Innovative Crossover Jazz Festival in Nürnberg — German Jazz Award 2024
The NUEJAZZ Festival was founded in 2012 by musicians Frank Wuppinger and Marco Kühnl to bring an international jazz festival back to Nuremberg. In just a few years, it has developed into one of the most relevant jazz festivals in Germany — with two top awards: the German Jazz Award 2024 in the "Festival of the Year" category and the Cultural Prize of the City of Nuremberg 2023. The organizer is an independent working group of the association Nürnberger Jazzmusiker e.V.
NUEJAZZ is not a classic weekend festival; instead, it spans three weeks from mid-October to mid-November. This unusual duration allows for different thematic focuses on various weekends and for multiple venues to be used concurrently. The main venues are the Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG in the Muggenhof district (former AEG industrial site, now a cultural center), the Z-Bau in the south of Nuremberg (alternative cultural center), and the E-Werk.
NUEJAZZ's hallmark is the fusion of modern jazz with electronic elements, hip-hop, world music, and experimental sound. The festival presents international and national artists in the crossover genre, often representatives of the contemporary Berlin and Central European jazz scene. The artistic motto: "Sounds like NUREMBERG!" — an exploration of what contemporary jazz sounds like today and the stories it tells.
Beyond the main program, NUEJAZZ has developed several special formats: NUEJAZZ for Kids, with around 30 children's concerts annually, introduces children and young people to the world of jazz. The NUECOMER Jazz Awards, in cooperation with the Nuremberg University of Music, supports emerging talent. Workshops such as "The European Jazz Workshop" and "European Jazz Companions" bring together international students and professionals. Additionally, jam sessions invite any interested musician to participate.
The Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG, with its industrial architecture, offers an unusual concert stage — high ceilings, raw walls, good acoustics. The Z-Bau on Frankenstraße has been Nuremberg's alternative cultural center for decades. The E-Werk is a smaller, more intimate venue. In addition, annually changing pop-up locations and clubs are added for special concerts.
The 2026 edition of the NUEJAZZ Festival spans three weeks from October 24 to November 15 and will feature multiple Nuremberg venues concurrently. The artist selection follows the festival's philosophy: contemporary jazz in crossover with electronic sounds, world music, hip-hop, and experimental sound.
The Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG serves as the main industrial venue, while the Z-Bau and the E-Werk offer an alternative atmosphere. Additionally, pop-up locations and smaller clubs are integrated into the program. A multifaceted festival that transforms Nuremberg into a jazz capital of Southern Germany for three weeks.
Accompanying program: NUEJAZZ for Kids with around 30 children's concerts, NUECOMER Jazz Awards in cooperation with the Nuremberg University of Music, workshops like the European Jazz Workshop and European Jazz Companions, and open jam sessions.
Detailed program, artist list, and tickets available from summer 2026 on nuejazz.de. Festival passes are usually cheaper than single tickets.
Nuremberg is accessible by ICE high-speed train and many other train connections from all over Germany. The main venues can be easily reached by the VAG's U-Bahn (subway) and tram: Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG via U1 (Maximilianstraße), Z-Bau via U1 (Frankenstraße), E-Werk in the city center. By car, there are parking garages nearby, though some may have limited capacity.
Single tickets cost 30 to 50 Euros per concert, depending on the program and location. Festival passes may be more economical. Some free events (jam sessions, workshops, some opening concerts) are included. Booking is available via nuejazz.de and the respective venues.
A festival pass for several concert evenings is the best option for an intensive listening experience. The Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG offers the most spectacular atmosphere — be sure to experience it at least once. Late-night jam sessions (often at Z-Bau) are free and ideal for experiencing the festival musicians off-stage. Overnight stays in Nuremberg's city center are recommended.
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Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG, Z-Bau, E-Werk und weitere Spielorte
Kulturwerkstatt auf AEG, Z-Bau, E-Werk u.a., 90429 Nürnberg