Winding Creek Music Festival

About the Event

Nestled in a scenic, wooded paradise at Winding Creek Music Festival, you'll discover the pure joy of bluegrass, old-time, and folk music brought to life by some of America's finest bands. This family-friendly haven runs from August 13 to 16, 2026, offering four days of toe-tapping tunes, immersive workshops, and endless opportunities to connect with fellow music lovers under shady trees. What makes it truly special is the intimate, relaxed vibe—think slow jams around log cabins, youth performances at fire pits, and late-night band jams where everyone’s welcome to join in. Attendees rave about the sense of community, the top-notch sound production that carries through rain or shine, and the chance to learn instruments like fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Whether you're a seasoned picker or just discovering the magic of bluegrass, this festival feels like coming home to the heart of American roots music, complete with craft vendors, delicious food, and plenty of space to spread out a lawn chair and let the music wash over you. ## The Surrounding Area
Tucked away in charming Russiaville in Howard County, Indiana, the festival unfolds at 9912 West 100 South, a peaceful rural spot just minutes from Kokomo. This slice of the Hoosier heartland boasts rolling countryside, historic farms, and a welcoming small-town spirit that's perfect for visitors seeking an authentic Midwest escape. Russiaville itself is a quaint gem with local diners and shops, while nearby Kokomo offers easy access to attractions like the Kokomo Opalescence and Grissom Air Museum for aviation history buffs, or the scenic Howard County 4-H Fairgrounds for seasonal fun. Dining options abound—from hearty farm-fresh eats at on-site vendors to classic Indiana spots in Kokomo serving tenderloins, pizza, and craft brews. The area's gentle pace, combined with its proximity to Indianapolis (about an hour away), makes it an ideal base for blending festival vibes with day trips to lakes, trails, and Amish country markets, all wrapped in Indiana's legendary hospitality. ## Activities & Attractions
Dive into a whirlwind of musical delights and hands-on fun at Winding Creek. Catch powerhouse performances from bands like Branded Bluegrass, Blue Holler, Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, Hillary Klug, Bahler Golden Age Band, Brad & Lori Lambert Mini Opry Show, Kody Norris Show, New Outlook, Cornfields & Crossroads, and more, delivering high-energy bluegrass, gospel, and folk sets across multiple stages. Workshops for all levels cover guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and special youth sessions, culminating in joyful student showcases at the fire pit. Join spontaneous slow jams at the log cabin porch, blacksmith shop, or new fire pit, led by folks like Stews Slow Jam crew. Savor mouthwatering food from diverse vendors, sip from the beer and wine garden, and browse unique craft booths featuring local artists. Families love the pet-friendly camping, shaded grounds, and inclusive atmosphere—bring your lawn chair for ultimate comfort amid the festivities. ## Schedule & Logistics
Gates swing open early each day, kicking off a rain-or-shine lineup packed with non-stop excitement from Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16, 2026. Thursday features openers like Acoustic Collection, Booze Hounds Bluegrass, and Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, building to a 9:00 PM Log Cabin Jam. Friday starts at noon with gates, followed by Blue Holler at 2:00 PM, Hillary Klug, Branded Bluegrass, and headliners into the night, plus workshops from 12:30-2:30 PM and youth performances at 5:00 PM. Saturday highlights Bahler Golden Age Band at 11:00 AM, Brad & Lori Mini Opry, Hillary Klug Duo, Kody Norris Show, dinner breaks with youth shows, and evening repeats. Sunday wraps with morning sets like Cornfields & Crossroads, more jams, and closing announcements around 5:00 PM. Free camping for tents and RVs (pets welcome), ample parking, and day passes vary by ticket—kids 12 and under enter free. Arrive prepared with chairs, and check the full lineup as details finalize for an unforgettable weekend. ## History & Heritage
For 14 years, Winding Creek Music Festival has been a cherished pillar of Indiana's bluegrass scene, founded with a passion for preserving old-time, folk, and bluegrass traditions through education and community. Born from a vision to create a family-oriented space showcasing over 150 bands, it has grown into a beloved annual tradition at this wooded Howard County venue, drawing crowds nationwide. Organizers emphasize core values like music education, with workshops keeping these timeless sounds alive for new generations. Its significance shines in fostering local talent—like Branded Bluegrass and Blue Holler—while welcoming national acts, all supported by stellar sound from Doty Sound Productions. Year after year, it builds lasting memories, strengthening Russiaville's cultural fabric and proving that great music, shared in the shade, creates unbreakable bonds.