Ukulele Festivals 2013

Here’s a preliminary list of the ukulele festivals scheduled for 2013. If you have details on any others leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll get it added to the list.

USA and Canada

New York Uke Fest 2013

Location: NY Society of Ethical Culture Concert Hall, 2 West 64th St (overlooking Central Park)
Date: May 30 to June 2, 2013
Performers: Raiatea Helm, Victoria Vox, The Paul Hemmings Uketet.
Website: http://www.nyukefest.com
Local Amenities: Map

5th Annual Ukulele World Congress 2013

Location: Needmore, Indiana
Date: May 31 & June 1, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/360887260644329/
Local Amenities: Map

4th Annual Vancouver Ukulele Festival

Location: 525 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K4, Canada
Date: February 23, 2013
Performers: Mathias Kom, Aaron Keim, Daphne Roubini, Guido Heistek, The Ukesters, and Ralph Shaw
Website: http://vancouverukulelefestival2013.eventbrite.com
Local Amenities: Map

Lone Star Uke Fest 2013

Location: Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas, 1840 Hutton Dr #100, Carrollton, TX 75006
Date: March 8 & 9, 2013
Performers: Mark “Spanky” Guiterrez, Heather & JD Hooten, Zoe Lewis, Steve & Amanda Boisen, Kate McLennan
Website: http://www.lonestarukefest.com
Local Amenities: Map

5th Annual Reno Ukulele

Location: John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks,NV 89431, USA
Date: April 11 to 14, 2013
Performers: Victoria Vox, Leo Kottke, Liv Rev, Paul Luongo, Fred Sokolow, Craig Brandau, Cali Rose, Dominator, Peter Luongo
Website: http://playuke.net
Local Amenities: Map

We Heart Ukulele Festival

Location: Chico, California, USA
Date: February 15 & 16, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.mandalynmay.com/fest/We_Heart_Ukulele.html
Local Amenities: Map

Menucha Ukulele Band Camp

Location: Corbett, Oregon
Date: March 25 to 29, 2013
Performers: James Hill, Paul Hemmings, Mandalyn May, Jere & Greg Canote
Website: http://menucha.org/programs/uke-band-camp or https://www.facebook.com/Menucha.Ukulele.Band.Camp
Local Amenities: Map

19th ‘Ukulele Festival of Northern California

Location: Chabot College Campus, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545
Date: April 7, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalnorcal.org
Local Amenities: Map

May Day Play Day 2013

Location: Modesto, California
Date: May 4, 2013
Performers: The Funstrummers, The Delta Strummers, Michelle Kiba Band, The Chico Ukulele Club, and other bands
Website: http://funstrummers.com/4.html
Local Amenities: Map

West Coast Ukulele Retreat

Location: Asilomar, Monterey Peninsula
Date: May 8 to 12, 2013
Performers: Andy Andrews, Sarah Maisel, Joel Eckhaus, Dave Egan, Jason Arimoto, Gerald Ross, Rick Turner, Kumu Pomaika’i
Website: http://ukuleleretreat.com
Local Amenities: Map

Mighty Uke Day III

Location: Old Town Lansing, MI
Date: May 10 & 11, 2013
Performers: James Hill, Danielle Ate the Sandwich
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/180847702019438/
Local Amenities: Map

California Ukulele Academy

Location: Alpine Meadows, near Big Bear Lake, CA
Date: May 17 to 19, 2013
Performers: Ralph Shaw, Jason Arimoto, Sarah Maisel, and Jim D’Ville
Website: http://caukeacademy.com/
Local Amenities: Map

Macomb Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: Macomb, IL 61455
Date: June 7 to 8, 2013
Performers: Lil’ Rev.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/518804581466197/ or http://festival.ukulelemacomb.com
Local Amenities: Map

Ukulele Play! Utah’s Uke Fest

Location: American Fork, Utah
Date: June 14 & 15, 2013
Performers: Craig Chee, Circuits & Strings, Ukupelli
Website: http://UkulelePlay.com
Local Amenities: Map

2013 Mighty MO Ukulele Festival

Location: Cedar Creek Conference Center
Date: July 11 to 14, 2013
Performers: Gerald Ross, Flea Bitten Dawgs
Website: http://www.mightymoukefest.com
Local Amenities: Map

Lake Anne Plaza – 4th Annual Ukulele Festival

Location: Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) – 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
Date: July 13, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: www.lakeanneplaza.com
Local Amenities: Map

Ukulele University 2013

Location: Runway Ranch, Bend, OR
Date: July 19 to 21, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukeu.info
Local Amenities: Map

Leamington Spa’s First Ukulele Festival

Location: Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England
Date: July 20, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://spa-strummers.co.uk/page12.html
Local Amenities: Map

Oakridge Ukulele Festival

Location: Oakridge Lodge, 48175 East 1st Street. Oakridge, OR 97463
Date: August 2 to 4, 2013
Performers: James Clem, Ronnie Ontiveros, Buck Mueller, Richard Colombo
Website: http://www.oakridge-lodge.com/events/ukulele-festival/
Local Amenities: Map

Midwest Uke Fest 2013

Location: Woodburn, Indiana
Date: August 3 & 4, 2013
Performers: Peter “Madcat” Ruth, Ehukai Teves, Butch Ross, Richard Ash, Bing Futch
Website: http://www.midwestukefest.com/
Local Amenities: Map

Strathmore UkeFest 2013

Location: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852-3385, USA
Date: August 10 to 14, 2013
Performers: Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Lil Rev, Gerald Ross
Website: http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=9052
Local Amenities: Map

Camp Oo-Koo-Lay-Lay

Location: Lair of the Golden Bear, Pinecrest, California
Date: August 17 to 23, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://campookoolaylay.com
Local Amenities: Map

2013 Silver Creek Ukulele Carnival

Location: Two Harbors, Minnesota, US
Date: August 24, 2013
Performers: Lee “Colorblind” Johnson, Ukester Brown, Hanna Cesario
Website: http://www.twoharborsukulelegroup.com/
Local Amenities: Map

The Port Townsend Ukulele Festival

Location: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Washington, USA
Date: September 11 – 15, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://centrum.org/the-port-townsend-ukulele-festival/
Local Amenities: Map

Montreal Uke Fest 2013

Location: La Sala Rossa, 4848 Saint-Laurent, Montréal
Date: September 14, 2013
Performers: Victoria Vox, Michael Wagner, Ukulélé Club de Montréal
Website: http://montrealukefest.com//
Local Amenities: Map

Tunes in the Dunes, Oregon Coast Ukulele Camp

Location: Westwind, Oregon
Date: September 20 to 22, 2013
Performers: Aaron & Nicole Keim, Guido Heistek, Gerald Ross, Jim D’Ville
Website: http://tunesinthedunes.com
Local Amenities: Map

The Blackwater Ukulele Festival

Location: Cypress Gardens, South Carolina, USA
Date: September 28, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://festival.charlestonhotshots.com
Local Amenities: Map

Milwaukee Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: Sunset Playhouse Elm Grove
Date: October 19, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://mufest.com
Local Amenities: Map

5th International Ukulele Ceilidh

Location: White Point Beach Resort and The Astor Theatre
Date: October 24, 2013 to October 27, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: www.ukuleleceilidh.ca
Local Amenities: Map

UkeFest VA

Location: The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Date: November 1 to 2, 2013
Performers: The Aloha Boys, Jim & Liz Beloff, Ken Middleton
Website: http://www.ukefestva.com
Local Amenities: Map

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway

Location: TBA
Date: November 1 to 3, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.tampabayukulele.com
Local Amenities: Map

Hawaii

Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii

Location: Kaka’ako Waterfront Park, Honolulu, Hawaii
Date: February 10, 2013
Performers: IWAO, Herb Ohta, John Cruz, Aldrine Guerrero, Bruce Shimabukuro
Website: http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html
Local Amenities: Map

13th Annual Waikoloa Ukulele Festival

Location: Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort
Date: March 2, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/waikoloa.htm
Local Amenities: Map

Uke Ohana Molokai

Location: Pu’u O Hoku Ranch & Halawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaii
Date: May 24 to 28, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://ukeohana.com
Local Amenities: Map

Oahu – 43rd Annual Ukulele Festival

Location: Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu
Date: July 21, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/oahu/index.htm
Local Amenities: Map

8th Annual Maui Ukulele Festival

Location: Maui Arts & Cultural Center – Kahului, Maui
Date: October 13, 2013
Performers: Herb Ohta Sr. (Ohta-San), Jake Shimabukuro, Holunape, Raiatea Helm, Manoa DNA, Paula Fuga, Richard Ho’opi’i, Brittni Paiva, Kelly Boy Delima, Derek Sebastian and more, including local kupuna and keiki players
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/maui.htm
Local Amenities: Map

United Kingdom and Ireland

Ukulele Festival of Great Britain

Location: Cheltenham Town Hall
Date: June 21 to 23, 2013
Performers: James Hill, Andy Eastwood, Phil Doleman and Ian Emmerson, Sam Brown’s International Ukulele Club of Sonning Common, Ukulele UFF & Lonesome Dave, Elof & Wamberg, Mahoney and the Moment, Dead Mans Ule, and more
Website: http://www.ukulelefestival.co.uk/
Local Amenities: Map

Ukulele Hooley by the Sea 2013

Location: Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Date: 24th/35th August, 2013
Performers: Hot Potato Syncopators, Andy Eastwood, Ukulelezaza, The Uke Box.
Website: http://www.ukulelehooley.com
Local Amenities: Map

Pompulele Festival

Location: Trinity Church, Albert Road, Southsea, PO4 0LX
Date: 28th September 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.pompeypluckers.org
Local Amenities: Map

Grand Northern Ukulele Festival

Location: Pontefract, UK
Date: October 12 to 13, 2013
Performers: Manitoba Hal, Phil Doleman & Ian Emmerson, The Uke Box, The Anything Goes Orchestra, Chonkinfeckle and more
Website: http://www.northernuke.com/index.html
Local Amenities: Map

Ukes for UNICEF 2013 – Ukulele Festival

Location: Berkhamsted Civic Centre
Date: March 2, 2013
Performers: Ken Middleton, Krabbers, Keef Jackman, Hamish Currie, BURP!, The Fog, BSUS, David Powell, Swing Gate School
Website: http://www.ukesforunicef.com
Local Amenities: Map

Colliers Wood 4th Uke Festival

Location: TBA
Date: April 20, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.collywoodukes.com/index.html
Local Amenities: Map

D’Ukulele

Location: Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford, UK
Date: April 27, 2013
Performers: D’Ukes
Website: contact: d-ukes.co.uk
Local Amenities: Map

South West Uke Jam

Location: Bath, Frome, Cheltenham
Date: April 27 & 28, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.facebook.com/SwUkeJam
Local Amenities: Map

North Wales Ukulele Gathering 2013

Location: Y Fricsan, Llanberis Rd Cwm-y-glo, Gwynedd LL55 4EE
Date: May 10 to 12, 2013
Performers: Phil Doleman & Ian Emmerson
Website: http://northwalesukulelegathering2013.wordpress.com/
Local Amenities: Map

York Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: St Sampsons Square, York, UK
Date: June 15, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/410530502362982/
Local Amenities: Map

Europe

Ukulele Boudoir 2013

Location: La Bellevilloise, Paris
Date: May 11, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukuleleboudoir.com/festival/
Local Amenities: Map

Festival International de Ukulele de Lerrain

Location: Vosges, France
Date: June 28 to 30, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://fiul.weebly.com
Local Amenities: Map

First Czech Ukulele Festival

Location: Unticky Pivovar, Prague West, Czech Republic
Date: August 30 to September 1, 2013
Performers: D’ Ukes, Paul Moore, Ukulelezaza, Ukulollo, Spirit Runners
Website: http://www.ukulelefestival.cz
Local Amenities: Map

Australia and New Zealand

Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: Grand Dining Room, The Carrington Hotel
Date: February 8 to 9, 2013
Performers: Bigger than Benhur, Dave Favours, Kook On A Uke The Uking Orchestra, James Newbold, Sam&Bryan, Dennis Aubrey, Ukeastle Ukestra, Uke-Easy, Baghdad Betties, and more
Website: http://www.bluemugs.com.au
Local Amenities: Map

The 4th Annual Melbourne Ukulele Festival

Location: The Regal Ballroom, 216 High Street, Northcote and Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote
Date: March 1 to 3, 2013
Performers: James Hill and Anne Janelle, Benny Chong, Janet Seidel Trio – featuring Chuck Morgan, Azo Bell, A.J. Leonard and Jenny Rowlands, Bosko and Honey, Rose Turtle Ertler, Tyrone and Lesley, Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, Big Muffin Serious Band, Renee Searles, Lauren LaRouge, and more
Website: http://www.muf.org.au/site/
Local Amenities: Map

Katikati Ukulele Festival

Location: Katikati Memorial Hall, Katikati, New Zealand
Date: April 5 to 7, 2013
Performers: Ukes-A-Plenty, The Nukes and Ukulele All Star Band, Mr. Ukulele Kevin Fogarty
Website: http://katikati.org.nz/Events+Calendar/April+2013/5th++6th++7th+Katikati+Ukulele+Festival+2013.html
Local Amenities: Map

Cairns Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: TBA
Date: July 4 to 7, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://cairnsukulelefestival.net/
Local Amenities: Map

Central Coast Ukulele Festival

Location: The Entrance, New South Wales, Australia
Date: August 24 to 25, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.visitnsw.com/events/central-coast-ukulele-festival
Local Amenities: Map

SPRUKE – Brisbane’s Ukulele Festival

Location: Brisbane , Australia
Date: September 20 to 22, 2013
Performers: Manitoba Hal Brolund, Leah Flannagan, The Pockets, Mic Conway
Website: http://spruke.net.au
Local Amenities: Map

Canberra Ukulele Festival of Fun 2013

Location: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Tuggeranong, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date: October 25 to 27, 2013
Performers:
Website: http://www.canberra100.com.au/calendar/view/1006/canberra-ukulele-festival-of-fun-2013/
Local Amenities: Map

Ukulele JAMboree

Location: Riverwood Downs
Date: November 8 to 10, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.bluemugs.com.au/p/ukulele-jamboree.html
Local Amenities: Map

7th New Zealand Ukulele Festival

Location: The Trusts Arena, Waitakere, Auckland
Date: November 30, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.nzukulelefestival.org.nz
Local Amenities: Map

2013 Ukulele Heaven

Location: TBA
Date: TBA
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukuleleheaven.co.nz
Local Amenities: Map

Asia

Thailand Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: Siam Paragon, Bangkok
Date: October 26 & 27, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.thailandukulelefestival.com
Local Amenities: Map

2nd Mactan Island Ukulele Festival 2013

Location: Mactan Island, Philippines
Date: February 17, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.istorya.net/forums/hobbies-and-crafts/577202-mactan-island-ukulele-festival-2013-a.html
Local Amenities: Map

Oyama Ukulele Festival

Location: Oyama, Tochigi, Japan
Date: September 1, 2013
Performers: TBA
Website: http://oyama-ukulelefestival.com
Local Amenities: Map

Philippine Ukulele Festival

Location: SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Date: October 25, 2013
Performers: Kalei Gamiao, Kyas Ryo and Derick Sebastian
Website: http://www.philippineukulelefestival.com
Local Amenities: Map

View Comments

20 Comments

  1. Livia February 27th, 2013 6:16 pm

    wait… no german uke-festival?!
    what the…
    Anyway, thanks for this post.

  2. Liluke February 27th, 2013 6:26 pm

    Can’t wait for the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain :D Are you going to any of them?

  3. Woodshed February 28th, 2013 7:17 am

    Livia: Not that I know about. I don’t remember there being one for a while.

    Liluke: No, I won’t be. Have a blast!

  4. Joanne February 28th, 2013 7:17 am

    too bad you post Vancouver Uke Fest after it happened… anyway, I went and it was GREAT~ Check out Ruby’s Ukes website if you want details for next year~

  5. Howard SMith February 28th, 2013 12:03 pm

    Yay!
    Uke for Unicef this Saturday, really looking forward to this.
    Just need to get a bit more practice for the songs!
    Verplayers will be busking/performing on the doorway 15 mins prior to opening and have a set a little later in the day. Hope it doesn’t rain!
    h

  6. M Ryan Taylor February 28th, 2013 3:05 pm

    Ukulele Play! Utah’s Uke Fest
    Location: American Fork, Utah
    Dates: June 14-15
    Performers/Teachers: Craig Chee, Circuits & Strings, Ukupelli, Bill & Cheryl, M Ryan Taylor, Tommy Connor and more.
    Website: http://UkulelePlay.com
    Map: http://goo.gl/maps/0sXOS

  7. Norman Jones February 28th, 2013 7:54 pm

    You don’t mention the Ukulele SOCIETY of Great Britain (www.usgb.com) who hold two conventions/festivals every year at Digswell Village in Hertfordshire.(First Sunday in April and October.)Details on the website.
    Your site is great.

  8. Woodshed March 1st, 2013 7:57 am

    Joanne: To bad they had the festival before the post went up.

    Howard: Have a blast!

    M Ryan Taylor: Thanks for the info. I’ll get it added.

    Norman: Thanks but I couldn’t get the link to work.

  9. banter March 1st, 2013 8:33 pm

    Great, something is happening in the Czech Republic. I had no idea. Thanks!

  10. Woodshed March 2nd, 2013 1:42 pm

    banter: You’re welcome.

  11. seamus4string March 7th, 2013 5:23 pm

    anyone know of anything happening in the New England area of the U.S.

  12. Janet March 7th, 2013 6:18 pm

    @Seamus — I know the Uke Union of Boston is planning their third annual Ukulele Melee, but I don’t know the date yet. Also, the Ashokan Uke Fest is July 4-7, in the Catskills (almost New England).

    http://ashokan.org/ukefest/index.html

    Looks like fun!

  13. seamus4string March 9th, 2013 9:37 am

    Thanks @Janet

  14. Alan Anderson April 28th, 2013 1:25 pm

    Hi Al-
    Here are our performers/clinicians for the 2013 Silver Creek Ukulele Carnival, as of today.

    Lee “Colorblind” Johnson
    Ukester Brown
    Hanna Cesario
    Mike Furo

    Thanks, and best wishes!
    Al

  15. danno June 14th, 2013 5:32 pm

    @seamus–Yes, Boston’s Ukulele Melee is June 15. Information is scattered on the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BostonUke, and tickets are available here: http://ukulelemelee.brownpapertickets.com/

  16. Mimi January 8th, 2014 11:08 pm

    W?hen do you update this list for 2014?

  17. Mimi January 8th, 2014 11:09 pm

    W?hen do you update this list for 2014?
    Please let me know.
    Thank you.

  18. Woodshed January 9th, 2014 12:06 pm

    Mimi: Probably February.

  19. Elle February 17th, 2014 3:07 pm

    Once upon a time there was a ukulele festival.

    Hi Uke Hunt.

    We’re a ukulele festival based in Melbourne, Australia. March 7th to 9th 2014 marks the fifth annual Melbourne Ukulele Festival.

    Thought you might be interested in adding us to your 2014 calendar as we have a heap of people coming from the Northern hemisphere including Ukulele Russ, Manitoba Hal, Caravan Gogh and The Uke Box.

    From Friday 7PM to Sunday midnight at venues dotted around Ruckers Hill, Northcote, Victoria, Australia, there’s great fun, loads of activity and non-stop ukulele. Free and ticketed events. Concerts, markets and workshops for everyone, from beginners to experienced players, and the lapsed muso looking to make a come back.

    Over 80 performers, local and international. Behold!
    • From Canada there’s blues and loops man, Manitoba Hal.
    • From New Zealand: The Nukes, Kahiwa Sabire and the smokey, sultry voice of Cousin Alice.
    • From the US of A, check out Caravan Gogh and Ukulele Russ.
    • From the nether regions of the Netherlands, it’s The Uke Box with Marko Van der Horst.
    • From Italy, Ukulollo – aka Lorenzo Vignando, a master of audio visual loops and projections;
    • From France, the gypsy stylings of Nico’o.
    • From Singapore, The Uke Boomers and of course, the inimitable, West Papua String Band.

    Closer to home check out:
    • Someone Else’s Wedding Band;
    • the premiere of ‘Spookie Ukie’ – the world’s first Ukulele Horror show (PG rated);
    • Festival favourites Azo Bell, Tyrone and Lesley, The Sophisticated Hulas, Bosko and Honey and award winning, teenage, brother and sister, jazz duo Theo and Flora Carbo.
    • Australian virtuoso A.J. Leonard and cellist Jenny Rowlands return to MUF with an audio-visual re-imagining of the Beatle’s Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band;
    • From WA there’s Acid Tea and Melbournites, Flap! a bawdy, slap-happy five-piece who will have you laughing, dancing and drinking… Responsibly of course.
    Venues include the Northcote Town Hall, Wesley Anne, Bar 303, Open Studio and Shellac Gallery.

    Shellac is the new home of ‘Pimp My M.U.F.’ an artful display of hand painted, customised ukuleles. Visit the gallery and vote for your favourite in The People’s Choice Awards.

    Our story unfolds on Facebook facebook.com/MelbourneUkuleleFestival, Twitter @MelbUkeFest and our dedicated website http://www.muf.org.au

    Workshop times and program link: http://www.muf.org.au/index.php/muf2014program
    Ticket and workshop bookings link: http://www.Northcotetownhall.com.au or bit.ly/1dqLclT

    Get a 3 night package for just $90. All the shows, on every night – come and go as you like.

    Workshops for everyone: Beginners, intermediate and advanced players welcome. Pick up where you left off. The uke makes it easy. Bookings essential. Don’t miss out!

    The Melbourne Ukulele Festival – it’s not too big, it’s not too small – it’s just right!
    Proudly presented by the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, Lord Uke and The City of Darebin.

  20. Woodshed February 18th, 2014 9:04 am

    Elle: Thanks. I’ll make sure you’re included in the 2014 list.

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