Jazzmeile Thüringen – Jena

The State Jazz Festival of Thuringia

The Jazzmeile Thüringen is the state jazz festival of the Free State and brings together concerts in Jena, Weimar, Arnstadt, Altenburg, and Nordhausen. Unlike classic weekend festivals, the program extends over several months – a format that enables deeper program work, long-term artist residencies, and workshops.

Jena – University City with an Active Scene

In Jena, Cafe Wagner, the Kunstverein Jena, and the Volkshaus are among the permanent venues. With its university, student scene, and the Jenaer Philharmonie, the city has an exceptionally open-minded audience for modern jazz, crossover, and improvisation formats.

«Philharmonie trifft Jazz» – The 2026 Format

In 2026, the Jena program line focuses on crossover. On May 30, 2026, at the Volkshaus, Israeli pianist Uriel Herman will perform with the Jenaer Philharmonie – a concert that combines Jewish tradition, Mediterranean soundscapes, and symphonic jazz.

Location Jena – Independent City

With around 110,000 inhabitants, Jena is the second-largest city in Thuringia and an independent city with the AGS code 16053. The university city, located between the Saale valley and Muschelkalk slopes, is a central hub of the East German cultural scene.