Festival Economics: Winthrop R&B loses 42-acre venue after 33 years

The Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival will not return to the Blues Ranch in July 2027. The privately owned riverside property in Central Washington has declined to renew the lease held by the nonprofit Winthrop Music Association. The organization has run the four-day event at this 42-acre site beside the Methow River for 33 consecutive years. This decision arrives just weeks before the festival marks its 39th anniversary.

The venue has served as the operational base for the event since 1988. During that period, the festival hosted major acts including Robert Randolph, Los Lobos, and the Neville Brothers. It also featured Mavis Staples and C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band. The event received the Blues Foundation’s Best U.S. Festival award. The festival acts as a primary economic engine for Winthrop, a town with approximately 500 residents.

Rick Northcott, president of the Winthrop Music Association Board of Directors, stated that the event generates revenue well into the millions of dollars for the local economy. Annual attendance ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 people. Up to 700 attendees camp on the property, which is located about one mile from downtown. Northcott described the site as a picturesque location where visitors can listen to music by the river in lawn chairs.

The association announced the lease termination on October 14. A press release stated that the property owners made a personal decision to move in a different direction. The owners said the decision was not a reflection of the association's stewardship of the property. Northcott noted that the board had worked with the family for three generations and suspects they were ready for a change. The family declined to speak to the press about the specific reasons for the move.

The loss of the venue alters the board's plans for the upcoming 40th anniversary in July 2027. Northcott said the celebration will likely be pared down if the festival continues. The board is currently evaluating potential new locations. He had just toured one candidate venue at the time of his recent interview. The organization is searching for a site that can accommodate the same level of camping and attendance.

Northcott said the board is devastated by the loss of their long-time home. He said the group may take a year off to secure a new site before returning. The board remains committed to continuing the event. They are actively looking for a future location that meets their operational needs.

The next major step for the Winthrop Music Association is identifying a permanent alternative to the Blues Ranch. The organization will announce the status of the 2027 festival once a new venue is confirmed.