Tradition in sound, future in time.

Welcome to the St.Gallen Rhine Valley.
Three people sitting on suitcases on a sidewalk.
Logo EVMF 27 Altstaetten
Overview

A guest in eastern Switzerland.

Federal association festivals have a long tradition and are an integral part of Swiss folk culture. In the idyllic market town of Altstätten in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, the 15th Federal Folk Music Festival from 9 to 12 September 2027 will focus on cultivating the cultural heritage of Swiss folk music. The festival will be complemented by suitable supporting events, culinary delights and conviviality - as well as modern approaches that characterize folk music as a lively and versatile cultural form.

  • traditional and new folk music
  • 12 stages spread throughout the old town
  • 20 tents, pubs, bars and trolleys
  • 250 music lectures
  • 50 junior lectures
  • 1500 active musicians
  • Around 50,000 visitors
  • Accompanying and supporting events
  • Culinary delights and conviviality
  • Several markets and partner mile
  • Parade
Three women playing violins on a hillside.
Previous venues

A journey through all parts of Switzerland.

1971

Sargans

Horw

1975
1979

Winterthur

Interlaken

1983
1987

Martigny

Küssnacht

1991
1995

Appenzell

Interlaken

1999
2003

Bull

Stans

2007
2011

Chur

Aarau

2015
2019

Crans-Montana

Bellinzona

2023
2027

Altstätten

in the St.Gallen Rhine Valley

The historic market town of Altstätten will be the first venue for the Federal Folk Music Festival in the rural yet very cosmopolitan St. Gallen Rhine Valley. The geographical location of Altstätten and the Rhine Valley will be used to inspire the inhabitants of neighboring countries and regions with the diversity of Swiss folk music.

Gallery

Pictures that tell stories.

A look back: discover the most beautiful moments of past Federal Folk Music Festivals in our gallery - full of music, joy and living tradition.

Two men playing accordions with a yellow banner in the background.
A man wearing a blue jacket and a white vest stands on stage.
A man holding a musical instrument with a black shirt and a black chair.
A woman with a cello is playing in a restaurant.
A man giving a speech in front of a group of flags.
A young boy wearing glasses and a black jacket is playing a red accordion.
A woman wearing a green vest and holding a cello.

"It fills me with pride that Altstätten will host the 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival - a festival that honors our cultural tradition and connects people from all regions of the country. Altstätten will become a stage for music and a place of exchange, inspiration and genuine hospitality."

Ruedi Mattle
Ruedi Mattle
Mayor of Altstätten

"With its cultural diversity and strong club life, Altstätten offers ideal conditions for the 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival. As project delegate, I am looking forward to working with a committed OC to create an unforgettable festival and present our town nationally as open and aware of its traditions."

Andreas Broger
Andreas Broger
Vice mayor and official project delegate of the town of Altstätten

"Swiss folk music is diverse and reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of our country - this is exactly what the SAAM brings to life at every Federal Folk Music Festival. With Altstätten and its dedicated people, we have found the ideal location for a modern yet tradition-conscious festival in 2027."

Markus Brülisauer
Markus Brülisauer
Managing Director Swiss Folk Music Association

"With Altstätten as the host, the 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival offers a culturally and geographically ideal stage in the four-country corner, which enables new impulses beyond the national borders. After stops in other parts of the country, the festival is returning to Eastern Switzerland for its 15th edition - down-to-earth and yet very innovative."

Ralph Janser
Ralph Janser
Central President of the Swiss Folk Music Association

"A folk music festival of this size in our homeland just feels right and is a great opportunity for regional and national awareness. As a committed dulcimer player, I am delighted to be involved in shaping the festival and strengthening the folk music scene in Eastern Switzerland."

Dario Schmid
Dario Schmid
Management | Head of office EVMF 2027

"The Federal Folk Music Festival is a great honor for our region and strengthens both the regional identity and the Rhine Valley as a location. We will create a festival with its very own DNA that builds on a wealth of experience and will radiate both nationally and beyond national borders."

Simon Büchel
Simon Büchel
Management | Head of Partnerships and Communication EVMF 2027

"Swiss folk music has been an integral part of my life since I was a child and I am honored to help shape the EVMF 2027. We are contributing our stage experience and organizational strength to make this national festival a regional and national highlight with full energy."

Philipp Färber
Philipp Färber
Co-President OC EVMF 2027

"As a passionate folk musician, it is an honor for me to help shape the 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival and bring it to our region. With our experience and a lot of passion, I would like to contribute to an unforgettable festival for everyone involved."

René Lei
René Lei
Co-President OC EVMF 2027