Welcome!
This is a unique music event where it’s “Everything, Everywhere, at Once” celebrating World Music Day and a surrounding festival called “Come As You Are”.
We attempt to provide something for everyone as downtown Aberdeen transforms into one large stage partnering with businesses, venues and organizations showcasing our community spirit.
All Street Artists Are Welcome to come perform along our streets downtown!!
Dates & Times
This is an all-day event on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Note: there may be happenings on Friday and Sunday as well surrounding this festival. Please watch the online schedule at www.98520.org for specific times of events & activities.
Facebook #worldmusicday98520
Instagram @worldmusicday98520
Website www.98520.org
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is World Music Day?
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, originated in France in 1982. It is observed annually on June 21st, coinciding with the summer solstice, to celebrate music and encourage participation from all, regardless of background or skill level. (A smaller celebration occurs on the Winter Solstice on Dec 21st).
How did Aberdeen become involved?
The National Make Music Alliance Organization reached out to Aberdeen in 2023 to become the 134th US City after reading newspaper articles on Aberdeen music written by Matthew Wells.
Who are the Festival Promoters?
Make Music Aberdeen partners with a nonprofit called The Music Project. Both Make Music Aberdeen and The Music Project have activities, events, programs, tours and more all year long. * Our Events are noted on the schedule for insurance purposes.
Is this also a Music Festival on June 21st?
Yes, as we added a festival complement in 2024 and again in 2025 since World Music Day overlaps with a weekend day. The festival has been called “Come As You Are” as a tagline. Adding a festival to the street performers means there will be venders, stages, venues, educational and fun activities, demos and more.
Will World Music Day continue beyond 2025?
Yes, it’s our hope to keep it as a street event however, it is not known if or when the festival portion will occur at this time
Is the Music all Grunge?
Absolutely Not! There is a large variety of music from Jazz, Country, Christian, Blues, Originals, Rock, Metal, and of course Grunge.
Event Shirts for Sale
We do have festival shirts for sale to help cover our expenses. You can buy them beginning on May 23rd at The Greenroom at 121 W Wishkah St in Aberdeen and during the festival at the Downtown Aberdeen Association tent on K St. Price is $30
Film, Photography, Audio & Documentary Information
We will provide “official” videographers and photographers to capture the event for promotional and historical records.
The Music Project Main Stage located on S. K Street, behind Unplugged, will be recording both live and multitrack for the artists performing on it. This will include a video feed along with professional photography. We make no guarantees on quality but hire professionals to give us the best chance on capturing performances.
Video clips, photos, or other materials from the main stage are not promised to the artists or the public.
Please note we have individuals working on an “official” film documentary during the festival.
ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL
Attendee Information
Attendees should keep in mind that there are many simultaneous events and activities in various locations primarily in downtown Aberdeen. Attendees should plan on walking and consider our weather, which could be sunny, windy, rainy or a bit of all as it changes with our coastal atmosphere and tide changes.
Is this Kid Friendly?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly however parents need to use judgement as some performers may have songs or lyrics that may not agree with you or your values.
Can I dress like a Rock Star?
Absolutely! And we encourage you to look the part and enjoy your inner celebrity.
Parking
Please be patient with traffic and plan on parking where you can find available parking throughout or around downtown.
Is it free to attend?
While this festival is free and open to everyone some venues or activities may have a small charge.
Is there security?
Yes, we partner with the Aberdeen Police Department, Citizen Patrol, Washington State Guard, and volunteers. Folks wanting to volunteer and assist can contact us. Those representing the festival will have badging on their person.
Hospitality and Lodging
We suggest you plan in advance for hotels, Airbnb, hostels, and more. You can google our area for those details. We suggest visiting https://graysharbor.org/discovergraysharbor/ for more information.
Local Transportation
We have GH Transit (1-800-562-9730 or www.ghtransit.com for schedule) and local taxi services.
Address for traveling by GPS
Please use 121 W Wishkah St, Aberdeen, WA, 98520 as your waypoint as it will direct you into the heart of the festival.
Is there an App for cell phones and devices?
Yes, it’s free and called LOCABLE. You can download anytime and obtain assistance at the Downtown Aberdeen Association tent. This App has our Shopping, Restaurants, Breweries, Taps, and Wine establishments on an easy to find platform.
Available at your favorite online app store: Search LOCABLE
Where to find a schedule?
We will maintain a schedule online at www.98520.org. In the past we issued handouts or posted on social media, however there are numerous updates in the last 48 hours that do not make it in print.
Is Everything just on Saturday?
Primarily yes, but there are some Friday and Sunday events occurring. Please check the online schedule at www.98520.org
Is there an Information Booth Onsite?
Yes, on the corner of W Wishkah Street and S K Street a booth will have information, lost & found, First-Aide, schedules, and more. We do hope to have a map to help out-of-towners. Look for the Downtown Aberdeen Association tent and volunteers.
PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVAL
Street Musicians
Come play your music on the sidewalks throughout downtown Aberdeen! This festival is meant to be all ages, family-friendly, all skill levels, all faiths, cultures, and diverse as the imagination lends. Take out your guitar, your violin, your bongos, or any other instrument you have lying around. Make music with your friends and family or make it for strangers. Downtown Aberdeen places to play or come support & enjoy music. Many musicians play unplugged or through a small battery powered amp.
Bands
Bands should plan to bring their own PA’s, unless pre-arranged. Some businesses have stages others may only provide power. Stages and Venues should have their own event coordinator who can help. Some bands in the past found businesses to supply power to the sidewalk.
Paying Gigs are not a normal part of this event.
Bands should be respectful to other musicians especially those performing unplugged.
Prizes for Participating Musicians
We have purchased a 2013 Fender Stratocaster Special Edition valued over $1500 as the grand prize.
All performers who check-in at our booth (Downtown Aberdeen Association- S K Street) on the day of the event are eligible for a ticket to have a chance to win the main prize (no purchase or fees necessary)! You must be present at time of drawing to win and have your ticket to verify. Stop by Guitar Galactica (204 S. K St., Aberdeen, WA) to check out the guitar!
Can Other Artists (Non-Musicians) Participate?
Yes, this festival is meant to be all ages, family-friendly, all skill levels, all faiths, cultures, and as diverse as the imagination lends. Artists, dancers, story tellers, authors, creatives, singers, photographers, film makers, actors, and others can celebrate alongside or with street musicians. You do not have to live in Aberdeen to participate. We encourage participants to be courteous in sharing spaces.
MEDIA, SPONSORS, PARTNERS, DONATIONS
MEDIA
If you represent the media, please check in at our booth on the corner of W Wishkah St and S K St; look for Downtown Aberdeen Association. Or contact Wil Russoul at director@downtownaberdeen.org
SPONSORS
If you would like to sponsor, please contact Wil Russoul at director@downtownaberdeen.org. We have different levels and have Tax Deductible information as we are a 501 c3 nonprofit.
PARTNERS
If you would like to partner by helping and/or lending your equipment/services please contact Wil Russoul at director@downtownaberdeen.org. We have different levels and if warranted Tax Deductible information. In 2024 we had 52 partners.
DONATIONS
Community Music Instruments & Gear
We accept instruments to give to our community all year round. Since 2023 we have given away over 281 instruments and gear within our area. Please email to discuss what you have in mind at director@downtownaberdeen.org.
Monetary Donations towards Festival Expenses
If you would like to donate towards our expenses, please contact Wil Russoul at director@downtownaberdeen.org. We have Tax Deductible information as we are a 501 c3 nonprofit.
POINTS OF INTEREST ON NIRVANA
Are there Tours on local Nirvana history (Kurt Cobain & Krist Novoselic) going on?
Unplugged@The Music Project is located at 121 W Wishkah St., Aberdeen and is an anti-museum experience.
Nirvana Shirts, Books & More