International Dixieland Festival Dresden
The largest and oldest festival for traditional jazz worldwide
About Dixieland Festival Dresden
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More than half a century of tradition
First held in 1971, the Dixieland Festival Dresden is the oldest of its kind worldwide and a firm fixture in Dresden's event calendar. Even during GDR times, it attracted bands and audiences from East and West to the Elbe, and today it is considered a musical bridge between the jazz scenes of Europe and North America.
A city in Dixieland fever
During the festival week, bands play on around 50 stages in the city center: at Neumarkt, Frauenkirche, along the Elbe at Terrassenufer, and in numerous venues, churches, and halls. The Jazz Mile strings together seven open-air stages, allowing visitors to stroll from one band to the next with free admission. Concert halls such as the Schauspielhaus or the Kulturpalast also offer special concerts requiring tickets.
Ships, Trams, and a Riverboat Shuffle
A special feature is the floating stages: bands play on the historic paddle steamers of the Saxon Steamship Company during Elbe cruises – the Riverboat Shuffle is one of the most sought-after festival experiences. The Dixietram, a specially decorated tram of the DVB, also travels through the city with a live band.
In the heart of Saxony
Dresden, the capital of the state of Saxony and a district-free city (AGS 14612), provides the ideal stage for a festival that combines tradition and internationality with its baroque backdrop. The mix of open-air atmosphere, boat trips on the Elbe, and concerts in historic halls makes the Dixieland Festival one of the city's characteristic spring events.
Friends of Jazz Tradition Association
The organizer is the Förderverein Jazztradition Dresden e.V. (Friends of Jazz Tradition Association Dresden), which organizes the annual festival week and has been preserving the heritage of traditional jazz in Dresden for decades. The association works with numerous partners in the city, from restaurateurs to the Saxon Steamship Company.
Dixieland Festival Dresden — edition 2026
54th Edition in Full Swing
The 2026 festival week combines open-air performances, hall concerts, and boat trips. Seven open-air stages line the Jazz Mile, complemented by concert halls, churches, and venues. Paddle steamers of the Saxon Steamship Company will take bands and audiences onto the Elbe, and the Dixietram will travel through Dresden with live music.
International Lineup
Bands and soloists from eight nations will shape the festival week – including Mama Shakers from France and Sunshine Brass from Germany. Dan Popek was particularly celebrated in previous editions for his classical-jazz crossover programs.
Alternative Finale
As the traditional Dixieland parade is canceled this year due to approval delays, the Förderverein Jazztradition Dresden e.V. invites you to an alternative closing event on Sunday, May 17th at 4 PM.
Programme Dixieland Festival Dresden 2026
Location and Format
- 58 stages in Dresden's Altstadt and Neustadt
- Jazz Mile: 7 open-air stages with free admission
- Concert halls, churches, and venues for special concerts requiring tickets
- Paddle steamers of the Saxon Steamship Company for Riverboat Shuffles on the Elbe
- Dixietram with live band through Dresden
Bands and Soloists
- 44 bands and soloists from 8 nations
- 275 hours of live music in total
- Including Mama Shakers (France), Sunshine Brass (Germany)
Finale – May 17, 2026
- 4:00 PM – Alternative closing event by the Förderverein Jazztradition Dresden e.V. (instead of the canceled parade)
Highlights Dixieland Festival Dresden 2026
Prices Dixieland Festival Dresden 2026
Practical information — Dixieland Festival Dresden
Getting there
Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main station) is accessible by ICE high-speed trains from all over Germany. Most stages are within walking distance or a few tram stops away in the Altstadt (Old Town).
Tickets
Many open-air performances are free of charge. Tickets are required for special concerts, Riverboat Shuffles, and hall concerts – available online and from the festival hotline +49 351 27187155 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM).
Tip
Plan your festival days with the official program guide – the Jazz Mile can be walked in one go; early booking is recommended for the boat trips.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Dixieland Festival Dresden al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Dixieland Festival Dresden
Dresdner Altstadt und verschiedene Spielstätten