First-Timers

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.

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 our free podcast OjaiCast to gain insights on the different composers and music directors featured at the Festivals and get a behind-the-scenes look.

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.

Virtually all of the seats are relatively close to the stage with good sight lines. Acoustically, the Libbey Bowl is most resonant in the center. The lawn area are also available for those who prefer to spread out a bit and picnic during the concerts.

Most of our concerts will allow for late seating but we will send information prior to the Festival to our ticket buyers.

Subscriptions for 2024 are on sale now! Single tickets for the upcoming Festival will go on sale in March. If you have any questions, please call 805-646-2053 for more information. Click here to buy now >>

There are three types of subscriptions: 2-Day, 3-Day, and 4-Day. For each subscription type, you can select a price level (AA, A, B, C, and Lawn) that determines which area of the Libbey Bowl you will be seated in. The 2-Day package contains all Libbey Bowl concerts for Saturday and Sunday; the 3-Day package contains all Libbey Bowl concerts for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and the 4-Day package includes all Libbey Bowl concerts for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The 4-Day pass also includes the Ojai Talks event which takes place off-site and features interviews with the artists and composers. Any other off-site events usually need to be reserved separately from the subscription package.

Our Explore Ojai page gives some details on lodging in Ojai. For personal assistance, please contact our Festival concierge, Sheila Cohn: 805 869 1154 | [email protected]