At Pentecost, the glass art village of Brand-Nagelberg in Lower Austria will once again become a vibrant meeting place for the international brass band scene: from May 22 to 24, 2026, the Brand traditional band invites you to the 14th "Der böhmische Traum" (The Bohemian Dream) festival—an event that has long since spread far beyond the Waldviertel region, yet still retains its family-friendly character.
What makes this festival so special is not only the musical quality, but above all its spirit: brass music is not seen here as a tradition in a museum, but as a living cultural form that connects people. Eight ensembles from Austria and across Europe—from Hungary to France to Germany—impressively demonstrate how diverse, modern, and surprising brass music can sound today. Among them are Brassaranka, European champions of Bohemian-Moravian brass music, as well as the Leibnitz Town Band, Happaranka, and the Junge Waldviertler Böhmische. A highlight is the unique participatory concept: anyone who brings an instrument can become part of the large concerts themselves. In this way, listeners become participants – and music becomes a common language across borders. A particularly nice touch: for the first time, a large concert for children and young people will also take place on Sunday, inviting young musicians to experience the festival atmosphere from the inside.
The South Bohemian Brass Music Festival in Brand-Nagelberg is recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
© Martin Butschell
2026 is also a year of anniversaries: Brand-Nagelberg celebrates 360 years as a market town, 35 years of the music center, and five years of UNESCO recognition of "South Bohemian brass music in Brand-Nagelberg" as intangible cultural heritage. But the "Bohemian Dream" is more than just a music festival. Around 200 volunteers organize the festival with great warmth—in the "largest living room in the Waldviertel," as visitors call the festival tent. The social commitment is also remarkable: the net proceeds go toward youth work, the purchase of instruments, sheet music, and equipment, as well as musical training and the maintenance of the music center. A festival that not only celebrates, but also provides lasting support.
Once again, Brand-Nagelberg will become a place where music brings people together at Pentecost – with a lot of heart, a lot of sound and, of course, #sooovielliebe.
May 22 to 24, 2026
www.derboehmischetraum.at
