Keeping the Blues Alive: 2026 Festival Update
Who produces the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival?
The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is produced by the Winthrop Music Association (WMA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005.
Our mission is to build community through music. We believe that music creates joy, connection, and healing — and strengthens the cultural and economic fabric of the Methow Valley.
The festival is a true labor of love, made possible by more than 150 volunteers and a small, hard-working crew who return year after year. Their commitment — alongside the support of our fans and partners — is what keeps this festival thriving.
Why are ticket prices increasing this year?
Like many independent festivals, we’ve navigated a tough post-pandemic period and operated at a loss for the past two years, even with strong lineups, strong ticket sales, and perfect weather. Adjusting ticket prices is one way we’re ensuring the festival remains strong, sustainable, community-powered, and rooted in the Methow Valley — for years to come. Like many festivals, we’re seeing higher costs across the board — from artist fees and production to insurance, infrastructure, and staffing.
Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of independent venues and festivals operated at a loss in 2024 (National Independent Venue Association). And these challenges are intensified by the way the live-music world has changed. Large corporate promoters — companies like Live Nation and AEG — now dominate much of the national touring landscape, which has driven artist fees even higher and made it increasingly difficult for independent, nonprofit festivals to compete for talent.
A ticket price adjustment helps us remain sustainable, fair to our artists and staff, and financially stable for the future. Even with these changes, Winthrop remains one of the most affordable multi-day music festivals in the Northwest — three days of world-class music, camping, and community connection.
What has the festival invested in recently?
We’ve worked hard to make the festival more comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone. Recent investments include:
- A rented mobile stage, replacing our 30-year-old wooden structure
- Expanded shade tents throughout the grounds
- New satellite bars to reduce lines
- A supported local shuttle service (we pay part of the cost so riders can travel affordably and safely all weekend)
- A refurbished 16-head shower truck — the largest made — for campers
- Extensive landscaping improvements across the camping and festival grounds
- Upgraded security in partnership with CMS
Every one of these upgrades was made with the festivalgoer and the community in mind.
Why does it cost more to produce a festival like this?
Hosting a rural, independent music festival means every detail — staging, power, labor, lodging, travel, and logistics — requires additional resources compared to an urban setting. Artist fees, production costs, infrastructure needs, and insurance premiums continue to rise nationwide. We believe the end result is worth it: A one-of-a-kind celebration that brings world-class music to one of the most beautiful valleys in the Northwest.
What kind of artists perform at the festival?
Each year, Winthrop features nationally touring, world-class artists alongside emerging talent across the blues and roots spectrum. We believe in paying artists fairly — and because Winthrop is a rural destination (about a four-hour drive from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport), travel and lodging costs for performers are significant. We cover those expenses so artists can share their music in our unique setting.
Are you looking for sponsors or partners?
Yes! While we’re proud to be community-powered, we welcome sponsors and partners who share our values.
We love working with businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in live music, community, and the arts in the Pacific Northwest.
Interested partners can reach out to rikki@winthropbluesfestival.com.
How does the festival support the community?
Every dollar you spend goes right back into the festival and the community that surrounds it.
Until the pandemic the association (formed in 2005) operated in the black which has allowed us to reinvest in our community.
Going forward, we’re focusing our giving on two partners most closely aligned with our mission to build community through music:
- The Cove Food Bank (supported by Friday-night show donations)
- The Liberty Bell High School Music Program (through our annual guitar raffle with Avalon Music of Wenatchee)
The festival draws thousands of visitors who stay in local lodging, dine in local restaurants, and support local shops — providing a meaningful economic boost to the Methow Valley.
How can fans help?
The best way to support the festival is to buy your tickets early and spread the word. Every ticket purchased, every volunteer hour, every returning fan — it all makes a difference.
The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival began in 1988 thanks to a small group of passionate music lovers. When it faced financial hardship in 2005, the Winthrop Music Association was formed to carry the torch — and the community rallied behind it. Ever since, we’ve risen to the occasion together.
Can I donate to the festival?
Yes — and as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation is tax-deductible and deeply appreciated. Your gift helps sustain the festival, support our community partners, and keep world-class music thriving in the Methow Valley.
Donate here: Or scan the QR code:
Thank you for helping us build community through music.
Together, we keep the blues alive — and ensure the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival continues to bring people together for years to come.
Donate here. Or scan the QR Code.
