International Jazz Festival Viersen

An Institution for Jazz Lovers

The International Jazz Festival Viersen is one of the most traditional jazz festivals in western Germany. Since the late 1980s, it has brought the international jazz elite to the Lower Rhine region year after year. The 38th edition will take place from September 25th to 27th, 2026. The organizer is the cultural department of the City of Viersen.

Three Venues Under One Roof

The festival uses three very different venues that are closely integrated:

• The Festhalle Viersen (Heimbachstraße 12) as the main hall for headliner concerts
• The Ernst-Klusen-Saal as an adjoining concert hall for chamber music sets
• The Lyzeumsgarten as an open-air stage behind the Festhalle

This combination allows for program jumps between large jazz concerts, intimate sessions, and a summery open-air atmosphere—all within a few steps of each other.

2026 Program Still Under Preparation

The complete 2026 program will traditionally be announced in spring/summer by the cultural department of the City of Viersen. The series maintains a deliberately broad stylistic orientation—from acoustic mainstream jazz and modern jazz to world jazz and young crossover acts. In recent years, artists such as Nils Landgren, Ack van Rooyen, Joo Kraus, Lisa Wulff Quartett, and Klaus Doldinger have performed in Viersen, among many others.

Lower Rhine Charm with Festival Atmosphere

Viersen is located in the Lower Rhine region of western North Rhine-Westphalia, directly on the border with the Netherlands. The Viersen district is known for its green landscapes and cultural tradition. The Jazz Festival is the cultural calling card of the city—supported by the City of Viersen, the Sparkasse Viersen Foundation, and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

More Than Just Concerts

The Lyzeumsgarten offers catering, drinks, and a relaxed festival atmosphere. Many visitors travel for the entire weekend, combining the festival with a short Lower Rhine getaway. Hotels in Viersen, Mönchengladbach, and Krefeld are reachable within minutes.