The Boats and Bluegrass Festival takes place every September in Winona, Minnesota. A fun and family-friendly pastime on the Mississippi River attracts about 1,000 people every year.
Festival Highlights
Visitors can experience a vibrant mix of Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Country, and Old-time music, with over 40 bands performing all weekend long. Attendees will be captivated by 80 acres of camping surrounded by non-stop music. Festival-goers can indulge in tasty snacks and a wide array of tasty beer, cider, and non-alcoholic drink options on the festival grounds. Additionally, visitors can enjoy canoe trips exploring the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
Lineup
Attendees can explore a diverse lineup of bands from across the U.S., showcasing various genres over three days. Previous editions have featured The Brothers Comatose, Molsky's Mountain Drifters, Them Coulee Boys, Upstate Rubdown, and more. This year's festival boasts performances by Elephant Revival, Big Richard, The Last Revel, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Pert Near Sandstone, and many others.
Hours
Wristbands are mandatory for entry into all campgrounds and the main festival site, with multiple checks throughout the event. The main ticketing entrance will operate during the following hours: Wednesday from 1 pm to 11 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 10:30 pm, Friday from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm.
Tickets
All full weekend tickets include access to general admission camping, music, and boat rentals for the entire weekend. Each ticket tier grants the same access, differing only in price. Limited quantities are available for each tier. The All Weekend Pass (Level III) is priced at $189.99 + fee and tax. The Wednesday Night Camping Pass costs $29.99 + fee and tax. Children aged 16 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Camping & Parking
General admission camping is complimentary with the purchase of an all-weekend pass, valid from Thursday 1 pm to Sunday 1 pm. The camping area is conveniently located just a short walk from the festival grounds. These non-electric sites can accommodate tents or vehicles under 24 feet. For RVs larger than 24 feet, reservations are required. Parking is included with the all-weekend pass, with most parking available inside the camping area. Day parking options are also available.
Festival History
Boats and Bluegrass began in 2005 as a way to promote the local business Red Tail Outfitters, a canoe and kayak sales and rental company seeking innovative marketing strategies. The organizers decided to launch a festival to showcase their shop. Year one featured notable highlights such as headliners Trampled by Turtles and even a sighting of the northern lights. Since then, the festival has aimed to surpass its previous successes each year.
Rules & Restrictions
No carry-ins or coolers are allowed in the main festival area—only personal water bottles are permitted. The festival is smoke-free, with designated smoking areas near the main grounds. Drums, fireworks, illegal drugs, pets, and unsafe items are strictly prohibited in both the campgrounds and festival areas.
