Hills Ukulele Festival 2025
Since its debut in 2018, the Hills Ukulele Festival (HUF) has grown into one of Victoria’s most beloved musical celebrations — nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and proudly hosted by Emerald Primary School. Each May, ukulele enthusiasts from all walks of life head to the hills to soak up breathtaking views, live music, and inspiring workshops — all wrapped in that warm community vibe only ukulele players can create.
The festival started thanks to a passionate music teacher at Emerald Primary whose ukulele program was such a hit, students began forming bands and asking for a stage to shine. When no such venue existed — they made one! The result? A vibrant, ever-growing event that’s now attracting both local legends and global talent.
Over the years, HUF has hosted sensational acts like RIO, The Thin White Ukes, Duplicity, The Ukulele Death Squad, The Sophisticated Hulas, and The Grubby Urchins — not to mention rising stars like Things That Make You Go MMM.
In 2020 and 2021, the festival went virtual — and instantly became an international sensation, drawing ukulele fans from every corner of the globe. In 2022, the festival returned in person but kept the global connection alive with an international livestream of highlights.
HUF 2025 – Program Highlights
Saturday 17th May 2025
A ticketed day filled with rich experiences! Expect multiple workshops, a dazzling Lunchtime Concert, and a Gala Evening Concert featuring top-tier ukulele performers. Each workshop participant also gets the chance to perform on the main stage with their instructor.
Workshop Highlights:
- Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom (Int/Adv) – Sam Lemann
- Playing By Numbers (Beginner Plus) – Awkward Strangers
- Drum Circle on a Cajon – Roderick McLeod
- Ukulele Begins with C (Beginner) – Margaret Crichton
- Clawhammer Strum – Kim Burns
- ✨ Glam Slam Ukulele Workshop – Thin White Ukes
Gala Evening Concert Line-Up:
- Honeybees
- Kim Burns & The Tribute of Hands
- The Thin White Ukes
Sunday 18th May 2025
A completely FREE day of music, joy, and ukulele magic! From 10am to 6pm, three stages come alive with over 30 acts, including strumalongs, open mic sessions, and jaw-dropping performances across Main Stage, Library Stage, and SLC Stage. No ticket needed — just bring your uke and your smile!
Don’t Forget Your Official HUF 2025 T-Shirt!
Avoid missing out on your size or fave colour — pre-order your HUF tee for just $25 and pick it up on the day! So many colours to choose from. Perfect for you and the whole family. ️
➤ Pre-Order Your T-Shirt Here
See you in the Hills this May for a weekend of strums, smiles, and spectacular sounds!
