The Madrona Music Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, is offering festivalgoers more than just a chance to hear great music.
This year’s event will feature hands-on workshops designed to bring guitar, fiddle, and banjo players together in one circle to learn how to make music as a group.
The workshops begin at 12 p.m. and will be led by a team of experienced instructors. Unlike many music classes that separate students by instrument, the Madrona Fest workshops will gather guitarists, fiddlers, and banjo players in the same session.
Organizers say this approach reflects the roots of old-time music, where tunes were traditionally learned and shared in communal settings such as barns, kitchens, and dance circles.
Although the workshop is grounded in the old-time tradition, participants will find that the lessons are just as valuable for bluegrass musicians. Timing, rhythm, and ear training are essential to both genres, and the crossover between them means players will leave with skills they can use in a wide variety of jam settings.
At 1 p.m., the workshops will flow into a slow-paced old-time jam. Instructors will guide the circle through familiar tunes, offering a welcoming space for players of all levels to try out what they’ve learned.
Festival organizers encourage attendees to bring their instruments, join the circle, and experience the joy of shared music-making.
Madrona Fest is a celebration of roots music, community, and country life on the Key Peninsula. Hosted at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, the festival brings neighbors and visitors together for a full day of music, food, and fellowship. From live performances on the main stage to hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities, Madrona Fest offers something for everyone who loves the good life in the great outdoors.
At the heart of Madrona Fest is the music itself. The festival features a lineup of artists rooted in folk, bluegrass, and old-time traditions, creating a soundtrack that is both timeless and deeply connected to the land and people of rural Washington. Beyond the stage, festivalgoers are invited to join instrument workshops, take part in a community jam, and experience the traditions of shared music-making that have shaped gatherings for generations.
Organized by Yonlander and Rural Progress, with support from local partners, the festival highlights local culture through food, art, and storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Madrona Fest is an invitation to slow down, gather together, and celebrate the spirit of the Key Peninsula.
