Event Info
Burning Uke is Back for 2025!
August 8-10, 2025
BURNING UKE UPDATE—July 4, 2025:
Burning Uke XXV is this year’s continuation of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz’ iconic festival that began in 2003. It offers the chance for ukulele lovers to come together for a weekend of great music, activities, workshops, fun and, or course, the spectacular burning of the uke! This year’s theme is Hawaiian Luau.
This year’s event is August 8-10, 2025 at the Monterey / Santa Cruz KOA Campground near La Selva Beach.
Current FAQ’s:
Who can attend, and how do I sign up?
Camping – Everyone is welcome, but YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION TO ATTEND! KOA has reserved around 60 sites for us and will be holding them until July 7, so be sure to reserve your spot by then. To make a reservation, contact KOA at 831-722-0551, and tell them you’re with the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz to get access to the reserved sites and get a 10% discount. Once you have made a reservation, please contact Sue at Suesandpiper@gmail.com or 831-266-8570 to let her know your contact information so we can send you any updates. Also, please let us know who will be coming with your party, and whether there are extra spaces at your campsite that you will not be filling.
What if I don’t want to camp? Can I just show up?
NO, you can’t just show up!! ALL ATTENDEES must be associated with a specific campsite, and we have a limited number of spaces. If you would like to attend but will not be camping, contact Sue at Suesandpiper@gmail.com or 831-266-8570. Names will be added to open spots on existing reservations on a first come/first served basis. Non-campers will pay $30 plus $10 to KOA for parking.
What activities and workshops are scheduled?
We’ll kick off the fun on Friday afternoon with a no-host happy hour and potluck, followed by the first of several group singalongs from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Saturday night will incorporate and open mic and singalong, and the grand finale—the ceremonial burning of the uke!
The schedule for Saturday is quickly taking shape and will include learning sessions on finger picking, learning and memorizing songs, strumming patterns, using electronic tablets for sheet music, harmonica, Gypsy music, hula dancing, eyelash yarn lei making, and a sneak peek at Book Six songs. A full schedule of workshops will be posted soon. The KOA offers a tie-dye station if you choose to further beautify your Burning Uke XXV t-shirt. You must bring your own shirt. There will also be plenty of free time to jam with friends and socialize.
What amenities are available at the KOA Campground?
In addition to campsites ranging from tent sites to various cabins and RV sites, KOA has a well-stocked camp store, café offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, lovely pool, playground, tie-dye station, and several areas to gather and play music.
You can also get food delivered through DoorDash or other delivery services.
What do I need to bring?
In addition to your ukulele, books 1-5 (if you have them), camping supplies and bedding, it will be helpful to bring a music stand, camping chair and light (headlamp or music stand light) for night-time playing.
Food and alcohol are available at the KOA camp store and café, but you might want to bring your own food and drinks.
Where can I get cool Burning Uke XXV merchandise?
We have an on-line store with lots of options, featuring the artwork of our own Evelyn and Cam. Check it out at: https://burning-uke-xxv.printify.me
ORDER EARLY so you can receive your merchandise by August 8. Merchandise will NOT be available at Burning Uke XXV.
Please note – If you order a white t-shirt with our design in black, you can tie-dye it at KOA’s tie-dye station ($12, $22 if you want to use a KOA shirt).
Where can I get more information about Burning Uke XXV?
Right here on the 🔥Burning Uke ‘25🔥 event page, or The Burning Uke page on the Ukulele Club website
KOA.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz or call 831-722-0551, or Contact Us: Sue Andre at Suesandpiper@gmail.com or 831-266-8570
