Locomotiv' Festival

Noumatrouff, cradle of Mulhouse's contemporary music

The Locomotiv' festival is inseparable from its venue, the Noumatrouff, a legendary venue on the Alsatian music scene. Born from the creation of the Fédération Hiéro in 1991 and located since 1992 in a former factory in the Mertzau district, this venue, labeled Scène de Musiques Actuelles (SMAC) since 1998, has two concert spaces with 600 and 300 seats. It is in this setting steeped in history and decibels that Locomotiv' has found its natural home, becoming over the years the emblematic festival of the Mulhouse local scene.

A 100% local scene, 100% free festival

Locomotiv's philosophy is based on a founding principle: highlighting regional talent. Each edition exclusively features bands and artists from the Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, and Grand Est regions, offering a valuable showcase for groups that do not always benefit from the visibility of national circuits. The free admission of the event, a core value of the festival, allows everyone to access quality programming without financial barriers. Bands like Mercyless, The Hook, Dirty Deep, and Knuckle Head have found Locomotiv' a springboard for their regional and national careers.

An eclectic and demanding rock program

While rock is the festival's common thread, Locomotiv' cultivates musical openness that reflects the diversity of the local scene. Past editions have hosted rock'n'roll, post-punk, death metal, stoner, dark country, gothic rock, hip-hop, folk, and indie rock. The 2024 edition, spread over two evenings, brought together 14 bands between the club and the main hall, with headliners like Dirty Deep (heavy blues) and The Hook (rock'n'roll). This program, "off the beaten track, demanding, and focused on discovery," is the festival's signature.

More than a festival, a moment of community

Beyond the concerts, Locomotiv' creates a true community moment for the Grand Est music scene. The festival is accompanied by exhibitions by local artists, a photobooth, the presence of local radio Brockzone live, and a complimentary aperitif upon opening. Musicians mingle with the audience between sets, exchanges are spontaneous, and the atmosphere recalls the foundational evenings that made Noumatrouff's reputation. The concentrated format—one or two intense evenings—creates a festive urgency that galvanizes artists and spectators, making each edition a unique and irreplaceable moment.