2024 festival Partners
Join The Celebration
The Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, presented by Kala Koa Entertainment, is an annual celebration of the small four-stringed wonder that has been captivating hearts and bringing musical joy into people’s lives for over 100 years. This unique, family-friendly festival includes workshops for all levels of playing ability and live all-star performances by some of today’s most popular ukulele players (included in admission).
The 9th annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival kicks off with a special Meet-and-Greet Friday, September 19, 2025; continues Saturday, September 20 with a full day of unlimited access to workshops for all levels, live performances throughout the day, play-alongs and presentations, all for one low, flat entrance fee; and concludes Sunday, September 21, with an afternoon concert co-presented with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (artist TBA).
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Come & learn to play ukulele - for FREE! There will be free classes for absolute beginners in the Nakano Theatre all day Saturday, along with demonstrations and prizes. Seats are first come, first served; attendees must bring their own ukulele (there will be a variety of entry-level instruments for sale as well). Classes for all ages, from kids to seniors, you'll be making music right away.
The Saturday Festival event is free for kids 12 & under (with paid adult admission)
Ukulele Marketplace, located in the entry plaza of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, is free and open to the public. Attendees can browse boutique ukulele builders, international manufacturers, fun accessories, music books, and handcrafted gifts and art. In addition, authentic island style shave ice and a variety of food options, including vegetarian, will be available for purchase.
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ABOUT
Aloha! My name is Mitch Chang, I founded the annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival in 2015. I'm a University of Hawaii music department graduate whose very first instrument was the ukulele. After moving to Southern California in 2001, I had the opportunity to study ukulele jazz with renowned ukulele musician and former big band leader Bill Tapia, an Ukulele Hall Of Fame inductee nominated by one of my UH professors Byron Yasui.
My vision for the Festival is to always make it as easy as possible for families and ukulele fans of all ages, interest and ability levels to discover/rediscover the ukulele in a space where they will be supported and encouraged. We strive to make the annual festival a true community-based event and one that truly showcases the diversity and versatility of the little four-stringed instrument with artists covering the gamut of styles and genres including Hawaiian, Fingerstyle, blues, jazz, folk, Americana, singer-songwriter, pop and even classical.
Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival is an invitational event produced by Kala Koa Entertainment, along with other Kala Koa signature events: the Southern California Slack Key Festival and the Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival.
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