas Blues Disclosure The proposal reinforces a characteristic that has been marking major cultural events: the integration between music and gastronomy. At Dipanas Blues, this combination gains even more meaning by valuing local traditions and boosting the regional economy. "Gastronomy has become a fundamental part of the experience of major festivals. At Dipanas Blues, it is not a complement, but an attraction that dialogues directly with music, local culture and coexistence between people. We want the public to have a complete experience, being able to watch the shows, try new flavors and enjoy family moments in a welcoming environment", says the executive producer of Voodoo Produção Cultural, organizer of the event, Hugo Lacerda. Local cuisine gains strength This year, Arena Gastronomica will have 14 restaurants, of which 12 are from Pará de Minas and two from Belo Horizonte. The initiative strengthens local entrepreneurship and creates opportunities for dozens of professionals in the city and region. The expectation is that around 120 people will work directly in the gastronomic operation during the festival. The menu was designed to suit different public profiles. Among the options are artisanal burgers, barbecue, Japanese food, pizzas, gourmet hot dogs, Minas Gerais snacks, varied portions, savory snacks, churros, popsicles, cheese bread and dishes made with rice and meat, among other specialties. In addition to gastronomic diversity, the space also highlights elements that are part of the gastronomic identity of Pará de Minas, known nationally for its strong production of chicken and pork. The partnership with Granja Brasília, supporter of the gastronomic arena, reinforces this cultural connection through chicken-based dishes and other recipes that value traditional ingredients from the region. "Pará de Minas is recognized as the land of chicken and pork, and we are keen to bring this identity into the festival. At the same time, we seek to offer a plural experience, with different styles of cuisine that suit all tastes. It is a way of valuing our culture without giving up the gastronomic diversity that the public expects to find at an event of this size", highlights Hugo. Another difference of the new structure is the integration between food spaces and musical attractions. The Gastronomic Arena stage was moved to a new location, allowing better public circulation and increasing the visibility of the shows held there. "We realized that many people like to enjoy the shows while having a meal or meeting friends. That's why we reorganized the entire structure of the Gastronomic Arena. The new positioning of the stage creates a more comfortable experience and brings music and gastronomy even closer together, which are two passions that go hand in hand within the festival", explains the producer. In addition to the restaurants, the space will have areas dedicated to special beers, wines, drinks and pairings, expanding the possibilities for those who want to explore new flavors throughout the program. The biggest blues event in Minas Gerais and one of the main ones in Brazil, the Dipanas Blues International Festival will be held on August 15th, bringing together national and international attractions in more than 10 hours of programming. With the theme “Roots”, this year's edition proposes an immersion in the origins of blues and its influence on different musical styles. Service Dipanas Blues International Festival – 14th edition Theme: “Raízes” Main date: August 15, 2026 Location: Francisco Olivé Diniz Exhibition Park – Pará de Minas Tickets for the closing: On sale through Sympla, on the festival's official website, at Dipanas Bistrô (R. Nossa Sra. das Graças, 377 - Nossa Sra. das Gracas) and at Dipanas Snacks, a store located in the shopping center Fabrika Mall. The festival also offers solidarity entry by donating non-perishable food at the entrance to the event.