Whether you’re rolling solo, bringing your crew, or packing up the family, the Walnut Valley Festival is where music legends show up and strangers become friends. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome, from first-timers to longtime regulars, and where the vibe is warm, easygoing, and just a little bit magical.
With four official stages and more than 30 world-class bands and performers, you’ll hear everything from driving bluegrass to soulful folk and acoustic roots. But the real magic often happens off the stage. Wander through the campgrounds and you’ll find jam circles that stretch into the night, surprise sets on camp stages, and musical moments that feel too good to be real.
This isn’t the kind of festival you just attend. You become part of it. The music flows as freely as the conversations, the stars seem to shine a little brighter, and before long, you’ll realize you’ve found your people.
A Festival Like No Other!
Where Music Meets Community
For more than five decades, the Walnut Valley Festival has been a gathering spot for folks who love authentic bluegrass, folk, and Americana music. It’s a gathering of people brought together by a love of live music, the outdoors, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Camp under the stars, dance ‘til you drop, or just kick back and soak it all in. From surprise sets to all-day jams, the magic happens everywhere: onstage, at campfires, and along every dusty trail.
The Sounds of 2025
Here's Who's Coming This Year
From longtime festival favorites to emerging artists making their Walnut Valley debut, the 2025 lineup is a mix of legends, rising stars, and everything in between. Each performance brings its own spark, whether it’s a high-energy set that gets the crowd dancing or a quiet, soulful moment that gives you goosebumps. With four official stages and over 30 acts, you’ll discover new music, hear fresh takes on familiar sounds, and experience the kind of live performances that stick with you long after the weekend ends.
Whether you’re here to discover new favorites or revisit old ones, the music is always front and center.
New to Walnut Valley Festival?
This Year, Its Your Turn!
If this is your first festival or your first in a while, don’t worry. The Walnut Valley family has your back. We know stepping into a new scene can be a little intimidating, but here you’ll find nothing but friendly faces, open arms, and plenty of jam sessions to join.
Pack your camping gear or book a nearby stay. Whether you’re a seasoned festivalgoer or this is your very first time, we’ve got you covered. Our First-Timers Guide is full of tips, must-knows, and friendly advice to help you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Come with an open heart, a sense of adventure, and maybe a lawn chair or two — and leave with stories, friendships, and memories that will stay with you long after the music fades.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Choose the Ticket That Works Best For You
Whether you’re coming for the full festival experience, 2 days, or a single day, there’s a ticket option that fits your schedule. You can purchase a full festival pass, a two-day pass, or a single-day ticket. No matter how long you stay, you’ll find yourself right at home.
Kids 5 & Under Get In FREE!
Kids ages 11 to 15 are just $50 for the full festival, kids ages 6 to 10 are only $10, and children 5 and under get in free. All tickets for kids are sold at the gate and can be purchased when you arrive.
Full Festival
Full Admission to the Festival.-
All Days
-
Redeemable for admission starting 5PM Wed, Sept 10*
Friday/Saturday
Friday & Saturday Only-
Friday & Saturday
-
Valid 8AM Friday, Sept 19 until 8AM Sunday, Sept 21*
Saturday/Sunday
Saturday & Sunday Only-
Saturday & Sunday
-
Valid 8AM Saturday, Sept 20 until end of Festival*
Saturday
Saturday Only-
Saturday Only
-
Valid 8AM to Midnight Saturday, Sept 20*
Full Festival
Full Admission to the Festival.-
All Days
-
Redeemable for admission starting 5PM Wed, Sept 10*
Friday/Saturday
Friday & Saturday Only-
Friday & Saturday
-
Valid 8AM Friday, Sept 19 until 8AM Sunday, Sept 21*
Saturday/Sunday
Saturday & Sunday Only-
Saturday & Sunday
-
Valid 8AM Saturday, Sept 20 until end of Festival*
Saturday
Saturday Only-
Saturday Only
-
Valid 8AM to Midnight Saturday, Sept 20*
*All tickets are non-refundable and must be redeemed during gate hours of operation to be allowed on the festival grounds. Camping is NOT included in the price of tickets. Customers must have either a Two-day or Full Festival ticket to be allowed to purchase camping or parking. Only Full-Festival ticket holders will be allowed on Festival grounds prior to Thursday, September 18. Early Advance Ticket pricing increases at 11 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025. Advance Tickets may be purchased at the Festival Office (918 Main Street, Winfield) or at the Ticket Trailer (at the campgrounds) until 5:00 PM Friday, September 12.
Make it a Full Festival Experience
Camping & Parking
Want to immerse yourself in the full Walnut Valley experience? Stay right on-site! Camping is available for both tents and RVs, and spots are available for the entire festival. Camping fees vary depending on the type of site, whether you’re roughing it in a tent or taking advantage of the plentiful electric hookups. Camping is sold separately from your festival ticket.
The campgrounds at Walnut Valley Festival aren’t silent after the final set; they’re alive with spontaneous camp stages run by various camper groups, from the classic Stage 5 to intimate songwriter platforms. The Campground Stages, along with informal jam circles that last through the night, are where unexpected performances and musical magic come to life
Free long-term and day parking is available on festival grounds, a short walk from the stages. If you’d like to park inside the campground, a daily vehicle fee of $10 applies.
Arts, Crafts & Family Fun
From Handmade Treasures to Kid-Curated Creations
Stroll through the Paulette Rush Arts & Crafts Show, a juried marketplace filled with handmade jewelry, pottery, woven goods, woodcrafts, and more—each piece crafted by artisans from across the country. Whether you’re shopping for a souvenir or something to wear home, you’ll find quality and craftsmanship in every booth.
While you browse, your kids can dive into their own creative corner. The festival hosts a variety of kid-friendly activities, including tie-dye fun, craft-making booths, and the lively Feisty Music Camp for Kids alongside Andy May’s Acoustic Kids showcases. It’s a space where little ones can explore art, music, and imagination while you soak in the festival vibe.
Instrument Championships & Contests
Where Musicians Make History
At the heart of the festival are the accredited instrument championships, a showcase of skill, tradition, and friendly competition. From the prestigious National Flat-Pick Guitar Championship to contests in mandolin, banjo, fiddle, hammer dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, and fingerstyle guitar, there’s something for every acoustic enthusiast.
These contests bring together players from across the country—and sometimes the world—with each champion earning recognition and their portion of more than $100,000 in cash, instruments, and accessory prizes.
Don’t Wait Another Year!
The music’s calling, and so are your people. Make this the year you finally say yes to the magic of Winfield. Whether you come for the lineup, the campfire jams, the late-night stories, or the chance to be part of something real, you’ll leave with more than memories… You’ll leave with a new tradition.
We’ll see you in September.
