54th International Dixieland Festival

The INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL Dresden, the world's largest and oldest festival for traditional jazz, invites you to the 54th edition from May 10 to 17, 2026. More than 40 events will once again get the city swinging - with 33 ensembles from 9 countries, legendary classics such as the unique "Riverboat Shuffle" and new highlights such as the exclusive "Late Night Boogie" in the Tresor. Weather permitting, the organizers expect more than 350,000 visitors from Germany, Europe and beyond. Under the motto "Dresden as the world capital of Dixieland", the Saxon state capital will once again become a meeting place for top international jazz musicians.

Program between world class and tradition

Over 250 hours of music - almost half of it free of charge - are on the program in May 2026. In addition to the "Riverboat Shuffle" and the major gala concerts, the renowned events also include the living room concerts in Hoppe's Hoftheater, the family festival at Dresden Zoo and the legendary "Dixietram".

The line-up impressively demonstrates the international range of the festival. The French Mama Shakers with their charismatic front woman and energetic jazz are back in Dresden after their brilliant festival debut in 2024. The Swiss pianist Ladyva, celebrated queen of boogie-woogie, will open the festival's return to the Pianosalon. Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics from the UK and The Busquitos and The OhnO! Jazzband from the Netherlands provide show, humor and musical quality.

New additions to the schedule include the "Late Night Boogie" format in the "Tresor" - an exclusive concert in an unusual location under the Löwensaal with space for just 100 visitors. Another highlight "underground" awaits music lovers with "Hot Jazz in the Fortress" in Dresden Fortress - in the casemates as well as in the Kanonenhof and Bärenzwinger.

Highlights of the festival

The globally unique "Riverboat Shuffle" on the festival Wednesday (13.05.2026) on the paddle steamers and saloon ships of the Weiße Flotte Sachsen will once again be a special highlight in 2026, while weekend visitors can enjoy the "Riverboat Special Cruise" on Friday (15.05.2026). "Dixieland International" celebrates the big summit meeting of international bands. The 1920s-style "Prohibition Party" at the Parkhotel Dresden offers Charleston, swing and an original bar atmosphere. And with the "Open Stage", the open stage on the "Dresden Jazz Mile", up-and-coming bands and amateur musicians can show off their skills from May 15. The organizers are once again in talks with MDR Sachsen as a cooperation partner.

Advance ticket sales for the 54th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL Dresden start on October 24, 2025 at 9.00 am. Tickets are available directly via the website www.dixielandfestival-dresden.com and at many advance booking offices.