Leipzig Jazz Days
50th Anniversary Edition from October 17 to 24, 2026, under the patronage of Federal President Steinmeier
About Leipzig Jazz Days
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Half a Century of Jazz in Leipzig
The Leipzig Jazz Days originated in 1976 as an initiative of the Leipzig jazz scene and have developed over the decades into one of the most important jazz festivals in Central Germany. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary — an occasion that excites not only the loyal Leipzig jazz fans but also the international jazz community. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has taken on the patronage, underscoring the cultural significance of this anniversary edition.
Eight Days of Concerts at Various Venues
From October 17 to 24, 2026, concerts will take place at different venues in Leipzig — from the Schaubühne Lindenfels and Werk 2 to classical concert halls. A special highlight is the concert by Jason Moran on October 21 at 8:00 PM in the St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) — the venue where Johann Sebastian Bach was the Thomaskantor. Jazz in this setting has a unique impact; Moran is one of the most influential pianists of our time, a multiple Grammy nominee.
The Line-up — Confirmed Artists
Already confirmed for 2026, in addition to Jason Moran, are: Norma Winstone & Kit Downes (a top-class British jazz voice with a virtuosic pianist), Bill Frisell (American jazz guitarist, one of the most influential of his generation), Conny Bauer (trombone legend from East Berlin, a formative figure in European free jazz), and ADHD (Icelandic jazz quintet with a distinctive sound). More acts will be announced in the course of 2026; general ticket sales open in September 2026.
Jazzclub Leipzig — The Organizer
Since its founding, the festival has been supported by Jazzclub Leipzig e. V. — a non-profit association that organizes jazz concerts in Leipzig year-round and maintains its own awareness concept, aiming to make the concert atmosphere safe and pleasant for all guests. Accompanying the Jazz Days, the Leipzig Jazz Young Talent Award will be presented — the application deadline is April 22, 2026.
Leipzig — City of Music
Leipzig, with its approximately 620,000 inhabitants, is one of Germany's most important music cities — the creative home of Bach, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Wagner. The Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Leipzig Opera, the Bach Festival, and the Notenspur (Sheet Music Trail) shape the classical scene; in jazz and subculture, Werk 2, Conne Island, and Schaubühne Lindenfels are established venues. The Leipzig Jazz Days uniquely combine classical venues (St. Thomas Church, Gewandhaus) with alternative concert spaces.
Leipzig Jazz Days — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Half-Century Anniversary
The anniversary edition of the Leipzig Jazz Days 2026 combines historical roots with current radiance. Eight days, multiple venues, a program featuring both major international jazz stars (Moran, Frisell, Winstone) and formative figures of German and European jazz (Conny Bauer). A definite highlight is the concert by Jason Moran on October 21 in St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) — jazz at one of the historic sites of European music.
The full program will be released in summer 2026. Until then, it is confirmed: the five mentioned acts are booked, with more to follow. General ticket sales begin in September 2026; exclusive sales for the Moran concert start earlier, on June 4, 2026.
Programme Leipzig Jazz Days 2026
Festival Week October 17–24, 2026
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 8:00 PM — St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): Jason Moran (USA, Piano Solo / Trio — Grammy-nominated jazz pianist)
- Kit Downes & Norma Winstone (UK, Vocals / Piano — Duo of jazz voice and virtuosic pianist)
- Bill Frisell (USA, Guitar — one of the most influential jazz guitarists of his generation)
- Conny Bauer (DE, Trombone — Free jazz legend from Berlin)
- ADHD (Iceland, Jazz Quintet — distinctive Nordic sound)
- More acts to be announced by summer 2026
Venues (Selection)
- St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) (Main stage opening / Headliner)
- Schaubühne Lindenfels
- Werk 2 (Hall A / D)
- Other clubs and concert halls in Leipzig
Accompanying Program
- Leipzig Jazz Young Talent Award — Application deadline April 22, 2026
- Production Internship — Applications via the festival website
Highlights Leipzig Jazz Days 2026
- 50th Anniversary Edition of the Leipzig Jazz Days — founded in 1976
- Patronage by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Jason Moran live in St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) — Jazz at Bach's place of work
- Bill Frisell, Norma Winstone, Conny Bauer, ADHD among other confirmed acts
- Eight days of programming at multiple venues across the city
- Awareness concept by Jazzclub Leipzig
Prices Leipzig Jazz Days 2026
Ticket prices per concert vary depending on the venue and headliner. Exclusive advance sales for the Jason Moran concert (St. Thomas Church): from June 4, 2026, 12:00 PM. General ticket sales for other concerts: from September 2026 via jazzclub-leipzig.de. Festival passes and discounts will be announced with the full program.
Practical information — Leipzig Jazz Days
Date 2026
Saturday, October 17 to Saturday, October 24, 2026 — eight days, various venues in Leipzig.
Venues (Selection)
St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), Schaubühne Lindenfels, Werk 2, and other concert halls and clubs in Leipzig. The exact distribution of concerts will be published with the program in summer 2026.
Tickets
Exclusive advance sales for the Jason Moran concert (October 21, 8:00 PM, St. Thomas Church) start on June 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM. General ticket sales open in September 2026. Tickets are available via the festival website jazzclub-leipzig.de.
Getting There
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) — ICE, IC, RE trains from all directions in Germany. Within the city, Leipzig is well-connected by trams and local trains.
Patronage
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier — recognition of the festival's 50-year history.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Leipzig Jazz Days
Diverse Spielstätten Leipzig (u.a. Thomaskirche, Schaubühne Lindenfels)
Leipzig (verschiedene Spielstätten), 04109 Leipzig