As I write this the World Cup is in full swing, and many fans are attending matches in Kansas City & elsewhere. Like many others, I am glad to see soccer enjoying such widespread attention.

Believe it or not, I see a lot of similarities between a world class soccer team and a successful music festival. The best teams don’t win by trying to play like everyone else–they know who they are and play a style that reflects their strengths. We try to do the same at Walnut Valley Festival. Every year we make improvements, but never at the expense of what makes Winfield special. Today’s festivalgoers are searching for authentic experiences–they want to discover performers, hear meaningful stories, and connect with places that feel genuine.

That’s exactly what we’ve always tried to create at the Walnut Valley Festival. And, just as every player contributes to the success of a soccer team, every part of our WVF community contributes to a successful Festival experience. Our performers are the ones people come to see, but every member of our staff and crew has an important role to play.
Just like in soccer, the fans are the ones who make everything special. Our patrons decorate their camps, invite in new camp and jam members, set up their own stages, and all this creates the Spirit of Winfield every year.

Of course, every great team has to adapt when circumstances change, and this year we are all going to be doing that. The bridge across the Walnut River on HWY 160 is being replaced, and construction will continue through Festival. There are now only be two lanes (one eastbound, one westbound) from the bridge to the railroad tracks, but both entrances (Main Entrance and Reentry) will be open during Festival.

So, we are going to need your help. To enter initially at the main gate (purchase tickets, camping), you will have to approach the fairgrounds on HWY 160 (W. 9th Ave) from the west. No left turns will be allowed for those arriving from the east. If you are westbound, please drive past the fairgrounds and use the Sale Barn parking lot west of town to turn around, unless it is Wednesday. Reentry gate to enter grounds will be at the same spot, but you will be able to make a left turn from the westbound lane.

Once on grounds, you are going to enjoy this year’s lineup. Please help us welcome to Winfield Bay Allen, The Cody Sisters, John Lowell Trio, Newberry & Verch, Norway’s Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Mama Said String Band, and Songs From the Road Band, all performing here for the first time.

We welcome back Becky Buller, Barnard Sisters, Barry Ward, Beppe Gambetta, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Andy May, John McCutcheon, Ken & Brad Kolodner, Linda Tilton, Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, RUNA, Shane Hennessy, Socks in the Frying Pan, and The Steel Wheels.

We also have your favorite bands from around here, including 80 Proof Alice, Foggy Memory Boys, The Lost Keys, and The Starlight Darlins.

Finally, Bing Futch has agreed to be our WVF Ambassador this year. Bing will be doing some outreach before festival begins, and you will likely see him doing what he does best during the event, on campground and official stages, collaborating with other artists.

You will also find an assortment of wonderful activities for kids, including Feisty Music Camp at Stage 6 and the Craft Activities in building 10, and for the musically talented youth, check out Andy May’s Acoustic Kids. Whether young or old, take in one of our 8 instrument contests, and be prepared to gaze in wonder at the world’s best players.

Whether this is your first trip to Winfield or your fifty-fourth, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Walnut Valley Festival. We will see you in September!

Bart Redford
Executive Director