Copenhagen Jazz Festival – Denmark 2026

Background & History

Since its inception in 1979, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival has solidified its status as one of Europe’s premier music events, transforming Copenhagen into a vibrant jazz hub each summer. Organized by the non-profit Copenhagen Jazz Festival Fonden, the festival aims to elevate the Danish jazz scene by presenting over 1,200 concerts across 120 venues, blending international and local talent with a focus on artistic innovation. Its roots trace back to the 1950s and 1960s, when Copenhagen became a jazz mecca, attracting American legends like Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Ben Webster, and Kenny Drew, who found a creative home at the iconic Jazzhus Montmartre. Danish artists like Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Alex Riel, and Palle Mikkelborg also gained global recognition during this era, cementing the city’s jazz legacy.

Now attracting over 250,000 visitors annually and generating approximately 80 million DKK for Copenhagen’s economy (per Wonderful Copenhagen, 2011), the festival complements its winter counterpart, Vinterjazz, a three-week nationwide event with 600 concerts across 150 venues. The non-profit foundation reinvests all surpluses into future festivals, ensuring accessibility through numerous free concerts and fostering inclusivity with programs for diverse audiences. The 2026 edition will continue to bridge traditional jazz with experimental genres, reinforcing Copenhagen’s reputation as a global jazz capital while supporting local tourism and cultural heritage.

Event Highlights

• Main Performances: Over 1,200 concerts feature headline acts at DR Koncerthuset, the Royal Theatre, and Copenhagen Concert Hall, showcasing jazz legends, rising stars, and Danish talents like Jakob Bro and Sinne Eeg.
• Diverse Programming: The “Something Else” series blends jazz with electronic, folk, and world music, while intimate club sets at Jazzhus Montmartre highlight avant-garde improvisation.
• Free Concerts: Hundreds of free open-air performances in parks, squares, and along the harbor front create a citywide musical celebration, accessible to all.
• Family-Friendly Events: The “Jazz for Kids” program offers circus acts, painting workshops, and live music in eastern Copenhagen parks, engaging young audiences.
• Unique Experiences: Guided jazz history tours, late-night jam sessions, and harbor swims to live music provide immersive cultural moments.
• Interactive Tools: The official festival app and printed program allow personalized itineraries, with pop-up markets and workshops adding vibrancy.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 3 – July 12, 2026
• Duration: 10 days.

Venue / Location

• Major Venues: DR Koncerthuset (Ørestads Boulevard 13, 2300 København S; Google Maps: DR Koncerthuset) hosts orchestral jazz in Koncertsalen and intimate sets in Studie 2.
• Cultural Landmarks: The Royal Theatre and Jean Nouvel-designed Copenhagen Concert Hall stage prestigious performances.
• Club Scene: Over 100 clubs, cafes, and bars, including Jazzhus Montmartre, feature underground and emerging artists.
• Open-Air Stages: Free concerts in Fælledparken, Kongens Nytorv, and harborfront areas offer scenic, relaxed settings.
• Community Hubs: Kulturhuset Islands Brygge (Islands Brygge 18, 2300 København S; Google Maps: Kulturhuset Islands Brygge) hosts family and community events.
• Nationwide Reach: Links to Vinterjazz venues in Aalborg, Aarhus, and Helsingør expand the festival’s footprint.

Ticket Information

• Sales Channels: Tickets for paid concerts are available via jazz.dk, with door sales at venues if not sold out; free events require no tickets.
• Booking Options: Festival passes and group discounts for families or seniors are bookable through the festival app or information@jazz.dk.
• Pricing (in USD):
  • Individual concert tickets: $11–$66 (€10–€60), depending on venue and artist.
  • Festival passes (select venues, 10 days): $110–$275 (€100–€250).
  • Free concerts: $0 (open-air and select club events).
  • “Jazz for Kids” workshops: Free or $5.50 (€5) for materials.
  • VIP packages (premium seating, artist meet-and-greets): $165–$385 (€150–€350).
• Special Seating or VIP Options: Reserved seating at major halls; accessibility accommodations include companion discounts and priority entry—contact information@jazz.dk.

Contact Information

• Email: information@jazz.dk (general); kenneth@jazz.dk (Festival Manager Kenneth Hansen); kasper@jazz.dk (Communications Manager Kasper Stougaard).
• Email: tine@jazz.dk (Fundraiser Tine Brodersen); frivillig@jazz.dk (Volunteer Coordinator Maja Schicker).
• Phone: +45 33 93 20 13 (English/Danish support, 9 AM–4 PM).
• Website: https://jazz.dk.
• Address: Copenhagen Jazz Festival Fonden, Slotsgade 2, 4. tv., 2200 København N, Denmark.
• Social Media: @CopenhagenJazz (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X) for lineup announcements and live updates.
• Key Staff: Board Chairman Henrik Tvarnø; Vice Chair Lars Bertolt Winther; members Trine Nielsen, Kristina Holgersen, Sama Sadat Ben Haddou, Michael Falk Marino.
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries via kasper@jazz.dk; volunteer applications (200+ roles) via frivillig@jazz.dk from April 2026.
• Lost and Found: Managed at venue info desks or via information@jazz.dk.
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; newsletter signup for program alerts.

Cultural Experience

The Copenhagen Jazz Festival immerses visitors in Denmark’s storied jazz heritage, rooted in the 1950s–60s when American icons like Dexter Gordon and Ben Webster thrived at Jazzhus Montmartre, blending their artistry with Danish innovators like Palle Mikkelborg. This legacy infuses the festival with a dynamic mix of bebop, cool jazz, and modern fusions, set against Copenhagen’s picturesque backdrop of cobblestone streets, historic canals, and modern architecture. The festival’s citywide reach, with free open-air stages in parks and along the harbor, creates a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere where locals and global visitors mingle, embodying Denmark’s “hygge” ethos of cozy, communal connection. From orchestral performances at DR Koncerthuset to impromptu jams in Vesterbro bars, the festival celebrates jazz as a universal language, drawing 90% Danish and 10% international audiences (primarily Scandinavian, German, British, and American).

Inclusivity is a hallmark, with tailored programs like “Jazz for Kids” offering circus, painting, and music workshops, and “Something Else” pushing genre boundaries with electronic and world music collaborations. Sustainability aligns with Copenhagen’s eco-conscious identity, with bike-friendly routes, biodegradable materials at venues, and partnerships promoting green transport. Visitors can explore jazz history through guided tours visiting sites like the Round Tower or Christianshavn, while cultural events like smørrebrød tastings and Danish craft beer pairings enhance the experience. The festival’s non-profit mission ensures accessibility, fostering a welcoming environment where jazz aficionados, families, and newcomers share in Copenhagen’s creative spirit.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties: Savor smørrebrød (rye bread with toppings like herring, smoked salmon, or roast beef) at harborfront cafes.
• Must-Try Specialties: Seasonal desserts like æblekage (apple cake with whipped cream) or flødeboller (chocolate-dipped marshmallows) from festival stalls.
• Dining Options: DR Koncerthuset’s upscale restaurants offer Nordic fusion; street food markets in Islands Brygge serve organic hot dogs and vegan falafel.
• Dining Options: Nørrebro and Vesterbro eateries like Madklubben provide frikadeller (meatballs) and live jazz vibes.
• Beverages: Enjoy Carlsberg, Tuborg, or local craft beers; Aquavit snaps or Gammel Dansk bitters complement evening sets.
• Beverages: Non-alcoholic options include elderflower cordial, herbal teas, or Danish apple cider; wine bars offer local vineyard pairings.

Getting There

• By Air: Copenhagen Airport (CPH), 15 km from the city center (15–20 minutes by metro/taxi), served by SAS, Ryanair, and major carriers.
• By Public Transport: Metro (M1/M2 to Nørreport), buses (5C, 6A), or trains to Copenhagen Central; Copenhagen Card ($50–$80 for 72 hours) covers unlimited rides.
• By Car: E20 motorway; parking at venues ($11–$22/day, €10–€20) via EasyPark app; limited during festival—book early.
• By Bike/Foot: Bycyklen rentals ($16/day, €15); walkable city center with dedicated paths to Fælledparken and Kongens Nytorv.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues like DR Koncerthuset; contact information@jazz.dk for transport aids or quiet zones.

Accommodation Options

• In Copenhagen: Budget hostels like Steel House ($60–$110/night) or Urban House ($70–$120/night) in Vesterbro.
• In Copenhagen: Mid-range Hotel Bethel ($120–$200/night); luxury Hotel d’Angleterre ($250–$500/night) near Kongens Nytorv.
• Nearby: Malmö, Sweden (30 minutes by train), offers Hotel Plaza ($100–$160/night) or Clarion Malmö Live ($120–$180/night).
• Alternatives: Airbnb in Nørrebro or Christianshavn ($80–$250/night); glamping at Amager Strandpark ($110/night, €100).
• Tips: Book by March 2026; VisitCopenhagen packages include tickets, stays, and tours (e.g., Roskilde Cathedral).