The Aloha International Steel Guitar Festival is an annual music event held in Winchester, Indiana, celebrating Hawaiian and country steel guitar music with performances by international and local artists. The 2025 festival takes place from July 24 to 26 at the Towne Square Community Centre on the southwest corner of the Downtown Square in Winchester. It brings a "bit of paradise" to Indiana with live music, a luau and hula on Saturday, as well as educational seminars and jam sessions[1][6].

Festival atmosphere and surrounding area:
Winchester is a small town in Randolph County, eastern Indiana, providing a friendly, community-oriented setting for the festival. The Downtown Square location situates the event centrally with easy access. The vibe combines traditional Hawaiian hospitality with local Midwestern warmth, creating a relaxed yet vibrant environment where attendees can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture and music.

Activities and events at the festival:

Live performances: Daily showcases of Hawaiian and country steel guitar music by both international guests and local musicians, including headline artists such as Paul Kim (Hawaii) and Alan Akaka, who is also noted for his steel guitar seminars[1].
Seminars and workshops: Sessions led by steel guitar masters and instructors focusing on playing techniques, history, and cultural context of the Hawaiian steel guitar, encouraging participant learning and engagement[1][4].
Jam sessions and Q&A: Opportunities for musicians and attendees to interact, play together informally, and ask questions about the instrument and music style[1].
Luau and hula show on Saturday: A traditional Hawaiian luau feast and cultural performance featuring hula dancing and related activities to bring authentic Hawaiian island atmosphere to Indiana[6].
Membership benefits and interaction: Members of the Aloha International Steel Guitar Club (AISGC) enjoy discounts on admission and priority participation in playing and events. The club fosters a sense of 'ohana (family) specializing in preserving and promoting Hawaiian steel guitar music[4].

Admission and accessibility:
Admission is $22 per day for non-members, $20 for members, and free for students with ID and Winchester residents. The venue is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for attendees[6].

Festival history and founding:
The festival has a long tradition, now in its 51st year as of 2025, highlighting the enduring popularity of Hawaiian steel guitar music far from its origins. The steel guitar itself was invented in 1885 by Hawaiian Joseph Kekuku, and the festival promotes education and preservation of this unique musical heritage. AISGC was founded to provide community support, education, and exposure for this style of music, with an annual festival as a centerpiece event[3][4].

Rough schedule highlights:

Daily live music performances at Towne Square Community Centre
Seminars on steel guitar playing techniques and Hawaiian music history, led by renowned instructors like Alan Akaka
Jam sessions and Q&A panels interspersed throughout the festival days
Saturday evening luau with hula performances
Informal social and networking events for musicians and enthusiasts across the weekend[1][6]

This festival offers a blend of entertainment, education, and cultural celebration in a welcoming atmosphere dedicated to both music lovers and the Hawaiian steel guitar tradition.

About This Festival