The Long Island Guitar Festival is an annual international festival with over a thirty-year history of presenting performers and educators from across the guitar world. The festival has established a continuing commitment to reach out to the artistic community and continue an established tradition of excellence in guitar performance and pedagogy.

Location: Brookville, NY, USA
Type: Festival
Most recent edition: 29 April 2026 – 3 May 2026
Next edition: Usually each April — dates to be announced
Frequency: annual
Eligibility / age: residents of all 50 states who are attending and matriculated in a public or private high school in the above states through the date of the competition finals.
Entry fee: $40.00
Tickets: Entry fee of $40.00 for the National High School Classical Guitar Competition.
Who it's for: Guitarists of all ages; students; high school students (for competition); broader artistic community

Prizes: 1st$500.00 and a concert performance at the 2027 Long Island Guitar Festival’s “Emerging Artist" Showcase, plus a guitar donated by Long Island classical guitar luthier Brian Itzkin (guitar construction to be completed and delivered by late summer 2026) · $200.00
Special prizes: Strings donated by D'Addario, Savarez and Augustine for all competitors who perform at the festival

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Programme & line-up

Jason Vieaux; Rene Izquierdo; Gohar Vardanyan; Jack Hancher; Harris Becker; James Erickson; Laura Lessard; Ellis Chow; Maureen Hynes; Emily Klonowski; Christina Montalto-Dubois; Tom Killourhy; Michael Spiroff

Workshops & masterclasses you can join

Master classes and workshops by the festival's visiting guitarists and teachers. Workshops have included Computer Music Notation for Guitarists, Composers and Arrangers, High School Guitar Ensemble Workshops, 19th Century Performance Practices, Fingerboard Harmony, and Chamber Music Workshops.

Official website

http://www.ligfest.net/

Planning to go?

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Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Brookville

For classical guitar enthusiasts, the annual Long Island Guitar Festival offers a concentrated week of concerts, masterclasses, and competition on Long Island, just outside of New York City. Hosted in Brookville, this event brings together international artists and emerging talent in a setting that balances intense musical study with the relaxed charm of a suburban university campus.

Getting there

The most convenient airports for reaching Brookville are New York's John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA), both offering extensive domestic and international connections. From either airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to Brookville, or connect to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The LIRR provides frequent service from Manhattan's Penn Station and Grand Central Madison to stations like Syosset or Hicksville, which are both a short taxi ride from Brookville. Driving is also a common way to navigate Long Island, with major parkways providing access across the island.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Brookville on Omio →

USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Brookville itself is a residential village, so accommodation options are typically found in surrounding towns on Long Island. Nearby areas such as Jericho, Syosset, or Westbury offer a range of hotels, from business-oriented chains to more boutique options. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during festival dates. For those who prefer a wider array of dining and entertainment, staying in a slightly larger Long Island town or even commuting from New York City (though this would involve a longer daily commute) are possibilities.

What you'll hear

The Long Island Guitar Festival presents a varied program that typically includes a competition for aspiring guitarists, alongside a series of recitals by visiting artists. Attendees can expect to hear a broad spectrum of classical guitar repertoire, from Baroque and Classical works to contemporary compositions, often culminating in a gala concert featuring competition winners or guest soloists.

While Brookville does not boast a specific historical composer pilgrimage site, its location on Long Island places it within easy reach of New York City, one of the world's most vibrant musical capitals. This proximity means that beyond the festival, you are in a region rich with musical life, from world-class concert halls to intimate jazz clubs, offering a broader cultural context for your visit.

The local table

Long Island's culinary scene benefits from its coastal location and proximity to New York City. Seafood is a natural highlight; look for fresh clams, oysters, and local catches often served simply grilled or fried. Beyond seafood, you'll find a diverse range of American and international cuisines in the towns surrounding Brookville. For a classic New York experience, consider trying a true Long Island bagel or a slice of New York-style pizza from a local pizzeria.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Brookville →

While you're there

Between festival events, Long Island offers several attractions. The North Shore is known for its Gold Coast mansions, some of which are open for tours, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of opulence. The North Fork of Long Island is home to numerous vineyards and wineries, perfect for a relaxed afternoon tasting local wines. For nature lovers, several state parks and preserves provide opportunities for hiking and enjoying the island's natural beauty. And of course, Manhattan is accessible by LIRR for a day trip, offering world-class museums, Broadway shows, and iconic landmarks.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Brookville →

Need a place to stay?

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This map centers on Brookville in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop

Also in April: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · Concorso Riviera Etrusca · Patras International Guitar Festival Competition · Sarajevo International Guitar Festival · SGM Next Generation Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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