The 12th annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival, which is held by the Matlacha Mariners, will fill the German American Social Club this weekend for the third year in a row.

The gates will open at 11:30 a.m. for the festival on Nov. 19.

Jerry Tolliver, festival and music coordinator said prior to holding the festival at the German American Social Club it was held on Pine Island until they outgrew the venue.

The annual event typical attracts anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 people.

“It seems to be growing each year,” he said.

The artists that will appear at the festival this year include local, regional and national acts. Those acts include Ellie Lee and Blues Fury; Deb and the Dynamics with special guest Deborah Coteman; Southern Hospitality; Tommy Lee Cook and the Boys of Buckingham; Samantha Fish and Smokin’ Joe Kuber and Bnois King.

Tolliver said that Samantha Fish made a big splash at the Chicago festival and is a new recording artist.

The first act will take the stage at approximately 12:30 p.m. and the final act, Smokin’ Joe Kuber and Bnois King, will take the stage at approximately 7:45 p.m. The show is anticipated to end at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at Traders Hitching Post, 4618 Pine Island Road; First Note Music, 461 Del Prado Blvd. S. and Rainbow Records, 2113 Del Prado Blvd. S. until 5 p.m. on Nov. 18.

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.southwestfloridabluesfestival.com

In addition to music, he said the festival also will feature a number of art and craft vendors, along with some people promoting their businesses and what they do. Food vendors and ice cold beverages will also be available.

Tolliver said it is a no-cooler , and no-pet event.

The proceeds from the non-profit event, he said, will support local charities.

The German American Social Club is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road.