Summer Ukulele Events!

*Don’t see your event listed? Add your event (held from today’s date through August 31) to the comments, and we will add them to this list. 

June 8–August 10 

Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu, Hawaii

If you happen to be in Honolulu for part or most of this summer (lucky you!), Hawaii Ukulele Festival founder Roy Sakuma is hosting a ukulele-lovers’ concert series at the Honolulu Zoo. A family-friendly event, it features animal Lego activities, lunches and snacks, and at least one uke giveaway per concert—for the child who wins the evening’s “Keiki Koloring Kontest.” honoluluzoo.org

The schedule of performers:

July 13, Willie K
Ukulele giveaway by: Ko’olau Ukulele

July 20, Ohta-san with Nando Suan 
Ukulele giveaway by: KoAloha Ukulele

July 27, Kapena
Ukulele giveaway by: Kanilea Ukulele

August 3, Jimmy Borges and his Jazz All Stars 
Ukulele giveaway by: KoAloha Ukulele & Kala Ukulele

August 10, Guest to be announced
Ukulele giveaway by: Kamaka Ukulele

July 31–August 7 

Alaska Ukulele Cruise, Seattle, Washington

Got a uke cruise on your bucket list? Well, good news: Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel are leading their third one to Alaska. Sailing from Seattle, it features comprehensive classes that build upon one another plus private lessons upon request. Evenings on the seven-day trip offer open mics, uke jams, and ukulele giveaways. Along with daytime music activities, participants can enjoy offshore excursions to explore Alaska’s natural wonders. montecitovillagetravel.com/ukuleles

August 3–7

Camp Oo Koo Lay Lay, Napa, California

From the people who brought you the Wine Country Ukulele Retreat (which is on hiatus) comes an opportunity to rough it in style at Bothe State Park. Pitch a tent and get ready for amazing campfire jams with up to 35 other participants and instructors Fred Sokolow, Rhan Wilson, and Rick Zeek. If you’re not feeling the rustic accommodations, you can still register to attend as a day camper and stay at one of the area’s many resorts or spas. campookoolaylay.wordpress.com

August 6

Utah Ukulele Festival, Logan, Utah

This free, day-long ukulele event takes place in Willow Park— also home to the Willow Park Zoo—and features classes and workshops for kids, beginners, and intermediate players, plus blues ukulele lessons. Check out performances on the main stage and stroll through vendor area with local food and ukulele-related merchandise. utahukefest.com

August 13–17

Strathmore’s Uke & Guitar Summit, Strathmore, Maryland

There’s a track for every level of player at Strathmore’s Uke & Guitar Summit, located on a lush 16-acre campus just north of the beltway on Rockville Pike. In addition to workshops from pros including James Hill, Del Rey, and Tobias Elof, there will be performances each evening culminating in a final outdoor concert. strathmore.org

August 29–August 31

Ukuleles at Sea, Bellingham, Washington

In case you needed further proof that uke cruises are taking off, Ukuleles at Sea is another option to add to the ever-growing list. Led by Dean Vivirito, former co-director of the Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere, the cruise takes place on the 160-foot schooner Zodiac and sails through the gorgeous San Juan Islands. In addition to practicing ukulele, other activities include kayaking, offshore hiking, and sunset cocktail hours. schoonerzodiac.com