Name: International Sparda-Bank Blues & Jazz Festival Bamberg 2026
Start: 2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-09T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Böhmerwiese und Innenstadt Bamberg

Sparda Festival Bamberg

About Sparda Festival Bamberg

The International Sparda-Bank Blues & Jazz Festival Bamberg is considered Europe's largest free open-air festival for Blues and Jazz. For ten days, over 60 bands transform the Böhmerwiese and the city center of the UNESCO World Heritage city into a vibrant stage – with free admission and around 150,000 visitors. International stars and regional talents meet in one of the most extraordinary festival settings in Bavaria.

Dates 31 Jul — 09 Aug 2026

Venue Bamberg (09461)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Sparda Festival Bamberg — edition 2026

The 19th edition of the International Sparda-Bank Blues & Jazz Festival Bamberg takes place from July 31 to August 9, 2026. Over 60 bands, including The Animals and Miller Anderson, will perform with free admission on the Böhmerwiese and in the city center of the World Heritage city.

From July 31 to August 9, 2026, over 60 bands will transform the Böhmerwiese and Bamberg's city center for the 19th edition of the Sparda Festival. The lineup is led by British Invasion icons The Animals – famous for "The House of the Rising Sun" and members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the GRAMMY Hall of Fame – and Woodstock veteran Miller Anderson, who performed at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969. Also featured is Will Wilde, the "Hendrix of the harmonica." The program is complemented by additional concerts, Breakfast Blues, and performances in surrounding villages. Admission to all concerts is free.

Highlights Sparda Festival Bamberg 2026

The Animals – British Invasion icons, "The House of the Rising Sun"
Miller Anderson Band – Woodstock veteran from 1969
Will Wilde, the "Hendrix of the harmonica"
Over 60 bands with free admission
Unique setting of the UNESCO World Heritage city

Programme Sparda Festival Bamberg 2026

Ten days of programming with over 60 bands on the main Böhmerwiese stage and at several venues in the city center. Headliners 2026: The Animals (British Invasion, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) and Miller Anderson Band (Woodstock veteran). Other acts include Will Wilde, Henry Freischlader, Latvian Blues Band. Additional concerts at KUFA, Breakfast Blues events, and concerts in surrounding villages.

Prices Sparda Festival Bamberg 2026

Admission to all concerts is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.

Practical information

Practical information — Sparda Festival Bamberg

Getting There

Bamberg is easily accessible via the A70 and A73 motorways and by train (ICE stop Bamberg). The venues are located in the city center and on the Böhmerwiese, within walking distance of the train station and accessible via the city bus network.

Admission

Admission to all concerts is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.

Note

The detailed program will be published in advance at sparda-festival.de.

World-Class Music in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The International Sparda-Bank Blues & Jazz Festival Bamberg is one of the outstanding musical events in Franconia and is Europe's largest free open-air festival for Blues and Jazz. For over ten days, more than 60 bands perform on the Böhmerwiese and at numerous venues in Bamberg's city center – the unique backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage city makes the festival a special experience.

Program and Stars

The lineup combines international legends with regional talents. For the 19th edition in 2026, British Invasion icons The Animals – famous for "The House of the Rising Sun" and members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – as well as Woodstock veteran Miller Anderson will be on stage. The main program is complemented by additional concerts at venues like KUFA, Breakfast Blues events, and performances in surrounding villages.

Festival Atmosphere

Around 150,000 visitors experience a festival year after year, whose hallmark is free admission to all concerts. A relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere develops between the stages, beer gardens, and the historic old town, attracting music fans from all over Europe.

Regional Context

Bamberg is an independent city in the Upper Franconia administrative region of Bavaria and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival is organized by Stadtmarketing Bamberg e.V. The Sparda Festival is an integral part of the Franconian event summer and a cultural flagship of the region.