Sarasota’s First-Ever Ukulele Festival Hits Holley Hall March 13 — Live Music, Workshops & Veterans Fundraiser
The inaugural Sarasota Ukulele Festival comes to Holley Hall March 13, 2026, featuring national acts, workshops, and a VFW fundraiser.
A fresh, upbeat sound is coming to Sarasota in March. The Inaugural Sarasota Ukulele Festival and Concert will fill Holley Hall with island vibes, patriotic tributes, and Irish melodies on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Hosted at the beautiful Holley Hall inside the Sarasota Orchestra (formerly Sarasota Symphony), this first-ever regional ukulele festival promises a full day of music, workshops, and community celebration — all while supporting local veterans.
A Collaboration of Suncoast Ukulele Clubs
This exciting new event is a joint effort between two of the area’s most active ukulele groups:
- Aloha Ukuleles (Lakewood Ranch)
- Sand Fleas Ukuleles (Venice)
Ukulele groups from Manatee and Sarasota counties will also participate, creating one of the largest gatherings of uke players ever seen on the Suncoast.
Alice Bauman, founder and past president of Aloha Ukuleles, says the festival represents a major milestone:
“We’ve been doing smaller events the past three years, and since they always sell out immediately, we felt it was time to offer more to members of all area clubs — and to the public.”
Featured National Acts
The festival brings in two highly regarded, ukulele-centric performance groups:
- Them Uke Boys – Nebraska-based performers known for dynamic arrangements and tight harmonies.
- Uke 66 – A Missouri ensemble blending classic hits with creative ukulele interpretations.
These touring groups have built followings at festivals across the Midwest and beyond, and this marks a rare opportunity to see them perform on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Honoring Veterans & Giving Back
The concert will open with a special medley honoring Vietnam Veterans and close with a lively finale of Irish favorites in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Importantly, partial proceeds and special appeals during the event will benefit scholarship funds from three area Veterans of Foreign Wars posts:
- Braden River
- Bradenton
- Venice
The festival blends music and community impact — a powerful combination that reflects the values of the participating clubs.
Festival Day Schedule
Friday, March 13, 2026
Location: Holley Hall at Sarasota Symphony Center
709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on Workshops with Uke 66 & Them Uke Boys
(Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned players.)
5:30 p.m.
🥂 VIP Champagne Reception
6:35 p.m.
🎤 Main Concert Featuring:
- Aloha Ukuleles
- Sand Fleas Ukuleles
- Them Uke Boys
- Uke 66
Finale: Irish Favorites performed by all groups
Community Sponsors
This inaugural festival is backed by strong local support:
- Achieva Credit Union – Lead Sponsor
- WSRQ – Media Sponsor
Achieva Credit Union, with branches in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, is promoting the event across its locations and media programs. WSRQ is sponsoring the entire balcony section, helping expand access to the community.
Tickets & Information
Tickets:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/sarasota-ukulele-fest-concert-tickets-224839
ℹ Information:
Call (808) 286-1694 or (917) 669-3981
Additional details available at WSRQ.com
Why This Event Matters
Ukulele festivals have grown dramatically across the U.S. over the past decade, with the instrument’s accessibility and joyful tone attracting players of all ages. What began as small local meetups has evolved into regional celebrations — and Sarasota now joins that movement.
For a community known for its rich arts culture — from orchestral performances to theater and jazz — the Sarasota Ukulele Festival adds a lighthearted, family-friendly musical experience to the calendar.
Whether you’re a seasoned strummer, curious beginner, or simply someone who loves live music with heart, this inaugural event promises energy, community spirit, and a few songs you’ll be humming all weekend.
Photos from Sarasota Ukulele Festival