Jazztime Hildesheim

Over Four Decades of Jazz in Hildesheim

Founded in 1979, Jazztime Hildesheim is one of Lower Saxony's most traditional jazz festivals. Over the decades, it has established itself as a fixture in the North German jazz scene. Numerous stars from the German and international scene have performed here, and the festival is considered a platform for both established stars and young talents.

Two Worlds in One Weekend

The festival's dramaturgy thrives on the combination of two event formats. On the Historic Market Square, the free open-air stage plays from midday into the evening on Sunday and Monday, turning the market square with the Knochenhaueramtshaus, Tempelhaus, and historic facades into Lower Saxony's largest jazz sound zone. Several bands alternate, the seats on the surrounding steps and in the cafés fill up, and the audience ranges from jazz connoisseurs to families who drop by spontaneously.

Gala Evenings at the City Theater

In parallel, the high-caliber gala concerts take place at the Hildesheim City Theater. In 2026, two particularly prominent names are on the program: the Thomas Quasthoff Quartet on Pentecost Saturday and Afra Kane & Band on Pentecost Sunday. Thomas Quasthoff, one of the outstanding baritone voices of our time and a multiple Grammy winner, has intensely turned to jazz after his classical career. Swiss pianist Afra Kane combines jazz, soul, and classical influences into a distinctive style.

Genre Diversity

Jazztime never limits itself strictly: mainstream jazz, swing, bebop, modern jazz, vocal jazz, blues, and also funk- and soul-oriented styles find their place. This openness has attracted a broad audience to the festival and ensures new stylistic accents every year.

Pentecost Weekend in Hildesheim

The festival traditionally falls on the Pentecost weekend, one of the most important dates in the Lower Saxony event calendar. With Hildesheim as the venue, the UNESCO World Heritage surroundings, and the lively city center, it creates a festival weekend that combines musical experience with city exploration. Many visitors combine their festival visit with a weekend stay in the city.