Concept
Upside Down Festival is a swing music & dance festival where we welcome a variety of other art forms and offer multiple perspectives on creating a sustainable community in which everyone can thrive.
We focus on vernacular jazz, lindy hop, tap dance and other African American jazz dance forms.
As guests in these Black music and dance cultures, we appreciate and celebrate its creativity, sense of community, and freedom of expression.
We offer a layered program that is value-based: respect for the African American culture, sustainabilty, inclusion & diversity, and connection.
This year marks the 7th edition of Upside Down Festival! Together with the festival, we have grown and keep on growing.
Explore our mission, program and values below.
Rise up and shine
Upside Down is so much more than a festival
✨ it empowers people to speak up about what they stand for.
✨ it offers a unique artistic voice and many out-of-the box activities.
✨ it centres around values of inclusivity, community and sustainability. Cultural appreciation and respect for the African-American cultural are at the core of the festival.
✨ it’s kind of weird. You’ll see.
✨ it questions everything. Really, everything?
And of course you will dance your asses off to amazing live music while shouting, crying, hugging and loving!
A lot is happening…
We have swingin’, jazzy, artsy and plenty other activities planned for you.
Not familiar with the lingo? Read all about it on the website.
… some at the same time
Yeah, that’s kind of the concept. Turn your FOMO into JOMO (joy of missing out) by building your own, unique program.
Go all in, day and night – or save your energy for the afternoons. There are 2 types of passes.
We offer 4 different tracks for dancers who want to learn steadily in a group. Consider it a set menu!
Prefer to dine à la carte? We got you covered with our Pick ‘n’ Mix activities. You decide how many and how to mix ’em.
The Upside Down Values
Because we care and hope you do, too
Respect for the African American culture
Peg Leg Bates was the inspiration for Upside Down Festival 2023! Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates was an African-American tap dancer with a wooden leg. His story and legacy will feature prominently throughout the festival.
Sustainability in all its aspects
Our international dance scene is a wonderful place to enjoy life and express ourselves through dance. And we can make it better!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Upside Down Festival welcomes all bodies. We want to contribute to a more inclusive swing dance and music scene.
We are all about people. Check out this video below.