MISSION
We aim to cultivate and nurture the relationship between nature, authentic music, and communal family, creating a vehicle for inspiration. When we come together with open hearts and open minds, bringing all of our differences and unique opinions, we begin to dissolve the illusion of separation from one another. Our intention is to create a platform for artists, vendors, attendees, and our planet to unite as one – connecting the community.
MEDIA
“WinterWonderGrass began in 2013 as a tiny, homegrown music festival in a parking lot in Edwards and is now returning for its seventh year in 2019 at its new home in Steamboat Springs, with sister festivals in Lake Tahoe, California, and Stratton, Vermont. The trifecta that founder Scotty Stoughton and his team have created over the past seven years is not only tremendously impressive but is also a blessing for bluegrass and string music fans across the nation. Stoughton and crew are also the faces behind Campout for the Cause, and though they’re not strangers on how to carefully curate a near-perfect festival, the WinterWonderGrasses are officially in a league of their own.” – 303 MAGAZINE
ARTISTS
“Performing live music, for us, is a conversation with the audience. it’s a relationship between the musicians and the listeners built on energy and trust. WinterWonderGrass makes that exchange so much more profound by changing the playing field. Something about enduring the cold, being in the elements together, and raging thru [sic] snowfall makes the reward so much greater for both parties.” – Paul Hoffman (Greensky Bluegrass)
“This festival really hits home for me coming from the North. There’s something about fully embracing the great outdoors in all it’s magnificence that gives the music a vivid glow like you’ve never experienced it before.” – Lindsay Lou
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
At the heart of all his endeavors, Scotty Stoughton is an artist. He lives and breathes music and the world that holds its sound waves. Onstage performing with Bonfire Dub or behind the scenes producing his many festivals and events, including WinterWonderGrass and Campout for the Cause, Stoughton values music as more than a platform where rhythm meets beat.
For him, it’s an expression that sets the stage for a life worth living, a vision worth having and a dream worth creating. Bonfire Entertainment puts a spotlight on community and interpersonal connection, as well as the overall impact we have on the environment. Stoughton finds solace and inspiration in the natural world, especially on the water, and is the co-founder of Stand Up Paddle Colorado. His support of international non-profit organizations, along with local involvement through community events, always keeps his hands moving quickly without ever losing the beat.
Minimal Impact is an intentional, women-owned company whose purpose is to alleviate the toxic burden on the environment & to reduce dependence on fossil fuel, so that we can keep the live music event we love as eco-friendly as possible. Event services include start to finish sustainability consulting, waste diversion, including micro trash pickup and ensuring recycling/compost are free of contamination, and finally, manufacturing and providing non toxic zero waste products & plastic alternatives, to help you and your family live a sustainable lifestyle.
The Industry Average for music events and festivals is about 30%. With Minimal Impact, WinterWonderGrass has proudly achieved a 72.6% Waste Diversion Rate and are continuing to grow that number! Please help us add to the diversion rate at renewal by helping us recycle and compost correctly/ pack in & pack out your trash.
Only 9% of the plastic on the planet has actually been recycled. We are keenly aware of this and do our part by eliminating single use plastics and offering metal, glass and compostable single use options. Since 2016, WinterWonderGrass has been single-use plastic free. We proudly require all food vendors and bars to serve only on 100% compostable products.
You can do your part as a festival attendee at our events by following these top tips: