Freshlyground, known for their unique fusion of African styles with pop, jazz, and blues, is one of the most popular Afro-fusion bands in South Africa. After a break of several years, the band is now returning—with renewed energy and the powerful voice of their new frontwoman, the exceptional 20-year-old singer Mbali Makhoba.

Compota de Manana is one of the most original and promising groups in the current Latin American music scene. With their distinctive style, known as “Alternatimba,” the band combines Cuban timba with modern sounds, visual aesthetics, and a strong commitment to audiovisual storytelling.

You have to see and hear it to believe it: hip-hop and country music go together wonderfully. Gangstagrass has been proving it successfully for years. In this eight-piece formation, top bluegrass musicians and battle-hardened MCs blend rap with bluegrass, blues, and electronic beats. Not for genre purists—but everyone else will love the innovative sound.

Mine has even entertained audiences with acrobatic interludes on stage—but her music alone already creates intense excitement. It’s an innovative blend of pop, hip-hop, folk, electronic, and jazz. Added to that are “German-language lyrics with political ambition—but also successful,” as noted by Tagesschau, which considers Mine “one of the best artists currently in German pop.”

You can now find all dates of the anniversary edition on the program page, including short introductions to the artists. For more in-depth background information, a detailed program booklet is available at the advance ticket offices, the information booths, and in the online shop. 

This year, the Bardentreffen CD sampler is available once again. The Folk Galore magazine from the CPL Music Group has selected 17 artists and brought them together in a vibrant compilation. You can purchase the sampler at the information booths during the concerts or conveniently order it online already. If you are interested in more recordings by the performing artists, these are usually available directly at the stages after the concerts or at the information booth on the main market throughout the entire weekend.

We say “HAPPY” birthday to “50 Years of Bardentreffen.” With a donation of €10 or more, you help secure the future of Bardentreffen, Klassik Open Air, and Stars im Luitpoldhain. As a token of our thanks: extraordinary moments and exclusive pins, available at the on-site information stands or online. Here’s to celebrating many more birthdays together!

This year’s special edition of the program booklet, spanning 152 pages, looks back on five decades of music, encounters, and unforgettable festival moments. With all the information on the festival focus, the artists in the official program, special features, schedule, and street map, it offers fascinating insights into the history of Bardentreffen as well as the complete festival program. The booklet is available for €10 at regional bookstores and other advance ticket outlets, as well as at the information booths during the festival. You can also conveniently order it in our online shop and have it delivered to your home by post.

In the summer of 2026, Nuremberg will celebrate a double anniversary: 50 years of Bardentreffen world music festival and the 450th anniversary of the death of Nuremberg’s Meistersinger Hans Sachs, in whose honor the Bardentreffen was founded in 1976. Two jubilees that uniquely connect the past and present of the art of songwriting.