Stringed Instrument Roadshow

Stringed Instrument Roadshow is a community event celebrating handcrafted stringed instruments and the luthiers, repair artists, and small-shop makers who create and care for them. Held on August 29, 2026, in Watsonville, California, the Roadshow brings builders and musicians together for a welcoming, hands-on experience. Visitors can play instruments, meet their makers, and ask questions about the craft, from wood selection and joinery to finishing. The event features guitars, mandolins, violins, basses, and distinctive instruments that visitors may not have encountered before.

The Roadshow is free for both exhibitors and visitors, with costs supported through community contributions and sponsorship. It aims to make music and instrument-making accessible, helping handcrafted instruments be heard, played, and passed on to new generations. Makers can apply to exhibit, and each exhibitor is personally vetted. The event is supported by partners including Judith L. Culberson, Desantis Realty, Central Coast Hospitality, and Anzani Cider, and welcomes people who build, repair, play, or simply appreciate stringed instruments.