Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival

Over Memorial Day weekend, the Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival brings an alpine soundtrack to the Cascade Mountains in the Bavarian styled village of Leavenworth, Washington. You will hear deep, resonant notes from traditional wooden horns throughout downtown, with the main performances centered at the Front Street Park gazebo beside the Wenatchee River. The sound reflects off nearby granite peaks and carries cleanly through the valley.

Plan for a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere that fits easily between boutique browsing and tasting room stops. You will hear soloists and ensembles performing both classical and contemporary alphorn repertoire, with the standout moments arriving when multiple players perform in unison. For the best sightlines and the most consistent audio, we recommend the gazebo area, where bench seating keeps you close to the performers and the center of town.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before scheduled sets if you want a seat, since weekend crowds build quickly. Because everything is outdoors, bring a light jacket and high SPF sunscreen for variable mountain conditions, and expect most concerts to continue through light rain since the gazebo offers partial cover for musicians. Parking in downtown Leavenworth often fills by mid morning, so use Link Transit or aim for perimeter lots, then walk in. Admission to the park performances is free, and if the lawn is packed you can still listen from nearby restaurant patios.

For the easiest logistics, book a hotel or rental in the village core or along the Icicle Road corridor, where you can reach Front Street Park on foot. If you prefer more space, consider a quiet cabin or riverside stay near the Wenatchee River or the Icicle Gorge trail network, including options you can browse through Lake.com. The festival is pet friendly with leashes required, but use your judgment since the low frequency notes can unsettle some dogs.