drumherum – the folk music spectacle
The biggest festival for live folk music in Bavaria
About drumherum
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Folk Music – Alive and Well
The term "folk music" in Germany carries a difficult connotation due to decades of schlager music shows. drumherum returns the word to its original meaning: music of the people. It's about lively, played, passed-down folk music – Stubenmusi (parlor music), Tanzlmusi (dance music), Liedermachertradition (singer-songwriter tradition), Wirtshausgesang (tavern singing), Tanzgeigen (dance fiddles), Alphorn ensembles, hammered dulcimer soloists, Swiss alpine choirs, and Hungarian dance music alike. The festival is one of the few in Europe that provides a serious stage for this tradition – without folklorization, without schlager adaptation.
Format: The Whole Town Becomes a Stage
For five days, Regen transforms into an accessible festival landscape. Concerts and sessions take place in the main stage tent on the Stadtplatz, in the inns (each inn has its own musical focus), in the courtyards, in the spa gardens, in the churches (sacred folk music, polyphonic singing), and at the Folk Music Fair. Visitors to drumherum wander through Regen as if through an open music book – every alley sounds different.
Accompanying Program: Crafts, Dance, Academy
In addition to concerts, drumherum is a top-tier crafts and folk art market: instrument makers from across the Alps (hammered dulcimer, zither, dance fiddle, clarinet), wood crafts, textiles, traditional costumes. A dedicated Folk Music Fair (International Folk Music Fair) features record labels, publishers, and sheet music. The Wirtshausakademie (Tavern Academy) offers small workshops in singing, playing, and dancing, along with open sessions for participation. Dance evenings with Tanzlmusi are a tradition in themselves – Schuhplattler, waltz, polka, Boarischer.
History and Organizers
drumherum was initiated in 1998 by the Catholic Adult Education in the Regen District and has been held every two years at Pentecost in Regen ever since. The festival has achieved what many other folk music initiatives failed to do: inspire young musicians, build international contacts (Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France), and pass on the tradition alive instead of museumizing it. Today, drumherum is considered a unique folk music festival throughout Europe.
Regen and the Bavarian Forest
Regen, with just under 11,000 inhabitants, is the district town of the Landkreis Regen, located in the heart of the Bavarian Forest. The historic town center with its market square and town church is manageable – perfect for a festival that emphasizes walkable distances. Surrounding areas: Bavarian Forest National Park, Glass Road, Pröller, Falkenstein. A festival visit can easily be combined with hiking.
drumherum — edition 2026
Pentecost 2026 in Regen
The 2026 festival follows the established Pentecost schedule: Arrival on Wednesday with a preview concert, official opening on Thursday, continuous town and tavern concerts throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, festival conclusion on Whit Monday with a Frühschoppen (morning pint) and departure.
Opening and Gala Concerts
The prelude on May 20th (preview evening) is presented by the Austrian trio Widersacher aller Liedermacher with the program "WARUMANED". Opening concert on May 21st: AUTländisch.family, a family ensemble with classic multi-generational folk music. Both special concerts cost €22 in advance, €25 at the box office.
Tavern Program and Crafts
Throughout the festival, around 650 groups perform in over 30 inns, courtyards, churches, and on the Stadtplatz. In parallel, the crafts and folk art market, the folk music fair, the tavern academy, and open sessions.
Programme drumherum 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Kick-off (Preview Evening)
- 8:00 PM – Widersacher aller Liedermacher present "WARUMANED" (Admission €22 adv. / €25 door)
Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Opening
- Opening concert AUTländisch.family from Austria (€22 adv. / €25 door)
- Tavern program in participating inns starts in the evening
Friday, May 22, 2026
- Daytime: Tavern Academy, workshops (hammered dulcimer, dance fiddle, voice, dance)
- Evening: Main stage on Stadtplatz, parallel tavern music in all venues
- Sessions in inns until late
Saturday, May 23, 2026 (Main Festival Day)
- Daytime: Folk Music Fair / International Folk Music Fair
- Crafts and folk art market in the spa gardens and Stadtplatz
- Afternoon: Sacred folk music in the churches
- Evening: Dance evenings with Tanzlmusi (waltz, polka, Boarischer)
Sunday, May 24, 2026 (Whit Sunday)
- Morning: Festive service with brass music
- Midday: Grand Frühschoppen on the Stadtplatz
- Afternoon and Evening: Concerts in all inns, courtyards, and on the main stage
Monday, May 25, 2026 (Whit Monday)
- Frühschoppen with brass and Stubenmusi
- Closing concert on the Stadtplatz
- Festival conclusion and departure
Highlights drumherum 2026
Prices drumherum 2026
Practical information — drumherum
Getting There
Stadtplatz Regen, 94209 Regen. By train: Waldbahn from Plattling / Zwiesel / Bayerisch Eisenstein to Regen station, then a 5-minute walk to the Stadtplatz. By car: A3 (Hengersberg exit), then B85. During the festival, the town center is closed – visitor parking on the outskirts with shuttle service.
Admission and Tickets
The festival is free. Admission to all concerts in inns, courtyards, and on the Stadtplatz is free. Individual special concerts (opening concerts, gala concerts on Wednesday and Thursday) cost approx. €22 in advance or €25 at the box office.
Accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments in Regen and the surrounding district. As the festival is heavily booked, reserve well in advance (months ahead). Alternatives: Zwiesel, Bodenmais, Viechtach. Own festival campsite on the outskirts.
App and Program Guide
A dedicated festival app guides you through the program (search function, map, sessions). Printable program guide available at all info points in town. Travel and mobility information at drumherum.com.
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Travel to this festival
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drumherum at a glance
History of drumherum
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