Ukulele Festival Hawaii celebrates 50 years in July

The Ukulele Festival Hawaii returns to Waikiki this summer for the 50th installment of the musical event.

The festival will be held July 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park and is free to attend.

The Ukulele Festival attracts more than 10,000 people for a lineup of fast-fingered musicians and groups from around the world, including notable artists such as ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. There will also be a performance from festival founder Roy Sakuma's 600-piece Ukulele Band composed of children and adults, and activities like free ukulele lessons, ukulele displays and giveaways by ukulele manufacturers, food booths and children's activities.

The nonprofit Ukulele Festival Hawaii, first launched in 1971, encourages interest in Hawaii's arts and culture through education and scholarships, promotes local and international interest in the ukulele, and produces musical events.