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            • SNHUGFEST X Celebrates 10 Years of Music, Community and Giving Back

              General News ArticlePress ReleaseCommunityHuman Interest

              Ten years. Thousands of smiles. More ukuleles than anyone can count.
              This September, the Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group (SNHUG) will celebrate a decade of music, community and giving back with SNHUGFEST X, a free, all-day festival bringing some of New England’s most joyful performers together at Dover’s Henry Law Park.
              Set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Rotary Arts Pavilion, SNHUGFEST X promises a day filled with music, laughter, food, friendship and plenty of strumming—all while raising money for children who need it most.
              What began a decade ago as a simple celebration of the ukulele has grown into a signature community event, attracting performers and music lovers from throughout the region. This year’s festival will feature more than ten acts, including longtime SNHUG favorites, local music groups and some fresh faces ready to join the celebration.
              Taking the Stage

              • The Ukulele Sunshine Band
              • Rec’n Crew
              • Contookuleles
              • Andrea Szirbik
              • The Tater Corner Jug Band
              • SuLo
              • The A & W Ukulele Players
              • El Trio Demers and Friends
              • June and the Honey Badgers
              • Southern NH Ukulele Group
              Adding to the fun will be WMUR’s Sean McDonald, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Sean will not only keep the festival moving—he’ll pick up a ukulele himself, lead audience participation between acts and help bring everyone together for SNHUGFEST’s much-loved Grand Finale, when the audience is invited onto the stage to join the performers for the closing song.
              And there may even be a little fairy-tale magic along the way, as Bedford Gardens’ beloved Fairy Godmother makes a special appearance.
              Representing the festival’s beneficiary, the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), will be Executive Director Marlén Rodriguez-Wolfe and Director Connie Ryan.
              More Than a Music Festival
              SNHUGFEST is about more than what's happening on stage. Throughout the day, festival-goers can enjoy delicious food from the Dover, Rollinsford and South Berwick Lions Club, raffle prizes, vendors, workshops and interactive play-along jams.
              If you play the ukulele, bring it along. If you don't play, come anyway. There will be plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.
              Admission is free, making SNHUGFEST an event the entire family can enjoy.
              Strumming for a Cause
              At the heart of SNHUGFEST is a simple mission: have fun and do a little good.
              All proceeds from the festival will benefit the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings the healing power of music to hospitalized children by providing ukuleles and music therapy.
              Through the program, children receive their own ukulele to keep and take home, giving them a meaningful way to continue making music long after they leave the hospital. Music therapy can help children cope with the stress, anxiety and uncertainty of hospitalization while providing opportunities for self-expression, connection, comfort and a sense of control during a difficult time.
              Through its performances, fundraisers and community events, SNHUG has raised more than $139,000 for UKC to date, helping bring the joy and healing power of music to children and families when they need it most. “SNHUGFEST is really a celebration of everything we love about the ukulele—music, friendship, community and the opportunity to make a difference,” says SNHUG organizer Keith MacFadgen.  “For ten years, people have come together to play, listen, laugh and support a cause that touches the lives of children and families. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our tenth year.”
              Come Strum, Sing and Celebrate!
              Whether you're a seasoned ukulele player, a music lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply someone who enjoys being part of a great community event, SNHUGFEST X has a place for you.
              Come for the music. Stay for the fun. Leave with a smile—and help make a difference along the way.
              SNHUGFEST X Event Details
              Location: Rotary Arts Pavilion, Henry Law Park, Dover, NH
              Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
              Time: 11:00 AM
              Admission: Free
              Rain Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
              Sponsor opportunities are still available:
              https://theukc.org/snhugfest-x/
               

              SNHUGFEST X Celebrates 10 Years of Music, Community and Giving Back