
Culture & ArtVerified listing: TicketOne
Red Valley Festival 2026
Olbia ArenaSat, Aug 15, 2026 · 08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Overview
Overview
Red Valley Festival 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Olbia Arena. Check the official source before you go, as event times and venue details can change.
Read full details
The Red Valley Festival returns to Olbia for its 2026 edition on a summer Saturday. This acoustic music festival showcases a wide variety of styles, with bluegrass at its core. Multiple stages feature nationally and internationally known performers, and the event includes instrument contests such as the National Flat-pick Guitar Championship and the National Mandolin Championship.
The festival is known for its extensive camping and jamming culture. Thousands of visitors from across the US and abroad bring instruments, creating spontaneous campground jam sessions that last into the night. Campground stages operate late, and performers sometimes join jams after their official sets.
With a history spanning over 50 years, the Walnut Valley Festival has become a cornerstone of the acoustic music scene. The 2022 edition featured about 200 hours of music on four stages, headlined by renowned artists. The festival's legacy includes being named the first "Bluegrass Event of the Year" by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Starting price is indicative — check the official source for current tickets.
Where to buy
Good to know
- Bring your own musical instrument for campground jam sessions.
- Campers line up in advance to claim choice campsites during the 'Land Rush'.
- Campground stages operate late into the night with additional performances.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of music is featured at the festival?
The main genre is bluegrass, but a wide variety of other acoustic styles are represented.
Are there instrument contests?
Yes, including the National Flat-pick Guitar Championship, National Mandolin Championship, National Bluegrass Banjo Championship, and others.
Can I camp at the festival?
Yes, camping is a major part of the experience with thousands of attendees camping on-site.
Lineup
Jimmy Driftwood
James Corbitt Morris, known professionally as Jimmy Driftwood or Jimmie Driftwood, was an American folk-style songwriter and musician, most famous for his songs "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud".
Doc Watson
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music. He won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Merle Watson
Eddy Merle Watson was an American folk and bluegrass guitarist. He was best known for his performances with his father, Doc Watson. Merle played and recorded albums together with his father from age 15 until his death in a tractor accident 21 years later.
Lester Flatt
Lester Raymond Flatt was an American singer, bluegrass guitarist, and mandolinist, best known for his collaboration with banjo picker Earl Scruggs in the duo Flatt and Scruggs.
Mark O'Connor
Mark O'Connor is an American fiddle player, composer, guitarist, and mandolinist whose music combines bluegrass, country, jazz and classical.
Alison Krauss
Alison Maria Krauss is an American singer, fiddler, and music producer. She entered the American music industry at an early age, competing in local contests by the age of eight and recording for the first time at 14. She signed with Rounder Records in 1985 and released her first solo album in 1987.
Byron Berline
Byron Douglas Berline was an American fiddle player who played many American music styles, including old time, ragtime, bluegrass, Cajun, country, and rock.
Dan Crary
Dan Crary was born September 29, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, and is an American bluegrass guitarist. He helped re-establish flatpicked guitar as a prominent soloing bluegrass instrument. Crary is an innovator of the flatpicking style of guitar playing.
John Hartford
John Cowan Hartford was an American folk, country, and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style, and extensive knowledge of Mississippi River lore.
Tom Chapin
Tom Chapin is an American singer-songwriter, storyteller, actor and television host. Known for his ABC children's show Make-A-Wish and his children's albums, Chapin is also the younger brother of late folk singer/songwriter and humanitarian Harry Chapin.
Venue & Map
Olbia Arena
Olbia Arena
More events in Olbia
More dates for this show
- Thu, Aug 13, 2026
- Fri, Aug 14, 2026
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