Festival Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly is the ATG Festival?
The 2026 ATG Festival is a multi-day event that allows accordionists from around the world to get together for workshops, concerts, competitions, masterclasses, meals, exhibits, vendors and the opportunity to play in a large accordion orchestra (the Festival Orchestra). The ATG will bring in the best accordionists from around the world for evening concerts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. 

What is the daily schedule like?
Your day will consist of attending workshops, master classes, viewing competitions, networking with other accordionists, and enjoying the occasional daytime concert. Our vendors provide the added benefit of trying out new accordions and shopping for sheet music and CDs. If you choose to be part of the Festival Orchestra, rehearsals are held daily from Thursday-Saturday. Luncheons are provided on both Thursday and Saturday, with a banquet on Friday night.  Each evening ends with a fantastic concert at Libby Gardner Hall on the campus of the University of Utah, followed by "ClubATG" back at the hotel which is an open-mic night where anyone can sign up to perform! 
 
I attended past festivals, what's different in 2026?
In 2026 the following "new" things are happening as compared to last year:
- Your ATG festival package will include breakfast vouchers for 2 people for each morning at the hotel restuarant
- Your ATG festival pacakge will include lunch on all 3 days of the festival, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- We are introducing and "open mic night" called ClubATG which will be held each night after the nightly concert.  Sign up at the registration desk for your chance to perform!

Where and when is the festival being held?  
The festival is being held at the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park Hotel.  Evening concerts will be held at Libby Gardner Hall on the campus of the University of Utah.    The festival begins at 9:00 am on Thursday morning (July 8th, 2026), so we recommend that you arrive on Wednesday.  The festival ends with a farewell party after the Saturday night concert on July 11th.
 
What is the cost of the festival?
Early bird pricing for ATG members will be $560.  For more details, see the Pricing Page.

Does the festival price include the hotel?
No.  You will need to book the hotel separately.  ATG has reserved a block of rooms and has also negotiated a rate that includes breakfast every morning.  Please use this link to book your hotel.

Is there a discounted rate for members?
Yes!  ATG members receive $45 off the cost of festival registration.
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What is included in the festival package price?
Nightly concerts, 4 Breakfast vouchers for the hotel restuarant, 3 Lunch Buffets (Thursday, Friday & Saturday), Friday night gala banquet, Late night open mic "ClubATG" where you can sign up to perform, Workshops,  Festival Orchestra participation, Competition Viewing, Wednesay night social with cash bar, Festival souvenir program.  If you are staying at the hotel, free breakfast is included.
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What if I want to bring my family of non-accordionists?
There is a special discounted festival package rate for spouses/significant others.  There will also be special youth pricing.
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How do competitions work at the fesetival?
Competition page will be posted in the future.

Are competition fees included in the cost of the festival?
No.  Competition fees are in addition to the festival package pricing.  Note, however, that youth competitors receive special pricing for the festival.

How do I sign up for the festival?​
Registration link coming soon
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What if I only want to go to the evening concerts?
You can purchase individual concert tickets at a link to be posted in the future..  If you purchase a festival package the concerts are included as part of that package.  You only need to buy individual concert tickets if you did not purchase a festival package.  The evening concerts are open to the general public.
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How can I get from the festival hotel location to Libby Gardner Hall for the evening concerts?
If you have your own car, parking at the hotel is free, and parking at the concert venue is free.  The ATG will also be offering transportation to festival attendees in the form of a shuttle or bus from the hotel to Libby Gardner Hall.  The bus will travel to each evening concert and will travel to Wheaton College on Saturday in time for the orchestra dress rehearsal.  You will need to purchase a bus pass during registration.

Is the bus included in the pacakge?
NO.  You need to purchase a bus pass during the registration process if you plan to take the bus..

What is the festival orchestra?
Festival Orchestra Page
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How do I sign up for the festival orchestra?
You must agree to purchase a full festival package in order to play in the orchestra.  Here is the link to reserve your spot.  We ask for a $25 deposit which will be applied to your package registration fee.
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Does it cost extra to sign up for the festival orchestra?
No.  Participation in the festival orchestra is included in the price of your festival pacakge. 
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What if I only want to play in the festival orchestra, but not buy a full festival pacakge?
​Festival orchestra participation is only open to attendees who buy a full festival package.  This is to help us with the cost of the hotel ballroom and the concert hall.