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Presented by Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz is proud to announce our 15th annual Smoldering Uke winter retreat event at the Hidden Valley Music Seminars campus in beautiful Carmel Valley, CA.
As is our custom, this year's Smoldering Uke will feature a full schedule of fun and educational events, including workshops on a variety of uke-oriented musical topics taught by talented musicians (and a special guest or two), as well as organized play-alongs. All classes and events are aimed at helping you to become a better ukulele player, regardless of your ability level, as well as enhance your overall enjoyment of the instrument. There'll be plenty of free time between workshops and events for impromptu jams, chatting with old and new friends, and general merriment. We'll also organize short "pop up" workshops/jams which can be offered by any Smoldering attendee. So if you feel like you'd like to teach a short class or lead a sing along, please bring your materials and sign up when the time comes. Our "Luthier Shop" will be open again, where you can get strap buttons installed (for free!), get your strings and action checked, or just chat about all things ukulele. Unfortunately, we won't be having our "Musical Marketplace" this year.
We have lots of terrific give-away prizes in 2026, including several unusual and beautiful ukuleles! Our evening programs will be as entertaining as ever with brand-new musical games and a band challenge that I think everyone will enjoy (don't worry, it'll be a bit easier than last year's "Western" challenge) We'll also have our traditional open mic night as well as a few fun surprises. Of course, we'll host our annual Saturday Cocktail Dance Party where you'll have a chance to get your groove on. This year's theme is the Roaring 20's. You are encouraged to dress up for the occasion: flapper dresses & boas, "Great Gatsby" style suits and hats, etc. (Amazon has some great costume choices that aren't too expensive).
In past years, our event has sold out quickly, and as there are a limited number of spots available, it's best not to wait too long before registering - don't miss out on one of the most fun ukulele events on the planet!
Once registered, you'll receive an email letter sometime around mid-February with more details about Smoldering 2026. The specific workshop schedule/event info is not released ahead of time by the Santa Cruz Ukulele Club. You will receive an Event Booklet with all scheduled and information when you arrive at Smoldering Uke.
Start Time: Thursday afternoon at 4pm
End Time: Sunday afternoon at 3pm
We're very excited about this year's Smoldering Uke, and are doing everything we can to outdo ourselves and make 2026 the best Smoldering ever! We very much look forward to seeing you there. Until then, happy strumming, Sandor Nagyszalanczy (Smoldering Uke Director).
• This is not a campout - We will sleep and play indoors and meals will be provided •
Smoldering Uke Pre-Event Letter 2026 - for those already registered!
Accommodations for Smoldering Uke 2026 include on-campus single or double occupancy rooms in Waddell Center and Lubow Lodge, as well as hotel rooms at the Hidden Valley Inn next door and at the Los Laureles Lodge just down the road. RV parking (no hookups) is also available, as are commuter meal packages for those who wish to attend the full event, but plan to provide their own overnight lodgings. For double rooms in Lubow Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, and Los Laureles Lodge, you must sign-up with a roommate, we cannot pair you. We are only able to offer roommate matching in Waddell Center where you may sign-up for a double room by yourself and we will pair you with a roommate.
Bed Configuration Note: Hidden Valley Inn does not have rooms with 2 beds, only one King; a limited number of rooms with trundle coaches are available (please indicate when registering if you would like one) and rollaway beds are available upon request. A couple rooms at Los Laureles Lodge have two full beds and the others have one king (please inidcate when registereing if you need one of the rooms with two full beds). The on campus accommodations (Waddell & Lubow) all have 2 beds. More information about each accommodation HERE.
Registration - Please Read Everything Carefully Before Signing Up!
Smoldering Uke Workshop is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the workshop, pleaese email info@hiddenvalleymusic.org
Cost options are all inclusive (all meals, facility use, workshops, administrative costs, and housing (except commuter)). All registration for Smoldering Uke must be done through the website links.
Registration Instructions:When registering, please include your roommate's name (unless you're a single), any food allergies, or handicap needs in the comment section. For double rooms in Lubow Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, and Los Laureles Lodge, you must sign-up with a roommate, we cannot pair you. We are only able to offer roommate matching in Waddell Center where you may sign-up for a double room by yourself and we will pair you with a roommate. If your first choice for housing is not available, we recommend signing up for your second housing choice to secure your place, then please email info@hiddenvalleymusic.org or add a comment to your registration check out, that you wish to be added to the waitlist for your preferred housing choice.
Cancellation Policy: Our cancellation policy is a refund minus a $25 per person processing fee up to 2 weeks before the event, excect for Hidden Valley Inn & Los Laureles Lodge, it is non-refundable starting February 23. Within 2 weeks of the event, it is non-refundable. Please do not contact the external hotels directly; communicate through Hidden Valley Music Seminars only as staff at the hotels may not be aware of all Smoldering Uke group policies in place.
Registration Links
Waddell Center (on campus) Double Room--$490 / person (roommate matching available) SOLD OUT
Waddell Center (on campus) Single Room ------------------------- $605 SOLD OUT
Lubow Lodge (on campus) Double Room --------$600/person SOLD OUT
Lubow Lodge (on campus) Single Room ----------------------------$700 SOLD OUT
Hidden Valley Inn (next door) Single Room ---------------------- $1125 SOLD OUT
Los Laureles Lodge (1 mile from campus) Single Room ----- $887
RV - 2 people in vehicle (parking in field on campus)----------------------$415 / person
RV - 1 person in vehicle (parking in field on campus)---------------------------------$490
Commuter Meal Package (no sleeping accommodations)------$340