Whether you’re rolling solo, bringing your crew, packing up the family, or finally giving that camp chair the weekend it deserves, the 54th Walnut Valley Festival, September 16-20 in Winfield, Kansas is where music legends show up and strangers become friends. From first-timers to longtime regulars, there’s a warmth and sense of community here you just don’t find anywhere else.
With four official stages and more than 25 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 music around every corner.
This isn’t the kind of festival you just attend. You become part of it. Come for the music, stay for the people, and discover why generations of fans return to Winfield year after year!
With music around every corner and campground jams that go well past your bedtime, you’ll be grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ sweet corn before you know it. Time’s a-wastin’!
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.
From longtime festival favorites to emerging artists making their Walnut Valley debut, the 2026 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 25 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.
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.
All Debit/Credit Card transactions are subject to additional service fees. No phone orders accepted after August 24.
*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 17. Advance Ticket pricing ends at 11:59 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026. Tickets may continue to be purchased online at Gate price through the end of the festival or at the Ticket Trailer (at the campgrounds) beginning at 5:00 PM Wednesday, September 9.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ve waited long enough. Quit your lollygaggin’ and get your tickets!
We’ll see you in Winfield.
