Kickoff Jam
- Dates
- May 30 to 31, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- El Rancho Mañana Campground
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- Available
- Last checked
- Nov 10, 2026
Kickoff Jam returns to El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN, May 30 to 31, 2027. Froligo tracks free-entry details, camping, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
Kickoff Jam is a free community bluegrass gathering at El Rancho Mañana Campground in Richmond, Minnesota, organized by the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA), a nonprofit that also produces the Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival and Winter Bluegrass Weekend. It opens the summer season for members, family and friends, and the organizer describes it as a chance for pickers and grinners to make music together with people. The organizer's festival menu lists the next Kickoff Jam as May 30 to 31, 2027, though the event page itself still carries its 2026 description. Evenings include performing opportunities on the Pickin' Parlor Live stage, and a Wernick Method jam class has been taught there.
How it works
There are no tickets and no admission charge. The days are built around jamming, with evening slots on the Pickin' Parlor Live stage for those who want to perform, and a jam class that needs advance registration. Camping is not run by MBOTMA: campers call El Rancho Mañana Campground directly on 320-597-2740 and ask for the Bluegrass Special rate, and reserving in advance saves money. Camping prices can change without notice.
Who it suits
It suits bluegrass and old-time pickers of any level, their families and friends, and anyone who prefers playing in jam circles to watching a headline concert. The organizer frames it as a gathering of Minnesota Bluegrass members and friends, so newcomers should expect a friendly, participatory crowd rather than a large production. Campers and RV owners can stay on site at the campground.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Kickoff Jam on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport STC.
How do I get to Kickoff Jam?
By car
Most people drive to Kickoff Jam. The nearest major airport is STC, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
Affiliate Flying in? You can book an airport transfer from STC in advance rather than joining the taxi queue on arrival. Transfer links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
🅿 Parking
Cost Not carried over to avoid conflating the two events). Camping attendees park with their site (per the campground's 'each site includes 1 vehicle plus camping rig; fees apply for extra vehicles' policy) rather than using the separate day lot. No rideshare-only zone or overflow-lot policy was found, this is a small rural private campground, not a large-scale festival with tiered parking zones.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at STC
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Richmond. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Is there camping at Kickoff Jam?
Yes, on site camping is available.
Facilities
Camping site types 2
Camping is booked directly with the campground, not through MBOTMA, attendees call 320-597-2740 and request the 'Bluegrass Special' rate; no dollar figure is published for Kickoff Jam specifically. (A separately-published $120 tent / $150 RV reserved-camping rate exists for MBOTMA's other, ticketed August Fest event at the same campground. NOT carried over here to avoid conflating the two distinct events.)
Full hookups (water, electric. 50 amp, sewer) for RVs up to 40 ft confirmed via third-party campground-directory site specs; same 'Bluegrass Special' direct-booking arrangement as car camping applies for Kickoff Jam weekend.
Where can I stay near Kickoff Jam?
Search all hotels near El Rancho Mañana Campground
Show hotels on a map
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
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Quick answers
When is Kickoff Jam 2027?
May 30 to 31, 2027
How much are Kickoff Jam tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is Kickoff Jam held?
El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN.