Hard-core strummers, newbies, or just the “uke curious”—all are invited to experience Uke Day DeKalb 2025 on August 17, noon to 5 pm, at Hopkins Park Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb. Summer weather poses no concern for this comfortable indoor event.

The $5 admission includes three hands-on workshops, vendors, a raucous strum and sing, and a full concert performance by the Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra. The first 40 people receive a free lei. Delicious food and beverages will be on offer from The Wild Carrot food truck.

Area music vendors, including Ukulele Station of America and Aurora Music Company, will be on hand with a great selection of instruments, books, accessories, and advice for everyone from beginners to virtuosi. There will also be ukulele-themed crafts for sale and awesome raffle prizes, including ukuleles! 

Once dismissed as a toy, the popularity of the ukulele today is high and growing, thanks in part to YouTube and TikTok influencers, the availability of music for ukulele in every genre and style, and a thriving community of “strum and sing” groups active in the U.S., including right here in northern Illinois. 

Uke Day DeKalb is sponsored by the Illinois Ukulele Society and Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra. For additional information, contact your hosts by email at ilukesoc@gmail.com and on Facebook at tinyurl.com/2wu7np6w.