Three-Fingered Jack’s Saloon usually has rock or R&B bands on summer weekends.

The second weekend of May marks the start of Winthrop’s festival season with 49ers Days, featuring a parade, horse-packing demonstrations, a chili cook-off, dance, and baseball tournament. This is followed by Memorial Day weekend’s popular Winthrop Rodeo Days.

The three-day-long Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival in mid-July has quickly become a major blues event, attracting more than 5,000 fans to hear such acts as Charlie Musselwhite, B. B. King, or John Hammond. (And if you like the blues, be sure to tune in to the eclectic Methow Community Radio station, KVLR, at 106.3 FM.)

The Methow Music Festival (888/463-8469) brings nationally known classical performers to Mazama each August.

Summer ends the way it begins, with the big Labor Day Rodeo. The Antique Auto Rally in mid-September features more than 60 old vehicles and is followed in early October by the Methow Valley Mountain Bike Festival, which brings over 500 participants for races, hill climbs, and group rides.

Winthrop’s Octoberfest includes a festival with vendors, dancing, and the obligatory beer garden.

The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (800/682-5787, www.mvsta.com) offers a series of ski races, triathlons, and foot races throughout the year.