The Shenandoah Guitar Festival (SGF) is a gathering of students, enthusiasts and professionals in a celebration of the art of the guitar on the main campus of Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia.

Location: Winchester, VA, USA
Type: Festival
Most recent edition: 12 June 2026 – 14 June 2026
Next edition: Usually each June — dates to be announced
Frequency: annual
Eligibility / age: any age and experience level
Entry fee: $150 Application Deadline: Friday, May 2
Tickets: Registration Fee: $150. All masterclasses and workshops are open to the public, free of charge. Individual tickets to the evening concerts are also available for sale to those not registered as full participants in the festival.

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Programme & line-up

Colin Davin & Friends Concert; Patterson/Sutton Duo Concert; Ziggy and Miles + Leonela Alejandro Concert; Jason Vieaux Concert; Student Showcase Concert

Official website

https://www.su.edu/conservatory/conferences-institutes-2/guitar-festival/

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Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Winchester

Each year, the Shenandoah Guitar Festival brings together guitarists and enthusiasts in Winchester, Virginia, a historic city nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of the United States. The festival offers a chance to experience new talent and engage with the classical guitar community in a setting known for its natural beauty and rich American history.

Getting there

Winchester, Virginia, is situated in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley. It is readily accessible by car from major cities along the East Coast of the United States. Visitors typically fly into one of the larger regional airports and then drive to Winchester, which serves as a gateway to the broader Shenandoah Valley area.

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

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Where to stay

As a regional center, Winchester offers a variety of accommodation options, from well-known hotel chains to smaller guesthouses. It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during the festival dates, to ensure proximity to event venues and convenience for exploring the city.

What you'll hear

The Shenandoah Guitar Festival features a competition that highlights emerging talent in the classical guitar world. The festival focuses on solo performances, as it does not include a concerto round with orchestra. Attendees can expect to hear a diverse repertoire performed by skilled young musicians, offering a snapshot of the contemporary classical guitar scene.

Winchester, Virginia, is not specifically known for a classical guitar tradition or a composer's pilgrimage site. The local musical heritage leans more towards American folk and traditional music, reflecting the broader cultural tapestry of the Shenandoah Valley. The festival, therefore, provides a modern infusion of classical guitar into a region with a deep and varied cultural history.

The local table

Dining in Winchester, Virginia, reflects the regional American culinary landscape. Visitors can find a range of options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, often featuring dishes made with local produce. The area is known for its hearty American fare, and guests can explore various establishments offering comfort food and regional specialties.

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

While you're there

Beyond the festival, Winchester offers opportunities to explore its historic character and the natural beauty of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. The city itself has a well-preserved historic core, inviting walks through streets lined with older buildings. The wider region provides access to scenic drives, outdoor activities, and sites of historical significance, particularly related to American history.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Winchester →

Need a place to stay?

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This map centers on Winchester 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 June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição

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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