Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on Feb 17, 2026
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Do you love the melodious sounds of handpan? Would you like to take part in a large-scale event bringing together hundreds, or even thousands, of percussionists? What are the best festivals celebrating this Swiss-born instrument?
I’ve been passionate about the handpan for over 10 years, and every now and then I join gatherings of musicians who love this very special instrument as much as I do. So I can help you choose your next festival dedicated to the Hang.
When it comes to the handpan, there are dozens of festivals in Europe alone, and just as many across the Americas and the rest of the world. My personal favorite is HONA in Greece for its idyllic setting.
Once you have read this article in its entirety, you will have a good idea of the festivals that are taking place:
- In Europe
- In America
- In the rest of the world
Armed with this information, you can pick the festival that appeals to you most and share your passion for the handpan with like-minded souls, forging wonderful new connections along the way.
Let’s now take a look at all the festivals you can attend in Europe.
What are some interesting festivals to discover in Europe?
Whether in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, or Greece, almost every European country hosts one or more handpan-focused gatherings. Let’s take a closer look.
Hangaout Festival in France
Hangaout is a festival that usually takes place in June and aims to support French handpan artists, particularly in response to concert cancellations in recent years. Hangaout stands out for its unique approach in the cultural world, with a pay-what-you-want ticket model. All profits are shared fairly to support artists and technicians. The festival also emphasizes active audience participation, giving attendees chances to play and share, especially during casual “apéro stage” moments where amateur musicians can perform.
The Balbuzard estate, located in La Rouze, Condat-en-Combraille (63380), offers a natural setting conducive to relaxation and music. The site offers various accommodation options, ranging from camping to unusual lodgings such as caravans, teepees, and Hobbit houses. Food and refreshments are also available on site, with part of the profits going to the performers. The festival is organized by the Cosmoses association, which works to promote culture and the arts. Registration is usually done in advance, with tickets available at a pay-what-you-want price. It is recommended to check the official festival or association websites for up-to-date information on upcoming editions.
HONA in Greece
HONA is an international festival dedicated to the handpan, taking place on the island of Naxos in Greece. It brings together musicians and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate this unique instrument in an exceptional natural setting. You can go there in late May or early June to the small village of Agia Anna, whose beaches are simply magnificent, making it my favorite festival.
The HONA festival offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from camping to local lodgings. Mediterranean meals are served on site, showcasing the local cuisine. Tickets are available for pre-sale on the festival's official website. It’s best to book in advance, as the number of places is limited. Several concerts by renowned artists are offered. For example, past editions have featured Tech Cicada, REO MATSUMOTO, Patrizio Castrovinci ft. Stella, Mar Loi ft. Vic Moliner, Maja Wlazły, ibni, Geo Christakis & friends, GABA PROJECT, Dan Schachter Ensemble, and Dan Mulqueen.
Check out this video for an example of the festival's activities:
Pangonia Handpan Gathering in Germany
The Pangonia Handpan Gathering is an annual festival dedicated to the handpan, organized by Berlin’s community of enthusiasts. It aims to bring together local and international artists, handpan makers, and players to share music, learning, and great community vibes. It usually takes place in early July in the city of Potsdam near Berlin, in a natural setting by a lake, offering camping facilities, relaxation areas, and a central spot for social evenings.
The festival offers a variety of activities for participants: concerts, workshops to improve handpan skills, or more exotic activities such as Qi Gong, yoga, or sound healing. Jam sessions dedicated to musical improvisation, singing circles, meditations, and discussions to strengthen bonds within the community are also organized for everyone's enjoyment. Festival passes are available for pre-sale on the official website. It’s best to reserve early, as space is limited.
The PANTRIBE Handpan Summercamp in Belgium
The PANTRIBE Handpan Summercamp is a 5-day annual event dedicated to the handpan, taking place in Belgium in late August/early September. The exact address of this festival is: Koningsteen vzw, Oxdonkstraat 168, 1880 Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Flanders. Like the other festivals, it offers concerts, workshops, and various wellness activities.
Registration is handled online through the event’s official website. Prices vary depending on the accommodation options and activities you choose. It’s recommended to book early, as spots are limited. Several accommodation options are available, ranging from camping to single rooms. Balanced meals are served on-site, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
The Swiss Handpan Festival in Switzerland
Towards the end of June, the Swiss Handpan Festival takes place, which, as its name suggests, is held in Switzerland, more specifically in the town of Wetzikon. The festival offers a variety of activities ranging from concerts to workshops, plus an interesting market where you will find stands selling instruments with vendors offering advice on choosing your handpan, clothing, and various items related to hang drum culture. Tickets are available for purchase online on the official website. There are no multi-day passes; tickets must be purchased individually for each day.
Camping sites are available near the festival site. It is necessary to book in advance when purchasing tickets, as places are limited. Dry toilets and showers are available for campers. The Kulturfabrik restaurant offers food and drinks throughout the festival, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The venue is accessible by public transportation, with a bus stop nearby, and parking spaces are available for those arriving by car. Please note that participants are asked to respect the festival’s schedule and guidelines, particularly regarding noise in the evening, to maintain positive relations with the neighborhood.
Are there any gatherings of Hang drum players in America?
If you’re planning to visit North or South America, you’re sure to find a handpan festival ready to welcome you. Here are some of the most famous ones.
Pantasia in the USA
Organized by Hamsa Handpans, the Pantasia gathering aims to bring together musicians, makers, and enthusiasts to share music, learning, and community. It takes place in early June at Big Bear Lake in California, in a magnificent natural setting. Several accommodation options are available, ranging from on-site camping to rooms in nearby lodges. Meals are provided, with options for different diets. Workshops, concerts, jam sessions, and community activities are offered to festival-goers.
The Handpan Festival Canada
This festival is unique in that it does not necessarily take place in the same location every year. One edition was held in the city of Kimberley, Ontario, and featured workshops led by experts such as Mike Dragoman, Tom Wolf, and Brent Rowan. The Handpan Festival Canada is usually organized by active members of the Canadian handpan community, such as Gary Diggins and Shari Geller. Concerts, workshops, and instrument exhibitions make up the majority of this festival.
Encontro de Handpan Brasil
Encontro de Handpan Brasil is an annual gathering for the Brazilian handpan community, drawing musicians, makers, and enthusiasts to share music, learning, and camaraderie. It takes place in MairiporĂŁ each May. Registration is typically handled online through platforms like Sympla, and prices vary depending on the activities, accommodation, and transportation options you choose. Participants can look forward to classic workshops and concerts.
The best events dedicated to this percussion instrument in the rest of the world
Though less widely known than festivals in Europe or America, several gatherings are organized in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Here are the most popular ones, to my knowledge:
- Pantasia Handpan Festival (Japan)
- Handpan Festival India
- Handpan Asia Festival (Thailand)
- Handpan Africa Gathering (South Africa)
- Sahara Handpan Festival (Morocco)
- Handpan Gathering Australia
- New Zealand Handpan Festival
Take part in a festival with a magnificent handpan
When you develop a passion, especially for a musical instrument, it’s only natural to want to share it with people who feel the same way about that sound. Whether you live in Europe, America, or elsewhere, this article will help you find a handpan festival near you. All you have to do is reserve your tickets and enjoy the event.
However, you’ll get even more out of a handpan festival if you show up with your own instrument. That’s why I highly recommend the online store Instruments du Monde, which sells dozens of models to satisfy even the most demanding percussionists. My favorite is this superb mandala handpan with intricate patterns engraved directly onto the two metal shells.
Discover the sounds of this handpan right now by clicking on the image below:
Attending a handpan festival is an enriching experience that often lasts several days. If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, you might want to check out a handpan concert. You could even consider organizing your own to share your musical performance with the world.
