Jaw harp festivals are my happy place. Since my obsession began 20 years ago, I have sought them out, saved my pennies, and gone to great lengths to meet my fellow harpers in person. Making pilgrimages to jaw harp festivals and gatherings ended up becoming a major focus in my life, and they’re what inspired me to do my PhD on the instrument.
The camaraderie and connection I feel at these events makes me feel like I’m truly part of a community. Time disappears into endless hours of nerding, excited conversations with people who just get it, and enough musical and artistic inspiration to sustain me for months. I may only see my harp friends once every few years, but the moment we meet, we’re right back in the zone.
I’ve put together a list of jaw harp events throughout the year, many of which I’ve attended, and some that are still on my bucket list. Most of us live in isolation from each other, connecting only online. My wish is for more harp nerds to experience the connection and fellowship at festivals. Do consider making the trek to one if you can!
International Jew’s Harp Congress, various locations & dates
The original jaw harp festival, the International Jew’s Harp Congress has been running since 1984. The festival is not on a set schedule, and happens unpredictably every few years once a host institution is available. I’ve been attending these festivals since 2010, and they’ve been life-changing. The 2011 Congress is actually what convinced me to do my PhD on the jaw harp. The 2025 festival is being held in Hokkaido, Japan, and I’m beyond excited to attend.
North American Jaw Harp Festival, various locations & dates
This was the first jaw harp festival I ever attended, and the gathering that connected me with my first jaw harp friends. It opened my eyes to the camaraderie amongst jaw harp nerds and made me feel like I’d finally found my people. The festival was run by the Jew’s Harp Guild for many years in Bay City on the Oregon coast. It is not currently active but there are hopes of it being revived, and I will definitely post if it does!
Munnharpe Forging Weekend, Gjøvik, Norway (May)
This is a highly recommended gathering for those who are interested in learning how to make jaw harps, or looking to improve their fabrication techniques. Usually there are local Norwegian blacksmiths teaching hot forging, and they often have guest makers who may demonstrate a variety of methods. In the evening, there are jam sessions with an array of jaw harps and traditional instruments. Despite not having aspirations to be a maker myself, I have attended this workshop several times and it’s an absolute joy. So much learning with wonderful people, and the outdoor springtime setting is beautiful.
Marranzano World Festival, Sicily (July)
If you’re a jaw harp and world music enthusiast, this festival is a must. Run by marranzano expert and activist Luca Recupero, this festival takes place outdoors in the summer in Catania, on the East Coast of Sicily. You’ll be steeped in everything the city has to offer, and be blown away by the ambience of the stage and sound system at night. You’ll see some of the best jaw harp players and bands here. This should be on any harp nerd’s bucket list, and you’ll definitely want to tack on some extra time to explore Sicily.
Ancient Trance Festival, Taucha, Germany (July)
An outdoor festival with camping, this is another long-running classic festival on the jaw harp calendar. Organized by the team at Dan Moi, this event features many big-name acts in the jaw harp world on multiple stages around the village of Taucha. This event also hosts workshops and a marketplace where you can buy jaw harps.
Le Reve de L’Aborigine, Airvault, France (July)
Another open-air summer festival with camping, this long-running French festival focusses on acts that incorporate jaw harp, didgeridoo, and overtone singing.
Munnharpe Festival, various locations in Norway (September)
Another beautiful Norwegian gathering, this one takes place in autumn when the daytime weather is still lovely and the nights are getting a bit crisper. This one is held indoors, at various rotating venues. You’ll get to hear the best players in Norway, take workshops with them, and mingle with the Norwegian folk music community. It’s so rare to be able to access jaw harp teachers and lessons, so getting exposure to the traditional Norwegian playing style through its own masters is highly recommended.
World Jaw Harp Music Festival of Taiwan, Miali, Taiwan (every other November)
This is a newer festival that’s an exciting addition to the jaw harp calendar. Founded by jaw harp player Hong Hong and happening every other year, it takes place once the intensely humid summer weather has cooled off. The second festival happened in 2024, and I’m hoping to attend the third festival in 2026. Stay tuned for more info!
Den Brumle Music Festival, Prague, Czech Republic (November)
Another great November option is Den Brumle. This one is currently on my wishlist as I have not yet attended, but it promises to be a great time with the most current jaw harp touring acts.
Global Vibes Dorombfestival, Kecskemét, Hungary (December)
Rounding out the year, we get a big finish to celebrate the holiday season with Global Vibes. A concert with a party atmosphere, hosted by well-known jaw harp player and maker Áron Szilágyi at the Leskowsky Musical Instrument Museum in Hungary, it features concerts, workshops, and all the good jaw harp vibes to usher in the new year.
Other jaw harp gatherings
World Mouth Harp Festival of India, Arambol, Goa, India
Founded by Neptune Chapotin of World Harps, this festival ran annually for several years, and has now transitioned into a monthly mouth harp gathering in Arambol organized by @mouthharpcommunitygoa. Follow their account for more information!
Khomus events in Yakutsk, Sakha Republic, Russian Federation
In addition to founding World Khomus Day on November 30th, Yakustk is home to the Khomus Museum, the world’s largest dedicated jaw harp collection. They host many khomus-related events throughout the year, and you can hear exceptional jaw harp performances at the Yhyаkh summer solstice festival, as well as the khomus virtuoso competitions.
Karinding events in West Java, Indonesia
The region of West Java (Sunda) is home to an amazing jaw harp community, where the local jaw harp karinding has been revived by metal musicians through the region’s underground music scene. If you’re there, try to catch a show by Karinding Attack or Karinding Sadulur, or attend the annual outdoor jaw harp camping retreat Kemping Karinding. This is on my bucket list for sure!
I hope this inspires you to get out there and check out a jaw harp gathering. There are several events not listed here, so please comment if you know any that should be added to the list. Attended a jaw harp festival before? Share your favourite memory!
hi! thank you for your fascinating articles. I am also join to International Jew’s Harp Congress in japan! I am looking forward to seeing you soon.