The 33rd Annual Northwest Guitar Festival

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 Northwest Guitar Festival will be in Victoria, BC from March 20th-22nd, with support from the Victoria Guitar Society and the University of Victoria. The festival will include adult and youth competitions, workshops, guitar orchestra, a luthier expo, and concerts by Leonela Alejandro (2024 GFA winner), Michael Partingon (WA), Robert Wang (BC), and Marsello Avilez (AB). Friday and Saturday festival events will take place at Lutheran Church of the Cross, and the Saturday night concert and Sunday events will take place at the University of Victoria. This year’s festival is generously sponsored by Knobloch Strings. Festival participants do not need to purchase separate tickets for the Saturday night concert.

The competition is open to students and players aged 18 or older on 1 January 2026, not represented by professional management, and residing in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Northwest Territories, Oregon, Washington, and Yukon. Eligibility on these criteria is subject to the discretion of the organizing board. Previous 1st prize-winners are not eligible.

We look forward to seeing you in Victoria!

Simon Farintosh, 2026 Festival Director

Schedule

Friday, March 20th

9:00am-10:00am: Welcome & technique warmup

10:00am-12:00pm: Adult Competition Semifinals

12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch break

1:00pm-2:00pm: Luthier expo

2:00pm-3:00pm: Marcelo Aviles Afternoon Concert

3:00pm-4:30pm: Workshops

4:30pm-5:30pm: Ensemble rehearsal (Natasha Paschenko)

7:30pm-9:00pm: Michael Partington Evening Concert (Finalist results)

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Saturday, March 21st

9:00am-10:00am: Technique warmup

10:00am-12:00pm: Youth Competition Finals

12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch break

1:00pm-2:00pm: Luthier expo

2:00pm-3:00pm: Robert Wang Afternoon Concert (Youth Competition Results)

3:00pm-4:30pm: Workshops

4:30pm-5:30pm: Ensemble rehearsal (Natasha Paschenko)

7:30pm-9:00pm: Evening Concert (Leonela Alejandro, GFA Winner)

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Sunday, March 22nd

9:00am-10:00am: Technique warmup

10:00am-12:00pm: Masterclass with Leonela Alejandro

12:00pm-1:00pm: Ensemble rehearsal (Natasha Paschenko)

2:00pm-3:00pm: Ensemble & Participant Concert

3:00pm-5:00pm: NWGF Adult Competition Finals & Awards

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