Mission
HONK! Festival West is dedicated to the activation of public space through energetic musical performance.
Our Story
Since 2008, we have produced an annual three-day music festival - HONK! Fest West - that celebrates the vibrant street band community that is growing throughout the United States and internationally.
We work to break down systemic barriers to inclusion for those underrepresented within our community, and increase community access to our programming by producing the festival in neighborhoods of the Seattle area underserved arts programming.
Support youth in music! Our NEWEST program this year, HONK! Future, connected 27 grade-school students with a free music camp during spring break! They were immersed in HONK! standards and experienced the joy of play with our qualified and experienced instruction. We plan to expand this program in 2025, and your donation will help support this program!
Support a free and inclusive festival! HONK! Fest West 2024 will feature groups from across the U.S. and the Latin American street band scene representing traditions from around the globe. Our festival is designed to be ADA accessible, culturally relevant, and be representative of the People of the Global Majority; our performers represent a range of ages, cultures, and gender diversity.
Chaotic Noise at H!FW 2024 (photo: @espressobuzz)
Support culture building! Our HONK! All-Stars program, a free pick-up band and jam night that hosted monthly while also providing performance opportunities, as well as HONK! Future are working to cultivate musicians of tomorrow in diverse communities.
HONK! Jam at Jules Maes (photo: Malixe)
Volunteer with us! Our organization is entirely volunteer-run, and your donation goes directly towards community programming and the beloved annual festival.
Volunteers at H!FW 2024 (photo: @EspressoBuzz)
How YOU can get involved
Help at the event or host an out-of-town band. Visit our website
Volunteer on one of our board committees or at the event and help make this magic happen. Email volunteer@honkfestwest.org or visit our website for more info.
Come to one of our monthly Jam nights with the HONK! All-Stars, open to anyone at any skill level. 3rd Wednesday of every month 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Jules Maes in Georgetown! Follow our social media: Facebook or Instagram for more info.
Recognition
Our organization is 100% volunteer run and funded through generous community members, local businesses, and grant funders such as the 4Culture, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Black and Tan Hall, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, Seattle Parks, Jules Maes, and the many businesses and community members who give throughout the year.