Ukulele festival in Naples supports veterans with music and community

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—Music lovers will gather in Naples this weekend for a celebration of community and music at the HUGS Naples Uke Fest. 

The event takes place Saturday, March 14, at the Baker Senior Center in Naples and features a full day of performances, workshops, and social events centered around the ukulele.

The concert benefits veterans' programs at the Baker Senior Center.

Organizers said this year’s festival is also dedicated to the memory of the center’s late executive director and CEO, Dr. Jackie Faffer, who was a strong supporter of the ukulele group behind the event.

The festival includes performances from Them Uke Boys, Uke 66, and the Happy Ukulele Group of Strummers.

Daniel Butler, one half of Them Uke Boys, said audiences can expect a lively and unexpected performance.

“It’s cool that we get to come down here to Southwest Florida to share this music,” Butler said. “You can expect the unexpected. Our music is all about having fun and playing big sounds from small instruments.”

The all-day festival offers activities for beginners and experienced players alike.

The evening concert begins at 6:35 p.m. This will be opened by the HUGS Ukulele group,  a community organization that promotes ukulele playing across Florida through performances, workshops, and educational events. 

Tickets range from all-day passes to concert-only options. Organizers said the event aims to bring people together through the joy of music while supporting veterans' programs in the community.