jazzopen stuttgart 2026

A Festival with History and Reach

What started in 1994 at the Liederhalle with around 10,000 visitors has become one of Germany's most important city festivals: Every year at the beginning of July, jazzopen stuttgart takes over Schlossplatz in the heart of Baden-Württemberg's state capital. The organizer is Opus Festival-, Veranstaltungs- und Management GmbH, which has steered the festival from the classic jazz niche into a crossover between Jazz, Pop, Soul, Rock, and World music.

Stages and Format

The main stage is the open-air grandstand on Schlossplatz in front of the Neues Schloss — one of Germany's most beautiful festival backdrops. In addition, three smaller venues host parts of the program: the inner courtyard of the Altes Schloss for intimate acoustic sets, the BIX Jazzclub for late jam sessions and after-show concerts, and the SpardaWelt Eventcenter for medium-sized concerts. Admission is also free on the open stages throughout the city.

33rd Edition 2026 — Pop Meets Jazz

The 33rd edition clearly shows how far the festival has moved from its classic jazz format: Headliners include pop stars like Katy Perry and Nick Cave, alongside jazz crossover artists like Jamie Cullum and Joss Stone. This is a deliberate step that draws both criticism and praise — and makes the festival one of the most successful open-airs in the Stuttgart region.

Stuttgart as a Cultural Hub

Stuttgart, with around 630,000 inhabitants, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is known as a cultural hub primarily for its State Opera and the Stuttgart Ballet. jazzopen complements this high culture with a more popular summer format — and makes Schlossplatz the meeting point for the entire region between Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, and Tübingen. A climate-neutral and cashless festival concept, excellent technology, and sound quality are part of its core identity.

Modena as a Sister Festival

Starting in 2026, jazzopen is expanding internationally: From July 13th to 18th, 2026, the festival will take place for the first time in Modena (Italy) — a premiere year for its international expansion. Stuttgart remains the core, while Modena complements the concept.