I first came to the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival 23 years ago. It was a small simple festival, if i can remember correctly, at Twin Lakes. I have watched it grow and grow through the years to become an amazing Blues Festival. The festival now proudly sits on a large chunk property, known as the ‘Blues Ranch’, that runs alongside the river. Festival enthusiasts can sit in their lawn chairs at the river and still hear the music. Feel like shopping? Vendors with all sorts of stuff to buy. Food booths galore if you are hungry. Bring your tent or camper. They have a spot for you too. Perfect setting to enjoy the town of Winthrop, with shuttles going back and forth from Blues Ranch all day and late into the night for those who are staying in town or who want to wander around the quaint town full of shops. Great, eclectic crowd of friendly people from all over the state and country. I couldn’t attend for last few years. So good to be back. I attended my first festival when I was 19. Wow, time flies! If you don’t want to camp. Book a motel/hotel early around January-March. They will sell out of rooms. If you camp. Bring some old flip flops or water shoes for the river and a hat. It gets hot at times and the river is perfect place to cool off. They do have semi-truck super nice shower facilities, that are free if you are camping. Tickets for 3 day festival were $ 80 in advance and $ 90 at the door. Camping is a little more.