Leipzig Jazz Days

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.