Walnut Valley Festival

08/20/2026

📍We are looking for a few last minute additions to the arts and crafts show. Artists and crafters needed! No jewelry vendors as we are full on those. Check out our website for more details www.wvfest.com/crafter-information/
Email 📩 [email protected] if interested.

The Walnut Valley Crafts Fair runs each year in conjunction with the Walnut Valley Festival. The primary focus of this 5-day festival is acoustic music. However, along with the exhibition of hand-made instruments, the Festival provides a chance for the display and sale of quality craftwork including...

08/20/2026

Fiddle✅ Mountain Dulcimer ✅ Mandolin ✅
Songwriting✅ Hammered Dulcimer ✅ Irish Music ✅
Clawhammer banjo ✅ Fingerstyle Guitar ✅
Join us on Workshop Wednesday, Sept. 16, for 1 of 8 workshops hosted by the pros! Register today 👉🏼 www.wvfest.com/workshops/ (No festival ticket required.)

Check out the lineup, buy tickets and more 👉🏼 www.wvfest.com/festival-tickets/

08/18/2026

📣Entrance & Camping Considerations at 2026 Walnut Valley Festival 👇

This year the Walnut Valley Festival, known by many as a “Pickers Paradise”, will celebrate its 54th annual gathering in Winfield, KS. Festivalgoers will, however, face some unique challenges in terms of entry and camping.

The bridge across the Walnut River on HWY 160 is being replaced, and construction will continue through Festival. There will only be two lanes (one eastbound, one westbound) from the bridge to the railroad tracks, but BOTH ENTRANCES (Main Entrance and Reentry) will be open during Festival.

So, we are going to need your help. To enter initially at the main gate (purchase tickets, camping), you MUST approach the fairgrounds on HWY 160 (W. 9th Ave) FROM THE WEST. No left turns will be allowed at the Main Entrance for those approaching from the east. If you are westbound, please drive past the fairgrounds and use the Sale Barn parking lot west of town to turn around, unless it is a Wednesday. Reentry gate to enter grounds will be at the same entrance, and you will be able to make a left turn into it from the westbound lane.

Camping will also be reduced at the north end of West Campground, to account for the construction zone, and no camping will be available in the north campground (on north side of HWY 160).

We encourage all campers to meet the challenges of fewer camping spots by welcoming the displaced wherever they decide to relocate. We remind all that there are no “reserved spots” for camps other than Stage 5 and 6. All other locations are available to all those who arrive at the site first.

Walnut Valley Festival wishes to thank United Contracting, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the City of Winfield for opening an additional entrance off of HWY 160 / W 9th Ave for our use in September.

08/14/2026

Larry Junker: The Voice of WVF
The Walnut Valley Festival family mourns the passing of our longtime friend Larry Junker. For many years, The WVA Voice was Larry’s labor of love. Through its news and stories, Larry captured the spirit of Winfield in an unmistakably humorous tone all his own. His wife, Kris, was an important part of that tradition, too—sharing the late nights and helping make sure each issue was printed and ready for Festival-goers.
There will be no Voice this year. We will miss it, but even more, we will miss Larry and the unique voice he brought to Winfield.
Our hearts are with Kris and all who loved him.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday August 18th, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church

View Larry R. Junker's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 1 tribute posts from the community.

08/13/2026

Tonight, and free to the public 😎

TONIGHT! 🎺🦆

08/13/2026

Campers-
Any who preregistered for camping should have received their email with the instructions for Lineup and the row form to print out. However, we had about half a dozen that bounced or had auto-replies from work emails that are no longer in use. If you preregistered for camping and have not received that email, please send an email to us at [email protected] right away to get it fixed.

08/12/2026

On Saturday, August 29 from 7 to 9 p.m., KMUW will air “Walnut Valley Festival: The Early Years.” KMUW’s (and WVF MC/Stage Mgr) Jonathan Huber has produced two hours of music and interviews, featuring 2026 Walnut Valley Festival Ambassador Bing Futch, John McCutcheon, and Nick Forster (of Hot Rize and host of eTown). Sets include Bryan Bowers from 1978, Wry Straw from 1980, and Hot Rize also from 1980. You are not going to want to miss this!

Two hours of music and interviews, featuring 2026 Walnut Valley Festival Ambassador Bing Futch, John McCutcheon, and Nick Forster (of Hot Rize and host of eTown). Sets include Bryan Bowers from 1978, Wry Straw from 1980, and Hot Rize also from 1980.

08/12/2026

WVF is sponsoring the 2nd Thursday Lunch at the Marquee Performing Arts Center tomorrow, 11am to 1pm. Lunch is just $8 per plate, and will feature a potato bar. Come grab a good meal, enjoy friendly faces, and support local initiatives.

08/12/2026

There will be no Thursday Jam session in Bob's Place tomorrow evening.