FAQs
The following FAQ’s are from 2023 and are slowly being updated for 2025. Individual answers are subject to change, but we will leave them here as much of it is still relevant!
Do you offer 1 day, mid week, weekend or local tickets?
We do not. This is something we have tried in the past but have chosen against it for multiple reasons. The main reason we don’t is that besides the purpose of gathering around a shared love of craft, one of the leading purposes of Von Hand Festival is to connect to each other, ourselves and nature. We find it is most in service to our onsite community to have as few coming and going persons as we can. The continuity of people allows for deeper connections, and a clearer sense of safety for attendees to show up as themselves. We understand this is not fitting for all. We are huge supporters of other gatherings and events that offer different schedules and designs. We hope you understand and that you will consider joining for our unique festival.
Do I have to take Workshops?
No! We offer the workshops for those that want to learn something new or deepen their experience within a craft. The festival is about connecting to self, community, and our surroundings through craft. We encourage folks to bring projects they are working on. Hang out and craft! Attending workshops is like a bonus!
Can children attend?
Yes!!! We are working on the first year of our kids program for 2025.
If you able to bring your family we would love to welcome children to the event.
Everyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Workshops for children & youth?
We are working on a kid and youth program that will run throughout the week.
Attendance of other workshops by youth will be up to the discretion of the instructor. You can check in every workshop what the age limit is. Any child under 14 will need their guardian in or at the class with them unless otherwise designated. If you have any questions please contact us - info@vonhandfestival.com.
What should I bring?
We have a full packing list here: PACKING LIST
In Case of Cancellation
In the case of a cancellation on your part we can refund the amount paid for tickets and workshops minus a 5% processing fee up to a maximum of 14 days before the festival starts.
Unfortunately, it is still associated with a certain risk to organize such a festival. We are confident that everything can take place as planned. However, we cannot exclude that we might have to cancel or postpone a workshop, or in the worst case scenario the festival, at short notice. Should this be the case, we will of course refund the amount for your already booked tickets and courses. However, we ask for your understanding that in this case we have to retain 5% processing fee in order to be able to reverse transactions.
We appreciate your cooperation.
What if I don’t speak the language?
Our instructors come from more than 6 countries this year so most will be teaching in English, and festival communications are in English.
We know it is intimidating if you don’t speak/understand much english or other language the instructor speaks, but we would like to take some of the fear out of you if you are concerned about not understanding them. Even with just a few words or no words at all, it quickly becomes clear what to do with manual work. So you will be able to communicate with your hands and feet perfectly. And so we come to a full circle to the name of our festival, “Von Hand”.
For help on the website we suggest downloading the Google Translate extension and you can translate every page right on our website.
Will there be tools & items for sale?
Tools
Most workshops provide all the tools and materials needed.
If you would like to purchase tools we are arranging a small tool shop to be available on site.
We will also have a tool and materials Flea Market. Everyone is welcome to bring old or unused tools or craft materials to barter, sell or trade.
Products for sale
During the week we may have a small market set up where instructors can offer their wares throughout the week.
Once or twice during the week we will have a community market and barter faire. Anyone is welcome to offer their items for trade or sale.
There may be some tools for sale at this time, but we cannot guarantee. Tools will mostly be included for all classes, though you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! We are happy that at our new site dogs are welcome. They must stay on leash.
WIFI & Cell Service
There is no WiFi onsite.
Cell service is a little spotty on site. We invite you to disconnect for the week.
Will food be available?
Vegetarian meals, with vegan options, will be prepared and served by the staff at Burg Waldeck. You must pre-book your food ticket for the week, but if you are just attending the weekend you can pay per meal on site.
How do I get there?
The festival held at:
Pfadfinderlager Brexbachtal
Im Brextal, 56170 Bendorf, Germany
Directions: coming soon
What is the schedule?
(The below schedule is from 2023 and is subject to change for 2025)
7:30 Yoga with Daniel (depending on interest - time might change! or be in the evening)
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 Morning Circle for Announcements/Stretching/etc. (Please arrive on time! Bring what you need if you are taking a workshop in the morning!)
9:20 Workshops Start
13:00-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 Workshops Start
17/18:00 Workshops End
17:30/18:00 Demo’s, Tool Flea Market, etc.
18:30/19:00 Dinner & Self Service Bar Open (sharp tools away!!!)
20:00 Talks, Presentations, Songs & Stories & Hanging around the fire.
22:00 Site quiet hour. Everyone is welcome to stay by the fire to talk, sing, share stories, but we ask for a reduced volume to respect those going to sleep - including the venue family hosts.
Outside of courses we will have time spent around the fire, games, demonstrations, and time to hang out and craft. You are not required to take any workshops or could take one during every slot!
Are there Showers?
Yes! There are some simple showers for participant use. Please bring our own soaps.