News Summary
The 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring a range of musical performances and children’s activities. The festival promotes music education and sustainability, with special performances by renowned local musicians. Admission is free, making it accessible to all, with proceeds supporting the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation.
Huntsville, Alabama is set to host the 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival from May 30 to June 1, 2025. Recognized as the world’s longest-running festival dedicated to cigar box guitars, this year’s event anticipates a significant turnout as it celebrates its rich musical heritage and commitment to music education.
The festival will take place at multiple locations across Huntsville, culminating in a Grand Finale event at The Orion Amphitheater on Sunday, June 1. This performance venue, located at 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806, will serve as the focal point for a day filled with music and community engagement.
On Sunday, free activities are scheduled to run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering a range of entertainment for attendees of all ages. Families can enjoy hands-on children’s activities centered around a recycling theme, aimed at inspiring creativity and environmental awareness among young participants. Activities include interactive cigar box guitar jam sessions, art projects, and performances by local vendors and food trucks providing a variety of offerings.
Among the highlights is a unique performance by Miss Calliope, who will deliver music inspired by environmental themes. Additionally, the Junior Junk Jam session, led by Microwave Dave, will engage children in learning about the history of blues while utilizing recycled instruments. This session aims to provide an interactive educational experience, reinforcing the importance of music education in the community.
The Cigar Box Serenaders of New Orleans will also take the stage, showcasing their talent with funk, soul, and jazz music played on instruments composed entirely of upcycled materials, including cigar box guitars and a drum kit constructed from discarded items. This performance not only highlights musical creativity but also emphasizes the festival’s commitment to sustainability.
Admission to the festival and all associated activities is completely free, making it accessible to the wider community. Proceeds generated from the festival will contribute to the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting music integration within educational frameworks. The foundation focuses on providing resources and support to enhance the learning experience through music.
Tara Mello, the producer of the festival, expressed her enthusiasm about the event and the joy it brings to both attendees and performers. The event is designed to generate funds that specifically target music education initiatives, further solidifying the festival’s role in fostering musical talent and creativity within Huntsville.
The Cigar Box Guitar Festival not only celebrates a unique musical genre but also serves as a platform for community engagement, education, and sustainability, making it a cherished event in Huntsville’s cultural calendar. To explore more about the festival’s activities and offerings, interested individuals can visit CigarBoxGuitarFestival.com.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WAFF: World’s Longest Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival Returns to Huntsville
- Hville Blast: 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival
- WHNT: World’s Longest Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival in Huntsville
- WAAY TV: Cigar Box Guitar Festival Returns to Huntsville
- AL.com: 9 Alabama Festivals to Check Out This Summer
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
