Quedlinburg Dixieland and Swing Days

Dixieland in the UNESCO Old Town

The Quedlinburg Dixieland and Swing Days have been among the most beautiful jazz festivals in the state of Saxony-Anhalt for over two decades. The setting is the medieval World Heritage town of Quedlinburg on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains — over 2000 half-timbered houses from eight centuries, collegiate church, castle, cobblestone alleys. Around twelve bands from Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland fill this backdrop with their sounds for three days: Dixieland, Swing, New Orleans Jazz, Hot Jazz, Bluegrass, and Skiffle.

The festival is organized by Freundeskreis Quedlinburg swingt e.V. and is part of a Quedlinburg tradition dating back to the early 2000s. The 22nd edition is scheduled for 2026 — performances will take place at four venues in the old town, including squares, halls, and gastronomic establishments around the market.

The Legendary Dixie Train

A special feature that sets the festival apart from the concert calendar: the Dixie Train. A steam locomotive from the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways pulls a special train with bands on board through the Selke Valley — from Quedlinburg to Waldhof Silberhütte. The musicians play during the journey, and there are stops and celebrations at the stations. The HSB narrow-gauge railway is already a cultural heritage, and the Dixie Train is a highlight in itself.

Important: The HSB plans an extensive renovation and investment program starting in 2027. 2026 might be the last edition of the Dixie Train in this form for a long time — tickets are in high demand accordingly.

Quedlinburg — A Town That Swings

Located in the Harz district, Quedlinburg is one of Germany's most important World Heritage towns. The Saxon Empress Mathilde founded the collegiate foundation here in 936; in the Middle Ages, Quedlinburg was one of the most powerful imperial foundations in the Holy Roman Empire. Today, the town is primarily a tourist magnet — and during the Dixieland Days, also a vibrant concert venue where performances take place simultaneously on four stages.