Aloha – Nonantola Ukulele Festival
Two days dedicated to the ukulele with free workshops and concerts in the square
About Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival
The ukulele takes center stage in Nonantola
Aloha – Nonantola Ukulele Festival is the event that, in the heart of the town of Nonantola (Province of Modena, Emilia-Romagna), dedicates two full days to the small four-stringed instrument of Hawaiian origin. Founded in 2025 on the initiative of Officine Culturali Nonantola, the festival quickly found a loyal audience, thanks to a simple and winning formula: free workshops during the day, and open-air concerts in the evening in Piazza della Liberazione.
Workshops for everyone
The outreach core of the festival are the afternoon workshops, designed for both those who have never held a ukulele and those who want to deepen their technique and arrangement skills. No particular technical knowledge is required: those who own an instrument are invited to bring it, but if not, ukuleles will be provided. The workshops are held at the Officine Musicali, in via Ruggero Grieco, and reservations are appreciated to best organize the sessions.
Concerts in the square
In the evening, the stage moves to Piazza della Liberazione, where soloists and entire ukulele orchestras take turns. The festival demonstrates how this instrument, often considered a mere pastime, can range from classical music to jazz, from pop to original compositions, with sensitivity and virtuosity.
A growing event
In just a few editions, Aloha has become a reference point for ukulele enthusiasts in Emilia-Romagna and beyond, attracting musicians from outside the region and international guests. It is an event that truly reflects the cultural spirit of Nonantola, a town primarily known for its famous Abbey, but also vibrant in terms of music and community life. Free admission to all events makes the festival one of the most accessible summer offerings in the Modena area.
Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival — edition 2026
The second edition of Aloha – Nonantola Ukulele Festival takes place on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, 2026, with two days packed with free workshops and concerts. The absolute star is international soloist Elisabeth Pfeiffer, a world-renowned figure who brings the ukulele into the realm of classical music with unique sensitivity and refinement. Alongside her are the Lele Orchestra from Milan, Nonantola's own Sonic Uke Orchestra, and musician Enrico Farnedi. All events are free admission.
Programme Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM — Workshop with Luca Scalco: "Ukulele: History and Secrets of a Small Four-String Revolution," dedicated to fundamental rhythmic techniques (Officine Musicali, via R. Grieco)
- 6:00 PM — Concert by international soloist Elisabeth Pfeiffer (Church of Santa Maria fuori le mura, via Vittorio Veneto 97)
- 9:00 PM — Concert by the Lele Orchestra (Milan), in Piazza della Liberazione
Sunday, June 14, 2026
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM — Workshop with Enrico Farnedi on arrangement, orchestration, and fingerpicking for ukulele (Officine Musicali)
- 9:00 PM — Enrico Farnedi solo
- 9:30 PM — Sonic Uke Orchestra, the Nonantola ukulele orchestra
Evening concerts are held in Piazza della Liberazione; in case of bad weather, alternative indoor venues are the VOX CLUB (via Vittorio Veneto 13) and the Church of Santa Maria fuori le mura.
Highlights Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival 2026
Prices Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival 2026
Practical information — Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival
How to get here
Nonantola is located about 15 km northeast of Modena. By car, it can be reached via the SP255; from the A1 motorway, take the Modena Nord exit. By train, the reference station is Modena, connected to Nonantola by intercity buses of the local network.
Venues
The main concerts are held in Piazza della Liberazione; workshops take place at the Officine Musicali (via Ruggero Grieco). In case of bad weather, events may be moved to indoor venues such as the VOX CLUB (via Vittorio Veneto 13) or the Church of Santa Maria fuori le mura.
Admission and reservations
All events are free admission. Reservations are appreciated for the workshops.
Contacts
Officine Culturali Nonantola, tel. +39 059 549700; Officine Musicali, tel. +39 059 548361 – [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Aloha Nonantola Ukulele Festival
Piazza della Liberazione
Piazza della Liberazione, 41015 Nonantola