Ab & Zu — Listen and Dance

Ab & Zu — Listening and Dancing Since 2019

The Ab & Zu Festival at the former Fliegerhorst Detmold has become a regular fixture on the Ostwestfalen-Lippe festival calendar since its premiere in 2019 — and stands for a rare combination: 100% solar power supply, a curated lineup bridging Indie-Folk and Techno, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a weekend gathering rather than a mass event. From July 10th to 12th, 2026, the festival opens its gates for the next edition — three days, two floors, one concept.

The 2026 Lineup — From Indie-Folk to Melodic Techno

The 2026 program combines acoustic daytime sets with electronic nighttime programs — typical for the "Listen and Dance" motto. Confirmed acts:

• ANIMAT — Indie-Folk
• E.N.D.E — Drum'n'Bass / Dub / Noise / Techno
• Krash Cora — Techno / Trance
• IZDW — HipHop
• Mylène Kroon — Electronic Philosophic Music
• JOSCHHH — Deep House / Melodic House
• Jasper Klein Trio — Acoustic Pop
• Quico — Organic House / Tech House
• KeinBerliner — Melodic Techno
• the glitch youth — Indie

The diversity is the program: during the day, the floors belong to acoustic, folk, and indie artists; in the evening, the Drum'n'Bass, Techno, and House DJs take over.

Two Floors, Camping, Solar — The Sustainable Concept

The festival has consistently focused on sustainability for years. The 100% solar power supply is not just marketing but a technical concept: PV systems, battery storage, and energy-efficient stage technology keep energy consumption low. Two floors — a larger main stage and a side floor — ensure musical variety without overload. Camping is part of the ticket, an important aspect for the weekend atmosphere.

Food, Drinks, Stalls

Various food trucks and catering stands on the festival grounds offer a wide selection of food — including vegetarian and vegan options. Stalls offer festival merchandise, handicrafts, and smaller consumer goods. Bar service with beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Fliegerhorst Detmold — Festival Location with History

The former Fliegerhorst Detmold has been a vibrant location for creatives, events, and small businesses since its conversion. The open space and historic hangars provide a unique festival setting — industrial, spacious, with clear sightlines and short distances between stages. The area is located on the southwestern outskirts of Detmold, the district town of Lippe in Ostwestfalen-Lippe (North Rhine-Westphalia).

Ostwestfalen-Lippe as a Festival Region

Detmold is located in the Teutoburger Wald — a region that scores with the Hermannsdenkmal, the Externsteine, and a dense cultural scene. The Ab & Zu joins a growing number of alternative festivals in OWL (see also the Augustdorfer Varieté in neighboring Augustdorf) and appeals to a young, art- and music-loving audience from Bielefeld, Paderborn, Hanover, and Münster.