Winfield’s Walnut Valley bluegrass music festival postponed due to coronavirus

The Winfield festival known for its bluegrass and other music is being postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Walnut Valley Festival organizers announced on Thursday that the 2020 festival will be postponed until September 2021 due to public health recommendations on mass gatherings.

“Some may deem the risk of having this event acceptable; however, long ago my high school debate coach taught me that, when the outcome of doing something is particularly dire, even if it is only a potential risk, it outweighs more certain but less lethal outcomes incurred in not taking that action,” festival organizer Bart Redford said in a news release.

“In considering the wisdom of bringing so many people together from all over the world to a small Kansas community, mixing them well, and then returning them home, we find it difficult to imagine how we might do that in a responsible way that sees everyone safely returning to their homes with the prospect of attending the NEXT Walnut Valley Festival.”

The festival is traditionally held the third weekend of September in Winfield and draws a crowd of between 10,000 and 15,000 people. It celebrates acoustic music, including bluegrass, folk, Americana, cowboy, Celtic, blues, jazz and swing.

There are plans to hold a virtual festival with concerts this year. Details on the online showcase will be announced later.

Tickets purchased for 2020 will be valid next year.

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 3:40 PM.