FOLKUS — Music and Dance Festival at the Old Crane Works

An Industrial Monument as a Folk Festival Stage

The Old Crane Works in Naunhof is a former industrial complex in the small town of Naunhof in the Leipzig district (state of Saxony), about 20 km east of Leipzig. The building was repurposed a few years ago by a dedicated group as an independent cultural center — without public funding, supported by private initiative and revenue from ticket sales and refreshments. The concept: a concentrated, intimate atmosphere for folk, world, and dance music in a space with industrial character — brick, steel beams, wooden floor. The FOLKUS — Music and Dance Festival is the venue's most important own event series.

Folk and Dance Three Times a Year

The series is divided into three editions per year, each with its own regional focus: The Spring FOLKUS from April 10 to 12, 2026, is dedicated to folk and world music from Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Balkan countries) with a central dance ball on Saturday evening. The Summer FOLKUS in July 2026 (exact date on kranwerk.com) focuses on folk traditions from Western Europe and the English-speaking world — Irish, Brittany, Galicia, Scottish Cèilidh. The Autumn FOLKUS on September 19 and 20, 2026, concludes the season with a focus on the contemporary folk and singer-songwriter scene. This curatorial rigor gives each edition its own profile.

Concerts and Dance Balls

FOLKUS combines concerts and dancing: During the day and early evening, concerts are on the program — solo artists, bands, traditional ensembles from Germany and the respective focus regions. In the later evening, the dance ball follows with a live band, often with a dance instructor who explains the most important steps at the beginning (polka, mazurka, waltz, traditional folk dances). This allows even dance beginners to participate immediately — a low barrier to entry that makes FOLKUS very popular. Daytime workshops (dance workshops, sometimes instrument workshops) complement the program.

Atmosphere and Audience

The Old Crane Works offers a very unique atmosphere: concentrated, calm, with good acoustics in the industrial space. The audience is mixed — folk lovers, dancers, Naunhof residents, visitors from Leipzig and the surrounding Leipzig area. The size (estimated 100–200 visitors per event) ensures familiar encounters. A small bar with regional beers and wine, simple warm food from the Crane Works kitchen, and accommodation options in Naunhof or camping in the surrounding area often turn FOLKUS into a multi-day experience.

Getting There and Accommodation

Naunhof is located between Leipzig and Grimma in the Leipzig district. Take the S 4 train from Leipzig Hbf for 25 minutes to Naunhof. From the station, it's a 10-minute walk to Lutherstraße 10. By car, take the A 14 (Halle–Dresden) motorway, exit Naunhof-Süd. Accommodation is available in Naunhof itself (small guesthouses), in Grimma (8 km), or in Leipzig (20 km with S-Bahn connection). Camping is possible in the Naunhof area near several lakes (Naunhofer See, Albrechtshainer See).