Orange Blossom Special Festival

Orange Blossom Special — World's Best Small Festival (Rolling Stone)

The Orange Blossom Special Festival is one of Europe's most distinctive and renowned independent festivals. Organized by the Glitterhouse Records label in the family-like Glitterhouse Garden in Beverungen on the Weser, it has been the flagship of a festival concept since 1996 that stands in stark contrast to large commercial open-airs: capacity of around 3,500 visitors, a single festival area, all acts in focus. Rolling Stone has called the festival the world's best small festival. The 28th edition will take place from May 22nd to 24th, 2026.

2026 Program — Over 30 Acts in an Intimate Setting

The 2026 festival brings together international acts from Indie, Pop, Punk Rock, Americana, and Folk. Confirmed artists:

• Turbostaat — German punk rock band, headliner status
• Israel Nash — Texan singer-songwriter, headliner
• Alela Diane — American folk singer
• Frazey Ford — Canadian singer-songwriter
• Jerry Leger — Canadian songwriter
• AnnenMayKantereit — Cologne-based pop-indie band
• Approximately 25 more acts between Indie, Folk, and Punk Rock
• A Surprise Act will remain unannounced until the festival

Glitterhouse Garden — The Venue

The Glitterhouse Garden is the namesake grounds at Grüner Weg 25 in Beverungen — property owned by Glitterhouse Records, which has merged into the festival's identity over its history. The area offers:

• Several stages (main stage, secondary stages)
• Accommodation and camping facilities
• Family-like atmosphere thanks to the manageable capacity of 3,500
• Close proximity between artists and audience, making the festival world-famous

Sustainability and Social Engagement

The festival maintains a strong ecological and social focus. Partner initiatives:

• Music Declares Emergency — An initiative by the music industry against the climate crisis
• Viva Con Agua — Non-profit initiative for clean drinking water worldwide
• Shuttle service from the train station, ride-sharing platform, official app
• Reusable cup system

A Festival Atmosphere That Impresses Artists

What makes Orange Blossom Special a myth is the encounter between artists and audience. One performer described it as: 'Felt like playing in front of thousands of our friends in a giant backyard' — an impression that manifests in the concerts. Artists often speak of it as a 'life-support station' — a festival that is not just about performances but a place for shared experiences.

Beverungen — Weser Town in the Höxter District

Beverungen is a small town of around 13,000 inhabitants in the Höxter district (North Rhine-Westphalia), located on the Weser river at the border with Lower Saxony and Hesse. Characterized by the rural Weser landscape and small-town tranquility, the town becomes a stronghold for an international festival audience once a year through the Orange Blossom Special. A symbiosis that would be hard to imagine without the festival — a festival that has put the town on the international indie map.