Leavenworth to host first youth camp at 2026 International Alphorn Workshop and Festival

LEAVENWORTH — Music lovers, musicians and curious visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the alphorn traditions with the 2026 Leavenworth International Alphorn Workshop and Festival happening over Memorial Day Weekend, May 21-24.

Beginners and experts of all ages are welcome to the Northwest Alphorn Workshop, which will be held at a private river front park near town. The workshop is supported by the City of Leavenworth and Chelan County.

For the first time, the Leavenworth Alphorn Workshop will include a Youth Alphorn Camp, filled with musical learning, fun games, and friendship. A grant from the Woods Family Foundation and the North Central Washington Community Fund has made it possible for each player to borrow an alphorn at no cost to the camper’s family during the workshop. Students in grades 3-12 and whose parents or guardians are attending the workshop are invited to attend.

The idea was inspired by Rob and Lauren Nofsinger, who discovered the alphorn while on family vacation in Leavenworth. Rob and his two daughters first attended the annual Leavenworth Alphorn Workshop in 2023, where they fell in love with the experience. There, they bought their first family alphorn, bringing it home for their mom and younger brother to learn too. The Nosfingers offered to start a youth camp to encourage more children to participate.

The festival weekend will include a series of public performances presented by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. An alphorn procession through downtown Leavenworth will kick off on Saturday, May 23, at 4:45 p.m. The procession will be followed by a concert at the Front Street Gazebo. An “Alpine Showcase” will take place at Leavenworth Ski Hill at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. Attendees should bring their lawn chairs. More information can be found at Leavenworthalphorns.org.