Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest)
- Dates
- Expected August 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- El Ranchó Mañana Campground and Riding Stables
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- Available
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
The last Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest) was August 6 to 9, 2026, in Richmond, MN. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks free-entry details, camping, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival, known as August Fest, is held annually at El Rancho Mañana Campground in Richmond, Minnesota, and is run by volunteers. It features top national touring acts alongside the best bands from the Upper Midwest, with four days of music on six stages plus workshops, showcases, dances and jams. The 2026 festival ran from 6 to 9 August, with national acts including Special Consensus, Rick Faris Band, The Horsenecks and Rocky Creek Ramblers. It is presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass Old-Time Music Association, formed in 1975.
How it works
Festival admission was free in 2026, with visitors paying only for daily parking or camping. In 2026 camping passes were priced by arrival day, at $75 to $185 per person for Thursday arrival, $40 to $140 for Friday and $40 to $80 for Saturday, with a pass required for under 18s at no charge, and reserved sites added $120 for tent camping or $170 for RV camping. Day parking passes are sold by the day, vehicles must be removed by midnight, and everyone aged 13 and over wears a wristband on the grounds. A pre-festival Jam Camp for ages 12 and up ran from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 August 2026 at $140 until 30 June.
Who it suits
The festival suits bluegrass, old-time stringband and acoustic Americana fans, including players who bring an instrument to join a jam or workshop. The Family Area has daily talent shows, crafts, face-painting and a chance to try out instruments, and the Jam Camp is open to ages 12 and up.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest) on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport MSP.
How do I get to Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest)?
By car
Most people drive to Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest). The nearest major airport is MSP, 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
Reaches downtown Minneapolis/Mall of America from MSP but. Richmond, MN (rural Stearns County, ~90mi northwest) is well outside its range. Useful only as the first leg for a traveler continuing on by rental car.
Book / infoFestival shuttle
Taxi & rideshare
Standard MSP airport rideshare/taxi pickup. A ~90-mile one-way trip to Richmond is a long-haul fare rather than a typical in-metro ride.
Book / infoTaxis 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 MSP 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
On site parking available. Cost Day Parking (separate from camping) is sold per day: Thursday/Friday/Saturday advance purchase $25, on-site $30. Sunday day parking is free with no pass required. Vehicles must be removed from day-parking areas by midnight or are 'subject to tagging and/or towing.' An on-site shuttle runs continuously between the Day Parking area and the Mainstage area all day. Handicap parking with a certified tag is available close to the main stage. Prepay via the festival's ticketing site.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at MSP
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
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
El Ranchó Mañana Campground and Riding Stables
Camping & Accommodation
Is there camping at Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest)?
Yes, on site camping is available.
Facilities
Camping site types 3
Camping passes are priced by arrival day, separate from site reservations: Thursday $150-185, Friday $100-140, Saturday $55-80 (member/non-member/at-gate tiers), plus an optional Reserved Tent Camping site add-on at $120. Under-18 requires a free pass.
Utility/RV sites are described as limited and assigned to returning campers first, others waitlisted.
General (non-utility, non-reserved) tent camping is available at the Saturday-tier lower price point without a site-reservation add-on, on the campground's 120 grassy/shaded sites. No 4WD-only or off-road access requirement was found, this is a standard drive-up/walk-in grassy campground, not primitive backcountry terrain.
Where can I stay near Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest)?
Airport hotels 2
3800 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN 55425
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesSearch all hotels near El Ranchó Mañana Campground and Riding…
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 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest) 2027?
Not announced yet. The last festival was August 6 to 9, 2026. The next one is expected in August.
How much are Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest) tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival (August Fest) held?
El Ranchó Mañana Campground and Riding Stables, Richmond, MN.