National Ukulele Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Activities Music
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February 2
Holiday emoji:: 🪕

National Ukulele Day strums into action every February 2, celebrating the charming four-stringed instrument with its distinct sound. Learn about its rich history, from Portuguese origins to Hawaiian royalty, and discover how to join the global community of ukulele enthusiasts. Grab your uke, find a jam session, or simply enjoy the sweet melodies!

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Expected National Ukulele Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Ukulele Day often inspires retailers to offer special deals. Expect online music stores like Sweetwater and Musician’s Friend to feature discounts on ukuleles, accessories, and learning materials. Brands such as Kala Brand Music and Martin Guitar may run direct-to-consumer sales on popular models. Local music shops could host in-store promotions or free beginner workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 2 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Ukulele Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalUkuleleDay. Film a short cover of a popular song or demonstrate a quick ukulele lesson.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #UkuleleDay. Share a photo of your favorite ukulele or a video of you playing a cheerful tune.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create a tutorial for a beginner ukulele song or share a performance of a unique arrangement.

National Ukulele Day Hero

King Kalākaua

King David Kalākaua (1836–1891), known as 'The Merrie Monarch,' was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. He played a pivotal role in popularizing the ukulele, embracing it as a royal instrument and incorporating it into court performances and official state gatherings. His patronage helped solidify the ukulele's place in Hawaiian culture.

National Ukulele Day timeline

2011

Rock star Eddie Vedder played the ukulele

Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam released "Ukulele Songs," a collection of tracks solely featuring the ukulele.

2004

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Hawaii native Israel Kamakawiwo'ole released his medley, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Digital Tracks Chart.

1968

Tiny Tim tiptoed through the tulips

Singer Tiny Tim released his hit "Tiptoe through the Tulips," which features his signature voice and ukulele playing.

1929

A first for the Japanese

Hawaiian-born Yukihiko Haida gave the Japanese their first taste of the ukulele, playing Hawaiian and jazz music at the Moana Glee Club in Tokyo.

1915

Ukulele came to the mainland

George E. K. Awai and his Royal Hawaiian Quartet introduced the ukulele to the mainland at a concert in San Francisco.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Ukulele Day

Local music stores can host free beginner ukulele workshops or offer discounts on instruments and accessories to attract new players. Restaurants and cafes might feature live ukulele music during the day or evening, creating a festive atmosphere. Online retailers could run special promotions on ukulele bundles, including instruments, cases, and instructional books, encouraging wider participation in the holiday.

National Ukulele Day FAQs

When is National Ukulele Day?

In 2027, National Ukulele Day will be observed on Tuesday, February 2. Get ready to celebrate the instrument that brings smiles with its cheerful sound.

How many people play the ukulele?

The ukulele’s popularity continues to grow, attracting an estimated 1.5 million players in the U.S. alone, according to some music industry reports. This number reflects its status as a beloved instrument for all ages and skill levels.

What is the origin of the ukulele?

The instrument we know as the ukulele developed from several small stringed instruments, primarily the ‘braguinha’ and ‘cavaquinho,’ brought by Portuguese laborers to Hawaii in the 1880s. Its name, ‘ukulele,’ is often translated as ‘jumping flea,’ referring to the quick movement of a player’s fingers.

Is the ukulele easy to learn?

Many find the ukulele very accessible due to its soft nylon strings and simple chord shapes. With just a few basic chords, a beginner can play hundreds of songs, making it a rewarding instrument for those looking to start their musical journey.

National Ukulele Day Activities

Listen to some ukulele music
Pick up some compilations of ukulele music or albums that feature the instrument. Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawaii"and, more recently, Eddie Vedder's "Ukulele Songs" are a great place to start. There's even a Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain that features ukuleles of various sizes. Hit the play button!
Learn to play
Ukuleles are relatively cheap to purchase and to learn how to play. Celebrate National Ukulele Day by heading to your local music store and picking one up, along with some music books too!
Go to Hawaii
The ukulele has a storied history in Hawaii, not just in Hawaiian music, but also in Hawaiian culture. A trip to Hawaii doesn't have to be all sand and surf. There's sure to be some live music featuring the ukulele, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the role of the instrument in the local culture.

5 Easy Ukulele Songs You Can Learn

"Tears in Heaven"
Eric Clapton's tribute to his late son is a perfect first song when learning to play the ukulele.
"Riptide"
Vance Joy's song features simple chords that can be mastered quickly.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
This "Wizard of Oz" classic includes a basic melody perfect for beginners.
"Upside Down"
This song, found on Jack Johnson's soundtrack to the film "Curious George," was just about created for the ukulele.
"Hey Soul Sister"
Train's popular "Hey Soul Sister" is a great way to get started.

Why We Love National Ukulele Day

It's played on some of our favorite songs
From Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters' "Mele Kalikimaka," to Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawaii," to the widely acclaimed medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the ukulele has helped shape the pop music landscape.
It's contributed much to cultural history
Portuguese immigrants from Madeira and Cape Verde introduced the ukulele to Hawaiians in 1880. The immigrants held nightly street concerts for the locals, and the ukulele soon became a staple of Hawaiian music. It first made its way to the mainland in 1915 via performances by George E. K. Awai and his Royal Hawaiian Quartet.
It's easy to play
The ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn how to play. Learning just a few chords can put you well on your way to playing a few simple pop songs. It's a great instrument to use when introducing younger children to playing music.