Since becoming a part of the early-20th-century “Tin Pan Alley” history, the ukulele has been an integral part of the American music scene. Each year, musicians and fans of this instrument’s uniquely joyful sound flock to ukulele festivals across the United States. Festival goers in California can enjoy ukulele band jams, well-known solo artists and the chance to attend workshops designed to bring out the best in any ukulele player.
Ukulele Festival of Northern California
- The Ukulele Festival of Northern California has been welcoming performers and enthusiasts since 1994, making it the longest-running ukulele festival on the mainland of the United States. Founded by two well-known musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area Hawaiian community, the festival’s mission is to bring all ages and levels of players together to keep the music of that heritage alive. Held in early April in Hayward, California, this all-day event tempts visitors with a combination of great music and vendors offering arts, crafts and food. While workshops are not permitted at this event, guests are free to mingle with the musicians to learn performance tips and to get information on instruments and ukulele instruction.
Annual West Coast Ukulele Retreat
- The spirit of ukulele camaraderie is alive and well and celebrated each May in Monterey Bay. The Annual West Coast Ukulele Retreat at the Asilomar oceanfront retreat is promoted on its website as "eighty-six hours of ukulele music, instruction, fun, camaraderie, and general ukulele mayhem." The retreat is as much about enhancing the skills of the attendees as it is about performance; participants get a chance not only to take classes and workshops, but to join impromptu ukulele jam sessions throughout the weekend. Walk-ins are permitted for any given day, and accommodations for weekend guests are available in Asilomar. The retreat is undoubtedly geared toward ukulele players, but there are many events during the weekend for a non-player to enjoy, such as the campfire singalong, open mic night and a battle of the bands.
San Diego Ukulele Festival
- The San Diego Ukulele Festival is a three-day event and a relatively new addition to the festival circuit. The festival strikes a balance between skill-enhancing workshops for enthusiasts and performances by artists who have toured the world. Even if you don’t own a ukulele, you can use one of the provided instruments and join in the workshop fun. Both novices and advanced players are welcome to take part. Food vendors are on hand as are retailers displaying ukuleles.
Wine Country Ukulele Festival
- Every two years in September, Saint Helena, California, welcomes ukulele fans to a three-day event that includes live music, instructional workshops, ukulele building demonstrations, a silent auction, a flea market and open mic and jam sessions. If you're thinking about buying a ukulele, or just want to window-shop, keep in mind that this festival is known as one of the best marketplaces around. A special program for children entertains and educates young enthusiasts on the artistry and uplifting sounds of the ukulele.
Gold Pan Ukulele Festival
- Auburn’s Gold Pan Ukulele Festival is a one-day event in August offering guests fantastic performances, an open mic and workshops throughout the day at the Canyon View Community Center. Admission tickets also include a seat at the festival barbecue. Ukulele equipment vendors, group play-alongs, jam sessions and food vendors spice up an already event-filled day. Workshops attract beginners handling an instrument for the first time and more advanced players looking for sessions in swing, rock ‘n' roll and Hawaiian music.
