About Rudolstadt Festival

"Rudolstadt was nothing like I could ever have even imagined.“
 
Nora Guthrie, daughter of legendary folk singer Woodie Guthrie, was rapturous in her letter describing the Rudolstadt Festival. She expressed her 'open plea' to all musicians: "Book an extra night! Stick around! When your own work is done, schedule an extra day in your itinerary to really experience Rudolstadt, its people, and the festival crowd because you’ll never come across anything like it again.“
 
Most visitors coming to Rudolstadt feel the way Nora Guthrie does. The variety of the festival is simply overwhelming: Global pop from Spain and the vocal play of the Inuit, classical Iranian percussion and techno-trance from Turkey, Norwegian folk rock and German-Lebanese Ethno Jazz. For four days, there are about 300 performances by 150 bands and solo artists. It is one of the largest and most prestigious world music festivals in Europe. This range of concerts, workshops and talks attract up to 25,000 visitors a day.
 
In Rudolstadt, newcomers from all over the world stand alongside established names from the roots, folk and world music scene. (Who has played there since 1991 is available in our archives.) Every year the festival showcases the music and dance style of one particular country. The musical richness and its contrasts make up the unique atmosphere of the festival. Add to this the summer scenery of the Thuringian town located directly on the Saale river, where the Heinepark lies with two main stages surrounded by greenery, the Heidecksburg castle sits high above the town providing concerts with panoramic views. Overall, more than 20 stages are spread over the entire town.  
 
In short: It is a surprising, charming festival with plenty of space for new discoveries. Or as Nora Guthrie puts it: "It’s simply out of our experience and imaginations.“