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Tips for First-Timers
Welcome! We’re always thrilled to meet new guests to the Ojai Music Festival. We want to make sure the time you take to buy tickets, visit Ojai, and attend the Festival will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
This page will hopefully answer most of your questions, but please feel free to call us at 805-646-2053. Our office hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Great question! Founded in 1947, the Ojai Music Festival is a singular experience unlike any other in the world of the arts. Taking place over four days each June, the Festival’s signature is the substantial artistic freedom given to each annual music director who is guided by the Festival’s artistic director. Read more about the Festival’s history here.
Place is a key ingredient. Nestled in the oak and citrus-cloaked Ojai Valley of California, the Festival “seduces creative purpose. Soft hills rise up from the town. Huge eucalyptus trees surround Libbey Bowl. Jasmine is in the air. An old oak bends over the stage.” -the New York Times. Ojai’s spirit includes its people, who welcome musicians and audience members alike: as hosts to visiting artists, as shopkeepers, as restaurateurs, and as dedicated volunteers. Visitors frequently remark on the friendliness of Ojai residents.
Our patrons who visit from all over the world comment on the beautiful mountain views, our historic small town, and the famous Pink Moment – when the setting sun causes the mountains to emit pink light every evening.
Please visit this page for more information on lodging, dining, and activities to do in Ojai.
No, you do not need any prior knowledge, only an open and curious mind. People come here from all kinds of backgrounds and levels of understanding, and all are equally astonished. For context, ticket buyers are encouraged to listen to visit Ojaipedia to gain insights on the different composers and performers,
This is one of the great questions of our time. Like all great questions, there are no clear answers here. These days, a conventional classical music audience will not clap until a piece is finished. This means that there is often silence between different movements. If it is any consolation, we do not consider the Ojai Music Festival to be a conventional classical music festival. We believe that rules are made to be broken – particularly ones that inhibit an audience member’s ability to respond. So clap when the heavenly muses demand it!
Comfortable casual wear is entirely appropriate. Keep in mind, this is an outdoor venue and the weather is often very warm, so we recommend a hat or visor and some sunscreen. A heavy wrap, sweater or jacket may be desired for the evening concerts.