Jazzkaar Festival – Estonia 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Established in 1990 by the MTÜ Jazzkaare Sõprade Ühing (Jazzkaar Friends Association), Jazzkaar is the largest international jazz festival in the Baltic States, born in Tallinn to showcase Estonian and global jazz talent.
• Cultural Significance: As Estonia’s premier jazz event, Jazzkaar transforms Tallinn into a vibrant hub of music, fostering cultural exchange through diverse performances, workshops, and community events. It promotes Estonian jazz on the global stage, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (€200,000, 2024–2026) to market Tallinn as a cultural tourism destination.
• Historical Growth: From its inception, Jazzkaar has grown to host over 19,300 visits in 2025, featuring 140+ events, including 48 main program concerts. It has welcomed over 3,000 artists from 60 countries, earning the title of Estonia’s Best Music Festival in 2015 and Best Music Event Organizer in 2025.
• Zagreb School Influence: The festival emphasizes Estonian musicians’ international collaborations, such as the 2025 performances by Lakecia Benjamin and Jazzmeia Horn, blending local and global jazz traditions.
• Global Impact: Part of the European Jazz Network and Music Estonia, Jazzkaar is a key platform for introducing Estonian jazz to international audiences, alongside festivals like those in Annecy and Ottawa. Its bold programming and high-quality organization make it a flagship Nordic-Baltic event.
• Community Engagement: Through free concerts, children’s events like the Kräsh Festival, and urban space projects, Jazzkaar engages diverse audiences, enriching Estonia’s musical and cultural life.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Main Program Concerts: Over 48 concerts featuring international jazz legends, emerging talents, and Estonian artists at venues like Von Krahli Teater and Fotografiska Tallinn. Expect artists like Lakecia Benjamin or Bill Laurance (2025 examples).
  • Free Concert Day: A day of free performances across Tallinn, typically in Telliskivi Creative City, showcasing local and regional acts, drawing thousands of attendees.
  • Kräsh Festival: A children’s music festival with workshops, concerts, and music camps inspired by rhythmic music, integrated with Jazzkaar’s family-friendly offerings.
  • Urban Space Projects: Pop-up performances in Tallinn’s public spaces, such as parks and squares, blending jazz with Estonian culture.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Autumn Jazz and Christmas Jazz: Beyond the main April festival, Jazzkaar organizes seasonal events in September–October (Autumn Jazz) and November–December (Christmas Jazz), extending its reach.
  • Artist Talks and Masterclasses: Interactive sessions with musicians, offering insights into jazz composition and performance, open to professionals and enthusiasts.
  • Exhibitions: Photo and art displays at venues like Fotografiska Tallinn, showcasing jazz history and Estonian musicians’ contributions.
  • Valter Ojakäär 100: A 2025 tribute to Estonian jazz pioneer Valter Ojakäär, likely continued in 2026 with special performances celebrating his legacy.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Telliskivi Creative City: The festival’s heart, a vibrant cultural hub in Tallinn hosting main stages, art installations, and food markets.
  • DisainiÖÖpidu (Design Night Party): A fusion of jazz and design, featuring experimental acts like I Wear* Experiment, blending acoustic and electronic sounds.
  • International Collaborations: Performances highlighting Estonian artists with global stars, fostering unique musical dialogues.
  • Family-Friendly Events: The Kräsh Festival and children’s concerts create an inclusive atmosphere for all ages.

Date & Duration

• Dates: April 25–May 2, 2026 (confirmed via jazzkaar.ee and multiple sources).
• Duration: 8 days, with concerts, workshops, and events daily across Tallinn and other Estonian cities.
• Schedule Notes: Opening concerts on April 25, free concert day mid-festival (likely April 29), and closing events on May 2. Daytime features workshops and family events; evenings host main concerts.

Venue / Location

• City: Tallinn, Estonia, with additional events in cities like Võru and Tartu.
• Main Venues:
  • Von Krahli Teater: Primary venue for main program concerts, known for its intimate atmosphere (Rataskaevu 10, 10123 Tallinn).
  • Fotografiska Tallinn: Hosts contemporary jazz performances and exhibitions in a modern art space (Telliskivi 60a/8, 10412 Tallinn).
  • Telliskivi Creative City: Central hub for free concerts, urban projects, and festival activities (Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn).
  • Philly Joe’s Jazziklubi: Smaller venue for intimate sets and emerging artists (Vabaduse väljak 10, 10146 Tallinn).
• Notable Areas:
  • Von Krahli’s main stage for headline acts, with a capacity of 300.
  • Fotografiska’s open-plan gallery for multimedia performances and art displays.
  • Telliskivi’s outdoor spaces for free concerts and food stalls, creating a festival village vibe.
  • Local cultural centers in Tallinn and beyond (e.g., Võru Kannel) for regional performances.
• Google Maps Addresses:
  • Von Krahli Teater: Rataskaevu 10, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
  • Fotografiska Tallinn: Telliskivi 60a/8, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: All venues are wheelchair-accessible; contact piletid@jazzkaar.ee for specific accommodations.
• Administrative Office: Pärnu maantee 30-5, Tallinn 10141, Estonia (MTÜ Jazzkaare Sõprade Ühing).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via piletikeskus.ee or jazzkaar.ee, with secure payment options (cash or card accepted on-site).
  • On-site at Von Krahli Teater and Fotografiska Tallinn during the festival (10 AM–8 PM).
  • Festival passes (single-day or full event) available, with special pricing until December 31, 2025.
  • Group and family discounts via piletid@jazzkaar.ee; limited tickets (28 reported for 2025) prompt early booking.
• Admission Type: Paid for main concerts; free for select events like the free concert day and urban space projects.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $10 USD for single concert tickets (based on 2025 pricing, adjusted for 2026; exact prices TBD).
  • Maximum Pricing: $65 USD for full festival passes (based on 2025’s €60 early-bird passes, adjusted for exchange rates).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP passes ($80–$120 USD, estimated) offer reserved seating, backstage access, and festival merchandise.
  • Discounts for children, students, and seniors available for select concerts, upon proof of ID.
  • Wheelchair spaces bookable via piletid@jazzkaar.ee.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • info@jazzkaar.ee (general inquiries, programming).
  • piletid@jazzkaar.ee (ticketing and accessibility).
  • anne@jazzkaar.ee or birgit@jazzkaar.ee (open call submissions for 2026, deadline September 16, 2025).
• Phone: +372 666 0030 (English and Estonian support, 9 AM–5 PM weekdays).
• Physical Address: MTÜ Jazzkaare Sõprade Ühing, Pärnu maantee 30-5, Tallinn 10141, Estonia.
• Website: https://jazzkaar.ee (festival details, tickets, open call forms).
• Social Media:
  • @jazzkaar (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for lineup announcements, live streams, and photo galleries.
• Key Staff:
  • Anne Erm: Artistic Director, overseeing programming and curation.
  • Birgit Õunmaa: Program Coordinator, managing open call submissions.
  • MTÜ Jazzkaare Sõprade Ühing: Organizers, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Contact info@jazzkaar.ee for media passes and interviews.
  • Volunteers: Apply via info@jazzkaar.ee; roles include ticketing, ushering, and event support (details by March 2026).
• Note: Response time is 24–48 hours. English and Estonian support available.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Jazzkaar upholds Estonia’s rich jazz heritage, spotlighting local talents like Raul and Marie Vaigla alongside international stars, fostering cross-cultural collaborations.
  • The festival’s “Jazz For All” ethos ensures inclusivity, with free concerts and family events like Kräsh promoting accessibility.
  • Urban space projects integrate jazz into Tallinn’s public life, with pop-up stages in parks and squares.
• Music:
  • Expect a diverse lineup spanning traditional jazz, fusion, and experimental genres, with 2025 highlights like Lakecia Benjamin’s Amerikkan Skin and Kristjan Randalu’s works.
  • Performances feature live improvisation, big band orchestras, and electronic-acoustic blends, often with Estonian folk influences.
• Costumes:
  • Artists often wear eclectic, jazz-inspired outfits, from sleek suits to avant-garde ensembles, reflecting the genre’s creative spirit.
  • Attendees embrace casual-chic attire, with some sporting festival merchandise or Estonian-themed accessories.
• Local Customs:
  • Tallinn’s welcoming atmosphere encourages interaction, with artist meet-and-greets and Q&As after concerts.
  • The festival aligns with Estonia’s vibrant cultural scene, blending music with design and art, as seen in events like DisainiÖÖpidu.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Karbonaad: Grilled pork cutlet with potatoes, served at festival food stalls or nearby restaurants like Vanaema Juures.
  • Räim: Baltic herring, often marinated or fried, available at Telliskivi’s food markets.
  • Kama: Estonian porridge with yogurt and berries, a breakfast staple at cafés like Reval Café.
  • Vana Tallinn: Estonian liqueur, served at festival bars or venues like Philly Joe’s.
  • Saku Beer: Local lager, popular at concert venues and Telliskivi bars.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Beetroot tartare, vegan sprat sandwiches, and lentil soups at food trucks or restaurants like Vegan Restoran V.
  • Kohuke: Curd snack with chocolate glaze, a festival favorite at stalls.
• Festival Dining:
  • Telliskivi Creative City hosts a food market with Estonian and international cuisine, including pierogies, falafel, and smoked fish.
  • Nearby restaurants (e.g., F-Hoone) offer jazz-themed menus during the festival.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport (TLL), 5 km from city center (10–15 minutes by taxi or tram).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 1 or 2 to Telliskivi for Fotografiska and Telliskivi Creative City; line 4 to Vabaduse väljak for Philly Joe’s.
  • Bus: Lines 21, 41, or 73 to Von Krahli Teater or Telliskivi; airport bus 2 to city center ($2 USD).
  • Train: Balti Jaam (near Telliskivi) connects to regional cities like Tartu or Võru.
• Parking:
  • Paid parking near Von Krahli and Telliskivi ($1–$3 USD per hour); use ParkNow app for reservations.
  • Limited free parking at Fotografiska for ticket holders.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis (e.g., Tallink Takso) or Bolt cost $5–$10 USD from Tallinn center to venues.
  • Bike rentals (City Bike) available, with stations near Telliskivi.

Accommodation Options

• Radisson Blu Sky Hotel**:
  • In Tallinn’s Old Town, 10-minute walk to Von Krahli, with modern rooms and a rooftop bar.
  • Rates: $100–$180 USD per night.
• Hestia Hotel Kentmanni**:
  • Near Telliskivi, offering cozy rooms and breakfast, 5 minutes from Fotografiska.
  • Rates: $80–$140 USD per night.
• Rija Old Town Hotel*:
  • Budget-friendly in the city center, 8-minute walk to Philly Joe’s, with simple rooms.
  • Rates: $50–$100 USD per night.
• 16EUR Hostel:
  • Affordable hostel near Balti Jaam, 10 minutes from Telliskivi, with dorms and private rooms.
  • Rates: $15–$50 USD per night.
• Airbnb Options:
  • Apartments in Kalamaja or Old Town, close to venues, ideal for groups or budget travelers.
  • Rates: $30–$100 USD per night.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book 6–12 months in advance due to high demand in April.
  • Check jazzkaar.ee for partner hotels with festival discounts.