MN Bluegrass August Festival

August Fest 2026—August 6–9, 2026

The Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival is held annually and features top national touring acts as well as the best bands from the Upper Midwest region in four days and nights of music on multiple stages, plus workshops, showcases, and much, much more!

There is a Pre-Festival Jam Camp for ages 12 and up starting on Tuesday, and then the Festival starts in earnest on Thursday evening!

It’s a summer’s worth of music and family fun in one week! Bluegrass, Old-Time Stringband, and related forms of acoustic and Americana music are combined to suit a wide range of interests.

Bring your own instrument and join in a jam or workshop, sign up the kids for the talent show, visit the food trucks and craft booths, or plant your chair in the natural amphitheater and listen to nearly 30 hours of great music!

However you experience the festival, you’ll have a GREAT time!

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August Fest Activities

Friday Night Headline Concerts

Old-Time Headliners:
Martha Spencer & Lucas Pasley
Friday, 11/7 7:00pm

Bluegrass Headliner:
Tim Stafford
Friday, 11/7 8:00pm

50th Anniversary Celebration

MBOTMA’s 50th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Saturday Night, 11/8, 8:00pm

An all-star celebration of MBOTMA’s 50th Anniversary! Hosted by Edie Loy, with Musical Director Brian Wicklund, and many many special guests!

3-Day Workshops

Thursday 9AM–Saturday 12:00pm

3-Day Instrument Workshops
Guitar Workshop Taught by Tim Stafford

Fiddle Workshop Taught by Brian Wicklund (pictured)

MBOTMA Member Band Showcase

Badger Hill Brewing Stage (Europa Room)
Saturday, 1pm-6pm

Featuring:
The Waverly Girls
Last Pick’d String Band
Uncle Muskrat (pictured)
Double Down Daredevils
The Gated Community

Pickin' Parlor Live

Fireside Lounge
Friday & Saturday Nights

Pickin’ Parlor Live is an open stage event, where new bands (and old) play short sets for a lively audience—the stage is right next to the hotel bar! It’s always a great time!

Hosted by Doug Chasar

The Listening Room

Conference Room C
Friday evening & Saturday afternoon

The Listening Room was added to the schedule last year, and was immediately very popular. It’s another Open Stage performing opportunity, but for solo or duo acts only. It’s a great place to hear new songs by local songwriters, performing trying out new material, or simply making music more suited to a quiet space.

Hosted by Tim Wankel & Tom Peschges

Draw Band Scramble

Fireside Lounge
Saturday 5:00pm

The Draw Band Scramble is chaos meets serendipity! Drop your name in a (virtual) hat, and you’ll be grouped with fellow players into a brand new band! Rehearse Saturday afternoon, and perform at 5:00 in the Fireside!

Hosted by Adelle Hyrkas

Old-Time Dance Parlor

Scandinavian Room

Downstairs in the hotel is another whole world for Old-Time jams, workshops and dances!

If you love fiddle tunes, open-back banjos and dancing until your feet are sore, this is your place and your people!

Curated by David Vincent

Workshops & Theme Jams

Fireside Lounge & Studios
Saturday All Day

Saturday boasts a full schedule of learning and playing opportunities that just require you to show up!

Want to learn about social media for promoting your band? How about playing swing tunes? Want to get together with your Gal Pals?

Check out the Workshop and Theme Jam schedule and plan your day!

Curated by Mark Johnson, Tom Peschges & Mark Anderson

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El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN

Four Days of Music, Dancing, Camping, and Fun under the Trees!

For the first time, this year’s August Festival will have FREE ADMISSION! Everyone can experience the August Festival with no admission fee, you only pay for camping or parking.

FREE FOR ALL	PAYMENT REQUIRED
6 Stages of Entertainment	Day Parking
National & Local Talent	Rough Camping
Dances & Showcases	Reserved Tent Camping
Workshops	Reserved Utility Camping
Family Activities	Horseback Riding
Shuttles/Tractor Rides Around Festival Grounds	Food or Merchandise Purchases

Day Parking Options

Day Parking (price per vehicle):

Arrival Day	Advance Price	At Gate Price
Thursday, Friday or Saturday	$20	$25
Sunday	No Charge	No Charge

Patrons attending for one day, or staying off-site, may pay to park in the Day Parking area of the Festival Grounds. Shuttles will bring you from Day Parking to the main Festival grounds.

ALLOWED WITH DAY PARKING	NOT ALLOWED WITH DAY PARKING
Instruments	Coolers
Folding Chairs	Duffles/Suitcases
Sun/Rain Protection	Camping Gear
Refillable Water Bottle	Coolers/Carry-in Food or Beverage
Friends & Family	Pets

POLICIES

Vehicles must be removed by 12:00 midnight, or be subject to tagging and/or towing.
Everyone age 13 and over will be required wear a wristband at all times on the Festival grounds for the day you are there.
Each person arriving in a vehicle being left in Day Parking will receive a wristband indicating they are at the Festival for that day.
You may leave and come back the same day and not pay an additional parking fee as long as at least one person in the vehicle has a wristband for that day. Everyone in the vehicle will receive a wristband upon re-checking in.
If you come back a different day, you will need to pay for an additional day of parking, and all passengers in the vehicle will get wristbands for the new day.
Camping is not allowed in the Day Parking area.
Access to the Campgrounds is not allowed without a Camping Pass.

Camping Options

Campsite parking is included in these options.

Camping Passes (price per person):

Each person who will be camping (reserved or unreserved rough camping) needs to have a Camping Pass for the nights they are staying overnight. Purchase your camping passes according to the day you will ARRIVE at the Festival.

When you add a Camping Pass to your Cart, you will be offered the opportunity to ADD a Reserved Camping Site to your order (see below for details).

Unreserved (Rough) camping is available throughout the campground in many beautiful “neighborhoods”. Sites in these areas cannot be reserved, and have no Utility hookups. There are designated “quiet” areas available.

Arrival Day	Member Advance Price	Regular Advance Price	Young Adult (18-24) Price	At Gate Price
Pre-Festival Arrival*	$140	$160	$100	$175
Thursday	$140	$160	$100	$175
Friday	$90	$110	$50	$125
Saturday	$45	$60	$40	$75

MBOTMA MEMBER DISCOUNTED PRICES:
- Individual Members can purchase 1 ticket at the discounted price.
- Family, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Members can purchase up to 2 Camping Passes at the discounted price.
- You may purchase a MBOTMA Membership at any time to take advantage of Member Discounts.
Young Adults 19-24 may be asked to show proof of age when checking in.
Children 18 & under camp for free and must be accompanied by an adult.

* Camping reservations purchased from MBOTMA are for Thursday, Friday and Saturday NIGHTS ONLY. If you arrive at the Festival Grounds before Thursday, you will need to pay MBOTMA for the Thursday-Sunday camping, and pay El Rancho Mañana for any nights before or after those days. Any such reservations must be made directly through the campground at 320-597-2740

Reserved Camping Options

These prices are IN ADDITION to the Per Person Rough Camping price above.

Reserved Tent Camping (price per site): $120
Reserved Tent Camping spaces are located in the same area as the Utility Camping sites, and may have access to electrical power.

Reserved Utility Camping (price per site): $150

Utility camping sites are for Campers, Trailers & RVs.

If you had a reserved site last year and select Utility Camping again, you will be assigned the same site that you had last year.
If you need to change sites, please contact Kate: info@minnesotabluegrass.org
If you did not have a site last year, you will be placed on the waiting list. If an appropriate site does not become available, you can change to Reserved Tent Camping or Rough Camping, and the difference will be refunded to you in July.
Only one Camper/RV will be allowed on each site and all campers/vehicles will be tagged. Untagged campers will be charged.
We will assign sites based on the camper information you provide upon registration. If you decide to bring a larger size rig or different type camper than the one registered, your spot may not be available for you to use and your money will then be refunded. The sites can have very specific size requirements.
Every site is guaranteed 20 amp service. You can request a site with more amperage but it is not guaranteed.
Please note we will make every effort to place you in the site where you were last year but many factors can affect that option such as size of your rig and conditions of the site itself. We are unable to take specific site requests.
You will receive your campground assignment by mail or email and you must bring the assignment with you to check in at the campground.

Hours of Admission

Front Gate Hours are Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9pm, Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Entry at other times will not be allowed.

Festival Rules can be found here.

Full Festival Schedule will be linked here when ready

Festival Program will be linked here when ready

New Pricing Questions

Who needs a Camping Pass?
Each person who is staying overnight at the Campground

What if I have a Reserved Utility Site?
Each person staying overnight at your site needs their own Camping Pass, but there is only one add-on fee for the reserved site itself.

Can I get a Utility or Reserved Tent Site?
As always, Utility Sites and Reserved Tent Sites are limited and assigned to returning campers first. All others will be put on a waiting list, and notified in June whether they have been assigned a site. If there is no site available, your Reserved Site fee will be refunded.

Do I have to get my Camping Pass in advance?
You do not HAVE to, but it is recommended. You’ll save money and time at check in.

I’ve been coming and camping at the festival for years. How is this any different? Why make the change?
You’re right, for people coming to the Festival and camping all weekend, there’s very little change except in what we’re calling things. But for the people who are coming for a day and bringing their whole family, it’s a huge change! We want and need to attract new people to the Festival because we know that once they attend once, they’ll come back year after year.

Parking

Where can I park?

Paid day-parking is available on the grounds. Vehicles may not be left overnight in day-parking.

What if I need handicapped parking?

Handicapped parking with certified tag is available on the festival grounds close to the main stage. Please see our camping page for information about handicapped camping.

How do I get around the grounds?

Activities are within easy walking distance from each other in one central location. There are also shuttles that run to and from Day Parking and the Mainstage area all day.

Accessibility

Accessibility Policies can be viewed HERE

Personal golf carts can be used on festival grounds by completing this form and returning it to the Minnesota Bluegrass office by July 25th.

What should I know about the Main Stage area?

Please bring your own lawn chair.
Pets are not allowed in the Main Stage Area

Is there food at the festival?

Yes! Food trucks are on site for the festival offering a wide variety of foods. Questions about who will be at the festival? Here’s the list.

No outside food or beverages (coolers, etc) are allowed in the concert area.

Do you have Vendors?

You’ll find a wide variety of merchandise vendors at the festival near the Main Stage.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

Yes! Pets must be leashed or enclosed in campers or cages at all times. All debris from your pet must be picked up. We reserve the right to ask that any pet be removed from the premises if there are any problems or disturbances, such as barking. Pets are not allowed in the Main Stage Area.

El Rancho Mañana

27302 Ranch Road, Richmond, MN 56368
320-597-2740

Campground Website
Onsite Activities
Horseback Riding
Lake access with small beach
Boating
Ranch House bar & game room

Attention All Bluegrass and Old-Time Players!

This year we will again feature both bluegrass and old-time music instructional camps in advance of the festival.

This is your chance to take your playing to the next level and learn how to play with others in an ensemble setting!

Join our all star instructor lineup for Bluegrass or Old-Time Instructional Camp (also known as Jam Camp). Bring your bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, or fiddle to this fun, intensive event and get more out of your playing!

This year, bluegrass ambassadors, Henhouse Prowlers will be the instructors of Bluegrass Jam Camp!

And Nadine Landry & Stephen “Sammy” Lind (of the Foghorn Stringband) will be leading the Old-Time Jam Camp!

Age: 12–99. Students should have facility with their instruments.

Camps Begin: Tuesday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $130 until June 30 ($160: July 1 – July 31)

Registration Deadline: July 31st

What to Expect: Classes and breakout sessions covering work in instrument groups (all divided into the 5 standard bluegrass/old-time instruments: guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle and mandolin), ensembles, seminars on lead and harmony singing, music theory, song arrangement, jam etiquette, and more.

The camp will close out with all students performing their recitals on the Main Stage at 5pm on Thursday, August 7.

Camping Info: If you want to camp at El Rancho Mañana during the Jam Camp, you need to reserve your site directly with ERM for Tuesday and Wednesday. For rates & information, visit El Rancho Mañana’s website.

Showman & Coole

Through twenty-five years and thousands of shows together in bands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole have developed a deep and instinctual musical bond. Their music lurks in a truly unique space that is somewhere on the outskirts of old-time, bluegrass, and folk. The songs of John Hartford, Hank Williams, Dock Boggs, and The Band share space with the fiddle tunes of Eck Robertson and Ed Haley. The duo’s original songs and tunes take in all these vistas and paint something both personal and timely.

They have performed across North America and Europe at festivals such as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Mariposa, Wintergrass, Gooikroots, and The John Hartford Memorial Festival. In 2022, the duo released two albums; “ Afield” a collection of old-time fiddle tunes, and “Much Further Out than Inevitable – A Tribute to Some Music of John Hartford.”

“John Showman has made his mark as “one of the very best and most influential fiddle players in Canada” (Steve Pritchard, CIUT 89.5 FM).

“Renowned for his clawhammer banjo picking, Coole now establishes himself as a gripping songwriter.”
(Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine)

Po’ Ramblin’ Boys

In 10 years as a band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have covered a lot of miles. Their love of bluegrass — playing it, sharing it, growing it — has been the fuel for their remarkable journey through every corner of America and into the hearts of fans drawn to their hard-charging, true-blue sound. “We live what we play and sing about,” says bandleader C.J. Lewandowski.

Indeed, the band has weathered their fair share of the highs and lows that bluegrass songs are known for (except for the murders, of course). They’ve been road-weary, longing for home. They’ve felt the heartbreak of band members leaving and embraced the joy of welcoming new ones. They’ve worked hard to see their dreams come true, playing on some of music’s most celebrated stages. And they’ve been nominated for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album (2019’s Toil, Tears & Trouble) and for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award.

Amid all their travels, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have seen every nook and cranny of the country, met people from all walks of life, and kept a keen eye toward the truth, which rings out loud and clear in the songs they write. “Wanderers Like Me,” the title track from their most recent album and the band’s first No. 1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart, shoots straight from the heart: “Wanderers like me don’t settle down for no one / don’t mind being lonesome, chasing dreams is all I ever need.”

Lately, they’ve been chasing their dreams in a new configuration, one that expands the band’s age span and geographical roots. Guitarist John Gooding from California and fiddle player Max Silverstein from “the great bluegrass state of Maine,” as the band likes to say during onstage introductions, are the newest additions, both in their 20s. They join Lewandowski on mandolin, Jereme Brown on banjo, and Jasper Lorentzen on bass, relative elders in their 30s.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have always been known for barreling bluegrass forward, and as they move into their second decade as a band, they’re maintaining that momentum, both onstage and in the studio.

T.H.U.G.

The Two Harbors Ukulele Group, affectionately known as T.H.U.G., was formed by Al Anderson in 2010. It has grown from five members to a performance group of sixteen and features soprano, concert, tenor, baritone and bass ukuleles, backed up by harmonica, melodica, drums and horns. The group plays a wide variety of music from 1920’s classics to ’60’s rock and roll to country music…yes, even some Frank Zappa music. Our group has played throughout Minnesota from Lanesboro to Grand Portage and will play almost 50 performances in 2023. We also host the Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival in Two Harbors which is attended by over 300 ukulele players from over fifteen states and three provinces.

The Gated Community

The Gated Community is an Americana band with a nearly twenty year history. Formed in 2006 in Minneapolis’s storied West Bank neighborhood, the band is known for its gripping original songs, beautiful vocal harmonies, and multiple lead singers. Led by South Asian American singer/songwriter Sumanth Gopinath (aka Sonny), the band’s music is eclectic in style, encompassing country, folk, bluegrass, and rock. Born in Chicago and raised in Louisiana, Gopinath relocated to the Twin Cities in 2005, after stints in Texas and Connecticut. Current members have been in the band for a decade or more. Everyone in the band sings lead and plays multiple instruments. The band just released their sixth album, available on Bandcamp and all of the main streaming platforms. It was recently included in the Star-Tribune’s list of top 10 albums from Minnesota in 2025 thus far.

Double Down Daredevils

The Double Down Daredevils are a 6-piece Bluegrass/Americana band that has been entertaining audiences around the region for 10 years now.

The Daredevils put on a high-energy show that will have you tapping your feet, and leave you wanting more. They feature amazing harmonies on nearly every song from traditional bluegrass to a large and growing list of originals!

Uncle Muskrat

Uncle Muskrat is a five-piece string band from Minneapolis, MN. Through traditional bluegrass instrumentation and lush vocal harmonies, they put a unique modern spin on the sounds of the old, weird American folk songbook. With influences ranging from Dock Boggs to John Hartford to Billy Strings and beyond, their live performances across the upper midwest take audiences on a journey from the quiet of a mountain hollow through the swirling energy of the cosmic expanse with many familiar stops along the way.

Praised for their musicianship, respect for tradition, and ability to stretch the boundaries of traditional acoustic music, Uncle Muskrat delivers what your muskrat’s uncle never could!

Last Pick’d String Band

The band met at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor “Beginners” bluegrass jam in Richfield, MN, directed by Gene Walton. That wasn’t enough, so we kept adding more jams to the calendar! Our breakout show as a band was in February 2018 and we’ve been refining our craft as a group ever since.

Our set list selections start with deep roots in traditional bluegrass, flavored with folk, country, and Americana. Everyone in the band sings, creating great harmonies and tasty sounds that appeal to a wide audience.

The Waverly Girls

The Lyver Family has been singing and performing together since the girls were toddlers, but they didn’t become an “official” band until 2022, when they entered a talent show at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association’s (MBOTMA) August festival. They had to come up with a band name quickly, so using their home town’s name, The Waverly Girls family band was formed. After winning the talent show, based on their 3-part family harmony, they were encouraged to also play instruments. Meera had been playing the mandolin for years and was the only instrument in the band. Christmas 2022, the girls were gifted a Luna banjo and guitar, and they have been playing ever since! The Waverly Girls Family Band consists of mother, Meera, father, Cory (manager/sound) and their two teenage daughters, Chloe and Maya.

The Waverly Girls are known for their distinctive and beautiful 3-part family harmony, their musicianship comes in second as the girls continue to learn and grow with their instruments. They play Bluegrass, Old Time, Country, Gospel and Folk music, which appeals to audiences of all ages, but especially to the youth and family audiences. The Waverly Girls encourage and inspire other youth to try playing instruments and/or singing. They have helped out with Absolute Beginner Workshops and jam sessions. In 2025, they hosted the Family Area, at the MBOTMA August Festival. They strive to keep the Bluegrass genre alive by bringing in the younger generation and families and engaging them in both old and new, family friendly music.

Luna Guitars, support The Waverly Girls as official Luna musicians.

Jim Beloff

Jim Beloff is the arranger, and publisher of the Jumpin’ Jim’s series of ukulele songbooks with over 1,000,000 copies in print. This series includes The Daily Ukulele, one of the best-selling ukulele songbooks ever published. Jim’s “Dreams I Left In Pockets,” features 33 songs he wrote or co-wrote. In 1999, Jim composed and premiered “Uke Can’t Be Serious,” a concerto for ukulele and orchestra.

Brian Wicklund

Brian Wicklund is a renowned fiddler, mandolinist, composer, and educator with a rich history in the acoustic music scene. Growing up in a small prairie town in Minnesota, he began his musical journey with Suzuki violin training. His dedication led him to win numerous fiddle contests during his teenage years.

After earning a degree in elementary education from Gustavus Adolphus College, Brian chose to focus entirely on music. He has toured internationally with bands such as Stoney Lonesome, Judith Edelman Band, Kathy Kallick Band, Chris Stuart Band, and Brother Mule.

Beyond performing, Brian is a dedicated educator. He authored the best-selling “American Fiddle Method,” a series that has taught over 100,000 students to play the fiddle. His online platform, American Fiddle Method School, offers video lessons, courses, and fiddle camps, allowing students to learn at their own pace and connect with a broader musical community.

Brian’s commitment to music education extends to organizing Fiddle Pal Camps across the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and the U.K., where he shares his expertise with aspiring musicians.

Tim Stafford

From Kingsport, Tennessee, Grammy winner Tim Stafford co-founded the group Blue Highway, which is celebrating its 31st year in 2025. Tim is a prolific songwriter with over 300 cuts and several #1 Bluegrass songs. He has been named the IBMA Songwriter of the Year three times (2014, 2017, 2023) and the SPBGMA Guitar Player of the Year twice (2001, 2015). With Steve Gulley, he co-wrote the 2008 IBMA Song of the Year, “Through the Window of a Train” as well as the most-played song of 2023 in Bluegrass, “Lonesome State of Mind.” (with Bobby Starnes) In 2010, he co-wrote (with Caroline Wright) the highly-acclaimed authorized biography Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story. Tim has released five solo records and five duet records along with his recordings with Blue Highway and Alison Krauss. He was most recently the Artist in Residence at ETSU’s famed Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program.

Martha Spencer & Lucas Pasley

Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in a musical family, attending community square dances and jams and learning to play several instruments and flatfoot dance. In addition to numerous other recordings, she has just released her third solo album Out in La La Land which placed on the Americana charts. A dazzling entertainer, she has performed across the US, AU, UK, CA, and EU and been featured in articles in Rolling Stone Country, Americana Highways, NY Times and Billboard.

Lucas Pasley is a songwriter and award-winning fiddler and banjoist from the mountains of North Carolina. He performs solo, with several regional bands, and with Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band. Along with releasing several songwriter albums, he has devoted himself to preserving and spotlighting the traditional music of his region.

As a duo, Martha and Lucas deliver a powerful performance ranging from traditional Appalachian fiddle-banjo tunes from their families to heartfelt original songs.

PA Management with Aaron Niehus

The PA is the connection between you as a performer and the audience. It is critical that you have a solid understanding of how to make the most effective use of all the technology available to you. This workshop will be in 3 segments. 11 am will be setting up the PA then at 11:30 learn to work with the single Mic Everyone is welcome. Draw bands are highly encouraged to come. At noon Aaron will shift to PA Management

Song Analysis with Tim Stafford & Phil Nusbaum

Three songwriters will each present an original song. Tim and Phil then will offer thoughts and advice on structure and presentation. Phil Nusbaum will offer thoughts on what broadcasters are looking for when you seek to get your songs played on the air. You do not have to be a songwriter to attend or benefit from these perspectives. Everyone is welcome!

Stagecraft, The Art of Putting on a Show

With Brent Fuqua and Becky Schlegel These two veteran performers go beyond the setlist to discuss ways you can take your next show to a new level. Entertain your audiences, have more fun and get more bookings!

Stagecraft will be at noon on Saturday in Studio 2. Q&A is a big part of these Panels so bring your questions!

Booking and Promoting Your Band

With Ellen Stanley, Katryn Conlin and Tom Peschges

This panel promises to be a lively discussion of how to build an audience, and book better gigs! We will cover topics like, Websites, EPK’s, Booking emails, social media strategies and more. As with all of our panel discussions, please bring your questions!