Umsonst & Draußen Festival Karlstadt

Volunteer-run, free, curated — the Umsonst & Draußen concept

The Umsonst & Draußen Festival Karlstadt stands for a concept that originated in Germany in the 1980s and is still alive today: no admission fee, no sponsoring pomp, but a curated and high-quality music program. The organizer is the non-profit association Troja e.V., backed by a crew of over 300 volunteers from Karlstadt and the surrounding area — they set up, serve drinks, run the bars, and handle security, awareness, and technical aspects.

Three days, two stages, around 25 acts

The format is clear: three days of festival, two stages, around 25 acts per edition. Stylistically focused on pop, indie, alternative, rock, with a clear penchant for the German and European newcomer scene. For several years now, there has also been a Newcomer Contest for young artists — a stage for bands that haven't yet broken into the festival mainstream. 2026 will see the third edition of the Newcomer Contest.

Campfire after the stage program

A special feature that sets the festival apart from the mainstream: After the official stage program, the music continues at the former campfire site — acoustic, smaller, more personal. If you're looking for a festival that doesn't abruptly end at midnight but winds down comfortably until 2-3 AM, this is the place.

Karlstadt am Main

Karlstadt am Main is a small Franconian town in the Main-Spessart district (around 15,000 inhabitants), located on the Main River about 25 km north of Würzburg. The old town with its city walls and towers is well-preserved. The festival site 'Fetenplatz Saupurzel' is located slightly outside the town center, directly on the banks of the Main — a pleasant walk from the train station and the city center.

Funding and Sponsorship

The festival relies on funding to maintain free admission. Main sponsors include Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg, BKM (Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media), Initiative Musik (Federal funding program for pop culture), and other regional partners. Donations from the audience during the festival weekend are also an important source of funding.

What to expect

• Around 25 bands and solo acts on two stages
• Pop, Indie, Alternative, Rock — predominantly German and European newcomers
• Newcomer Contest for young artists
• Festival campfire atmosphere after the stage program (Friday and Saturday)
• Regional beer (Franconian breweries)
• Street food stalls with Franconian and international specialties
• Family-friendly (during the day), festival atmosphere (in the evening)
• On-site awareness team
• Free admission (donations welcome)