What Are Drum Camps?
If you're a drummer and love a wild weekend out, this is for you. There are many outdoor events for percussionists and these multi-day festivals are called drum camps.
Drum camps usually feature drum circles, performances, lessons, workshops, dancing and singing. You can camp out, meet people and drum to your heart's content.
We love them because they're not only a great way to improve your skills, they're something you can bring the whole family to.
So we've put together a list of the best drum camps from all over the world.
Photo: William Neuheisel
Things you might find at a drum camp
The camps usually have both formal and informal activities. Here are a few things you might find:
- Scheduled percussion performances
- Drumming lessons and workshops
- Facilitated drum circles
- Informal drum circles
- Dancing / singing workshops
- Performance art
- Bonfires
- Late night jams
- Yoga, massage, meditation and other holistic therapies
- Market stalls selling food, drink, clothing and other weird things.
- Drum shops selling drums and accessories
- Other activities like hiking and swimming
Many of these events started off as small gatherings, like a group of friends meeting up to drum. Over time, some have grown into huge festivals. This is why there's usually a chill vibe and a happy sense of community throughout.
It's best to bring your own drum as well as all the usual camping gear if needed. Most of them are family and pet friendly, although it's good to check.
Photo: Steven Damron
Drum Camps and Festivals Worldwide
Fancy wandering the world to visit all the drumming camps?
Here they all are.
UNITED KINGDOM | |
| Bath & Bristol/Leicestershire | Tribe Of Doris |
| Malmesbury, Wiltshire | WOMAD |
UNITED STATES | |
| Austin, Texas | Eeyore's Birthday Party |
| Black Rock Desert, Nevada | Burning Man Festival |
| Bozeman, Montana | Rhythms World Drum Camps |
| Flagstaff, Arizona | Camp Merveilles |
| Utah | Merveilles Utah |
| Kapa'au, Hawaii | Camp Merveilles Hawaii |
| Maui, Hawaii | Maui Drum & Dance Ohana |
| Lake Wales, Florida | Camp Africa Florida |
| New Lebanon, New York | Spiritfire Festival |
| Little Switzerland, North Carolina | Kumandi African Drum and Dance Camp |
| Pocono Valley, Pennsylvania | Wula Drum & Dance Retreat |
| Dunlap, California | Camp Fareta |
| Santa Cruz Mountains, California | Kosmos Music & Dance Camp (cancelled) |
| Oakland, California | Born To Drum Camp |
| Seattle, Washington | World Rhythm Festival |
| Tallahassee, Florida | Annual Florida African Dance Festival |
| Madison, Wisconsin | Drum Power Summer Camp |
AUSTRALIA | |
| Adelaide | WOMADelaide |
| Near Melbourne | Camp Samatou |
| Belgian Gardens, Queensland | Drum & Dance Camp |
| Mid North Coast, New South Wales | Bellingen Community African Drum and Dance |
NEW ZEALAND | |
| New Plymouth | WOMAD |
CANADA | |
| Toronto, Ontario | Muhtadi International Drumming Festival |
| Land O’Lakes (near Kingston), Ontario | Ontario Womyn’s Drum Camp |
NETHERLANDS | |
| The Hague | The Hague African Festival |
GERMANY | |
| Würzburg | Afrika Festival |
SPAIN | |
| Cáceres, Extremadura | WOMAD |
INDONESIA | |
| Candidasa region, Bali | Bali Drum Camp |
What are you waiting for? Get packing!
Let us know your favorite drum camp in the comments. Also, if you know any more, leave a comment.
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Dear Sirs: My name is Brent Lewis. I have been doing drum shows for the sick, elderly and children’s schools. I have taken the liberty to send you a link to one of my children’s shows. I do hope you enjoy this and please do not hesitate to contact me if there is an interest. I can do any type of show from schools to private parties. Thank you, Brent Lewis
https://youtu.be/gck3sYzA268
http://www.brentlewis.com
Born to Drum Camp for women in Oakland, California. http://www.womendrummers.org
Amazing to see this! Wish I could be there.
Given up all drum djembe circles, they more of personal aggrandizement selectivity, than comraderie. Better solo drumming on long destinations, hill top, along river…..