Walnut Valley Festival 2026

Take your love of acoustic music to a new level September 16-20, 2026 at the 54th Walnut Valley Festival. Top musicians from around the world will be gathering to provide over 200 hours of music on 4 stages, plus around the clock campground jams. Walnut Valley’s eclectic musical offerings include Americana, folk, bluegrass, cowboy, new grass, western swing and Celtic, just to name a few.

This festival is the home of the National Flat Pick Guitar Championship, the International Finger Style Guitar Championship and the National championships for the mandolin, bluegrass banjo, and both mountain and hammer dulcimers. Also included during the festival is the Walnut Valley Fiddle Championship.

This year’s professional performers include Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Mama Said String Band, Songs from the Road Band, The Cody Sisters, Andy May, Barnard Sisters, Barry Patton, Barry Ward, Bay Allen, Becky Buller, Beppe Gambetta, Chris Jones & the Nightdrivers, John Lowell Trio, John McCutcheon, Ken & Brad Kolodner, Linda Tilton, Newberry & Verch, Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, RUNA, Shane Hennessy, Socks in the Frying Pan, The Steel Wheels,
80 Proof Alice, The Lost Keys, Foggy Memory Boys, The Starlight Darlins

Participate in hands-on music workshops and enjoy food vendors providing various cuisines from Asian to BBQ plus a world-class arts and craft fair – all in a family friendly environment. Bring your acoustic instrument to enhance your festival experience by jamming in the campgrounds. A visit to this International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year award winner will become the highlight of your year and is likely to become an annual event on your calendar.

Recent changes:
Updated to new 2026 content!