22nd International Bühler Bluegrass Festival

22 Years of International Bluegrass in Bühl

Bühl is a town on the western edge of the Black Forest in the Rastatt district, known for the Bühler plum and its cultural independence. The International Bluegrass Festival is one of the most important bluegrass events in German-speaking countries — and an amazing piece of cultural work for a city with just under 30,000 inhabitants. The City of Bühl has been organizing the festival for 22 editions with a clear profile: acoustic instruments, no electronic amplification, top-class international acts. Bluegrass — the country/folk style originating from the US Appalachian region with banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and double bass — has a small but dedicated following in southern Germany, and the Bühler festival is their most important meeting point.

Friday — Opening at Josef Oechsle (Sold Out)

The opening evening on Friday, May 29th, 2026, takes place at Josef Oechsle GmbH — one of Bühl's industrial sites, which opens its halls for the festival. Performances: Old Baby Mackerel (UK Bluegrass) and Cole Quest & The City Pickers (USA). 8:00 PM–11:00 PM. Ticket price €21 advance, €25 at the door. The date is already sold out — an indication of the festival's loyal regular audience.

Saturday — Main Concert Day at the Bürgerhaus

Saturday, May 30th, 2026, is the main concert day at the Bürgerhaus Neuer Markt. Program from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM with four acts: Sacred Sounds of Grass (German bluegrass band with a spiritual repertoire), Damn Tall Buildings (USA bluegrass quartet with a modern style), Chris Jones & The Night Drivers (USA — Chris Jones is considered one of the most important bluegrass singers and songwriters of his generation, winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association Award) and the Kruger Brothers (USA — Swiss-US bluegrass trio with global reach, prominent figures in the scene). Ticket price €39 advance, €44 at the door.

Sunday — "Bluegrass meets Schwarz-Orgel"

The festival finale on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, is an extraordinary crossover idea: "Bluegrass meets Schwarz-Orgel" in the St. Peter and Paul parish church, Bühl, starting at 11:30 AM. Sacred Sounds of Grass meet the church's historic Schwarz-Orgel (Black Organ) — bluegrass repertoire with organ accompaniment, a sonic contrast that accentuates the spiritual character of Sunday morning. Free admission. A rare and charming idea that brings the festival out of the purely secular concert format and into community life.