The Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary September 18–20, 2026, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive. The milestone weekend will bring together ukulele enthusiasts from across California, throughout the United States and beyond for live performances, hands-on workshops, jam sessions and community connection.
The festival begins Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. with a solo concert by internationally acclaimed ukulele sensation Feng E. Tickets are $40, including fees.
The main festival takes place Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. The $59 all-access ticket includes performances by an all-star lineup of ukulele artists and admission to workshops for all skill levels. A performances-only pass is available for $29. Children 17 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult.
Saturday's featured artists include:
• Abe Lagrimas Jr., a Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalist, composer and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner who performs internationally on ukulele, drums and vibraphone.
• Bernadette Mata, a California-based educator and YouTube artist known for welcoming, beginner-friendly ukulele instruction for players of all ages.
• Cali Rose and the CC Strummers, a vibrant community of players that began at the Culver City Senior Center and has grown into a global 'ohana' through classes, jams and community outreach.
• Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, internationally touring performers, educators and event organizers who have helped shape the global ukulele community for more than 15 years.
• Conrad Cayman, a Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist and bandleader specializing in Traditional Jazz, Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Tiki music.
• Ian O'Sullivan, the first Hawaiian guitarist accepted into the Yale School of Music and an acclaimed performer of Hawaiian, classical and contemporary music.
• Karlie Goya, an award-winning Hawai'i-born singer-songwriter and looping artist whose music blends Pop, R&B and Island sounds.
• Keʻolu, featuring Hiʻilani Asing, Krystal Mokuahi and Cory Mau, whose rich harmonies unite traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary favorites and nostalgic hits.
• Melanie Lawson Kareem, creator of the "Melanie Method," which helps beginning players quickly begin strumming and singing familiar songs.
• Dr. Robert Krout, a music therapist, educator, songwriter and Professor Emeritus in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
• Sho Humphries, a singer-songwriter and Berklee College of Music student whose uplifting music combines diverse influences with a fresh, contemporary sound.
• Ukulele Bartt Warburton, a virtuosic performer, songwriter and educator hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a "modern-day master."
• Zoë Bestel, an award-winning Scottish nu-folk singer-songwriter known for her ethereal vocals, heartfelt lyrics and deeply personal storytelling.
Saturday's Ukulele Marketplace is free and open to the public, featuring instruments and accessories, an open mic, food, and shave ice. Free introductory classes will also be offered for total beginners. Admission is required for all other Saturday performances and workshops.
On Sunday, September 20, an intimate festival brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring food, small-group workshops and jam sessions led by festival artists. Tickets are $69, including fees.
At 2 p.m., the internationally touring Langley Ukulele Ensemble will bring the anniversary weekend to a spectacular close. Celebrating more than 45 years of artistry, the acclaimed Canadian youth ensemble is known for transforming the ukulele into a dynamic concert instrument through classical masterworks, jazz, swing, global folk traditions and contemporary favorites. Concert tickets are $25-$35.
Free onsite parking is available throughout the weekend.
For 10 years, the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival has worked to grow and nurture the ukulele community by making music accessible, joyful and inclusive. More than an instrument, the ukulele is a gateway to creativity, friendship and connection—bringing people together through music and the spirit of aloha.
Festival information and tickets:
https://Ukulele.LA
Frequently asked questions:
https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/faq
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