JazzHall SummerFestival
A week of jazz by the Outer Alster — open air and in the concert hall
About JazzHall SummerFest
Jazz by the Außenalster
The JazzHall at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre is located at Harvestehuder Weg 12—right on the banks of the Außenalster, one of the city's most beautiful spots. This is the heart of the JazzHall SummerFestival, held in late June and early July: a week-long celebration that brings together Hamburg's vibrant jazz scene, featuring both rising stars from the university and international guests.
Open Air and Concert Hall
What makes this festival unique is its dual format: afternoon open-air concerts right in front of the JazzHall by the water—completely free, with a relaxed picnic vibe. Evening concerts take place inside the concert hall (ticketed), showcasing established acts and the main program. If you want a full day of jazz, start at the outdoor stage in the afternoon and head into the hall for the evening performances.
Artists
The stage features a mix of young talent from the HfMT jazz program and established names: Vimbs Mavimbs (South African bassist), DIALECT (a Hamburg-based project), the Birdland Brothers Jam Session, the Jeremy Pelt Quartet, as well as focus artists Laila Nysten and Lucas Brum. The supporting program includes culinary delights by Cornelia Poletto, live music, face painting for kids, and upcycling workshops.
JazzHall and the Neighborhood
The JazzHall is the concert venue of the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre (HfMT), one of Germany's leading music conservatories. The SummerFestival is organized by the JazzHall in close partnership with the university. The artistic director is Tilman Oberbeck. The patron for 2026 is Senator Maryam Blumenthal, Hamburg's Senator for Science, Research and Equality. Neighborhood: Rotherbaum, Eimsbüttel district.
JazzHall SummerFest — edition 2026
JazzHall SummerFestival 2026
From Sunday, June 28 to Saturday, July 4, 2026, the JazzHall SummerFestival returns for a week of jazz by the Außenalster with a dual-format program. Over 150 musicians from 25 countries will perform in around 21 concerts, including 14 free open-air events.
Open Air at the Außenalster
In the afternoons, enjoy free open-air concerts right in front of the JazzHall on the banks of the Außenalster. The stage features a mix of emerging Hamburg acts and guests from the HfMT jazz program. Expect a relaxed picnic atmosphere by the water.
Concert Hall Program
Evening concerts in the JazzHall require tickets. The 2026 lineup includes: Vimbs Mavimbs (South African bassist), DIALECT (Hamburg-based project), Birdland Brothers Jam Session, Jeremy Pelt Quartet (Friday, July 3), and Milena Casado. Our focus artists are Laila Nysten and Lucas Brum.
Supporting Program
Culinary delights by Cornelia Poletto, music, face painting for children, and upcycling workshops. Patronage: Senator Maryam Blumenthal. Artistic Director: Tilman Oberbeck.
Programme JazzHall SummerFest 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026 — Festival Kick-off
- Afternoon — Free open-air opening at the Außenalster
- Evening — Opening concert in the hall (Bigband Summit)
Monday–Friday, June 29 – July 3, 2026
- Daily afternoon — Free open-air concerts in front of the JazzHall
- Daily evening — Concerts in the hall (tickets required)
- Featuring Vimbs Mavimbs, DIALECT, Birdland Brothers Jam Session, Milena Casado, and focus artists Laila Nysten and Lucas Brum
- Friday, July 3 — Jeremy Pelt Quartet
Saturday, July 4, 2026 — Grand Finale
- Afternoon — Final open-air sets
- Evening — Closing festival concert in the hall
A total of around 21 concerts, including 14 free open-air events, featuring over 150 musicians from 25 countries. Detailed program and tickets available at jazzhall.hfmt-hamburg.de/summerfestival.
Highlights JazzHall SummerFest 2026
Prices JazzHall SummerFest 2026
Practical information — JazzHall SummerFest
Getting there
U1 Hallerstraße or S-Bahn Dammtor, then about a 10-minute walk along the Alster. Easily accessible by bike. Postal address Harvestehuder Weg 12, visitor entrance Milchstraße 12.
Tickets
Afternoon open-air concerts: Free admission. Evening concerts in the concert hall: require tickets (Tickets via jazzhall.hfmt-hamburg.de).
Good to know
Open-air concerts in all weather (rain → concert hall). Supporting program with catering and workshops. Family-friendly.
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Where it takes place JazzHall SummerFest
JazzHall Hamburg (Eingang Milchstraße 12)
Harvestehuder Weg 12, 20148 Hamburg