Frequently Asked Questions/Festival Policies

We at Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival take the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff as our top priority.  We will aggressively monitor all the health bulletins from the state and county and immediately install all appropriate protocols.

New this year – Infield Access Policy – Read more HERE

What to bring: Low-profile chairs, sunglasses, sunblock, hat, water, food, bug spray, sense of humor and a love of music. Coolers are okay. All bags, coolers, backpacks etc are subject to a search at infield gate entrances.

Note about chairs: Low-profile chairs no taller than 26” measured to the top of the backrest are preferred and will have a designated seating area. Those who can’t sit in lower chairs can use their high-backed chairs in a separate, marked-off area near the back of the infield where they won’t obstruct the views of other patrons.

What CAN’T I bring into the festival Main Stage area? No alcohol. No cannabis. No illegal substances. No glass containers. No fireworks. No firearms. No ATVs. No drones. No pets anywhere on the property (proper papers for service animals must be presented). The use of cannabis, like alcohol, is prohibited in all public areas including the infield and beer garden. All bags, coolers, etc are subject to a search at infield gate entrances.

Why can’t I put up a shade umbrella? The festival doesn’t allow shade umbrellas for many reasons. They block the view of other festival-goers. They present potential danger if the wind whips up and starts knocking things around. A shade tent is located on the perimeter of the infield.

Can I smoke at the festival? There is no smoking of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, vape pens, cannabis, etc.) in the main stage infield area and the beer garden. Look for the Designated Smoking Area.  We ask that smokers be considerate of non-smoking attendees and performers and smoke only in the designated smoking area. Cannabis, like alcohol, is not allowed in the general festival area.

Is there a beer garden? Yes. You must present your valid I.D. to enter. PLEASE: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. If you are staying in town, please utilize the shuttle service available at the front gate.

Is food available? YES! Several food vendors offer many types of fare. Ice is available for purchase on site.  Food vendors begin on Thursday at 4 pm. Craft vendors begin on Friday.

Is there recycling? YES! Recycle bins are available on site.

Are there restrooms and showers? Yes! Showers are available onsite for campers Friday thru Sunday.  Portapotties are available throughout the festival area. 

Are there quiet hours? YES! Please be considerate of others camping near you and keep noise to a minimum between 2 am – 8 am. Please: no generators or loud music during these times. Please refrain from running generators continuously.  

Can I bring pets? NO! Service animals must present papers. Comfort/emotional support animals are NOT allowed.

Can I come on and off the site? Yes, once you have paid and received your wristband you have unrestricted access. There is no after-hours driving in and around the property at night for safety reasons.

Is there PARKING? Daily parking passes available for non-campers – NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.  Parking is run by and benefits the Liberty Bell High School Booster Club. Friday parking included with Friday Show or weekend pass, Saturday $10, Sunday $10, Weekend pass $20. Camping areas are intended for camping and not for parking.

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Shuttle service is available between the Blues Ranch and downtown Winthrop and the Methow Valley Thriftway. Pick-up and drop-off at festival front gate. Shuttle service is run by Methow Motion Shuttle Service and fees are collected by the driver. 

Shuttle hours of operation: 

• Thursday: 3 pm – 8 pm
• Friday: 1 pm – 1:30 am 
• Saturday: 10:30 – 1:30  am 
• Sunday: 10:30 – 1:00 am 

FESTIVAL POLICIES

• All sales are final; there are no cancellations, refunds, or credits.
• Tickets/Wristbands are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
• We are not responsible for lost or stolen Tickets/Wristbands.
• All prices listed are “per person”.
• You must wear your admission wristband for the duration of the festival. Wristband(s) are non-transferable.
• All customers purchasing a ticket to the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival agree to the festival policies listed on this page.
• Artists and times are subject to change without notice; the festival is rain or shine.
• NO CHARCOAL! NO PROPANE FIREPITS!
• NO OPEN FIRES!
• NO PETS. No exceptions.
• NO DRIVING IN CAMPING AREAS AFTER DARK.
• NO ATVs.
• NO DRONES! DRONES MAY NOT BE FLOWN ANYWHERE AT THE FESTIVAL SITE WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF WMA. ANY DRONES FLYING WITHOUT WMA PERMISSION WILL BE CONFISCATED.
• QUIET HOURS ARE 2 AM – 8 AM. PLEASE NO GENERATORS OR LOUD MUSIC DURING THESE TIMES.
• NO ILLEGAL DRUGS

PRIVACY POLICY
Winthrop Music Association/Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival respects and is committed to protecting your privacy. Although personally identifiable information is collected when you visit Ticket Tomato’s site and purchase a ticket, the information is solely for the purpose of being able to bill and process ticket orders as well communicate about the festival. Ticket Tomato adheres to the guidelines of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

PHOTO POLICY
By entering the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, you understand that you may be photographed, filmed or videotaped, and you authorize the promoter the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to take use your likeness, image, photo without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium.

OFFICIAL REFUND POLICY
Winthrop Music Association and Ticket Tomato are not responsible for LOST or STOLEN tickets. Our official policy states that there will be NO REFUNDS for tickets. All sales are final. There will be no reissues for lost or stolen tickets. The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival will take place rain or shine, and artists and times are subject to change without notice.

UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
These circumstances will not be grounds for a refund, including but not limited to the following: local or national weather conditions and natural disasters, waiting in lines, road closures or traffic issues.

FESTIVAL TALENT
A ticket is for the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, not a specific artist. Artists and schedules are subject to change without notice. Artist cancellation is not grounds for a refund.

GROUNDS FOR NO-ENTRY OR REMOVAL
Promoters, Venue owners, Security and Event Staff have the right to refuse entry to any ticket holder, without a refund, for any reason at their discretion, including but not limited to: disorderly behavior, intoxication, venue capacity, breach of security restrictions.