Worms: Jazz & Joy — 35th International Music Festival

35 Years of Worms: Jazz & Joy

The festival was launched in 1991 – out of the idea to use the unique ambiance of Worms city center with the Romanesque Cathedral St. Peter, the Heylshofpark, and the surrounding squares for a high-caliber music festival. 35 years later, Worms: Jazz & Joy is one of the largest festivals in southwestern Germany – a three-day sound event with national and international appeal.

Four Stages, Three Days

The concept has been proven for years: Four open-air stages are set up in Worms city center – at the Marktplatz, Domplatz, Lutherplatz, and Lutherdenkmal. Each stage has its own independent program, allowing visitors to switch freely between stages with one ticket. In total, over 100 concerts can be experienced over three days.

Genre Diversity from Jazz to Pop

The program is much broader than the festival name "Jazz & Joy" might suggest. In addition to classical and mainstream jazz, you'll find Blues, Soul, Funk, R&B, Pop, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Latin, and World Music. This genre diversity is programmatic: it appeals to a broad audience and enables musical discoveries beyond one's own listening habits.

Highlights 2026

Special concert on the opening evening (August 21st): Clueso, one of the most successful German-speaking singer-songwriters of recent decades. Other international highlights: Paul Carrack (long career with Mike & The Mechanics, Squeeze, own soul projects) and Matt Johnson – the former bassist and songwriter of Jamiroquai. In addition, there are numerous other nationally and internationally renowned acts, which are newly curated each year.

Church Concerts and Children's Area

A special feature of Jazz & Joy are the church concerts in Worms' churches – acoustic, intimate sets in a sacred atmosphere as a counterpoint to the open-air energy. For young festival guests, there is a dedicated children's area at the southern portal of the Cathedral with interactive music, small concerts, and play activities. The festival is therefore also attractive for families.