drumherum – the folk music spectacle

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.