Annual Winding Creek Music Festival Returns This Weekend
The annual Winding Creek Music Festival is set to return this weekend, bringing with it the soulful sounds of bluegrass and the warm embrace of community. What began as a casual conversation between two friends has blossomed into one of the region’s most beloved music festivals, drawing bluegrass enthusiasts and families alike to the scenic grounds.
Photo Provided | Winding Creek Music Festival
The story of Winding Creek dates back to the fall of 2010 when Bob Auth and Duane Davis took a motorcycle ride to the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival in Kentucky. Amid the melodies of banjos and fiddles, Bob turned to Duane with an idea that would change their lives—and the lives of countless others.
“We went down there and I told my buddy Duane we can do one of these festivals,” Auth said. The two set a date for the inaugural festival in 2011 and christened it the Winding Creek Bluegrass Festival. By the end of that day, they had already hired their first band. And so, the tradition was born.
“We ended up having 12 bands that played first year and we’ve had great festivals ever since,” he said.
Photo Provided | Winding Creek Music Festival
Now, in its 14th year, the Winding Creek Music Festival is more than just a bluegrass event—it’s a celebration of community, music and the friendships that have grown around it. This year, the festival will take place from Thursday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 19, welcoming more than 1,000 attendees to enjoy four days of music, camaraderie and fun.
The festival will feature performances from 12 bluegrass bands, offering a diverse lineup that will keep toes tapping all weekend long.
In addition to the music, festival-goers can indulge in delicious food from the Lions Club, Main Street Christian Church, Stonefire Pizza and more. There will also be bluegrass workshops for those looking to hone their skills, as well as art and craft vendors showcasing their unique creations available for purchase.
Sunday's festivities include a 5K walk to benefit Turnabout Community Resource Center in Russiaville. Later in the day, kids can explore a tree maze at 2 p.m., adding an extra layer of family-friendly fun to the weekend.
“I always look forward to meeting the people and seeing everyone come together,” Auth said. “Bluegrass is a different genre of music that needs to be maintained. That's why we have our workshops, and that’s why the Central Indiana Bluegrass Association meets up quite a bit—we just want to keep bluegrass alive.”
Find more information on tickets, music schedule and more by clicking here.