Photo: Stefan Oomes-fotograaf-Breda Jazz Festival

New at Breda Jazz Festival 2026

  • Breda Jazz Festival
  • Music
  • Live music
  • Festival
That jazz music brings people together and the Breda Jazz Festival is still going strong after almost 55 years demonstrates the festival's programming. This year, the festival is bigger than ever with 27 venues and 270 acts from sixteen different countries. And there’s plenty of new things to discover again. The Breda Jazz Festival 2026 takes place from 14th to 17th May.

This page will be further filled and updated in the coming weeks. So make sure to check back! 

Feet on the floor during new dance workshops

The Lindy Hop dance workshops on the Castle Square have been such a success for two years that this year, Latin dance workshops are also part of the programme. 
And where better than at the Veemarkt Square, where enthusiasts of this music style have long been able to enjoy themselves.

The Latin dance workshops are on:

  • Thu: 16.00-17.00
  • Fri & Sat: 16.00-16.40

The Lindy Hop workshops are on:

  • Thu: 15.15-16.00
  • Fri & Sat: 15.15-16.00

Put on your most swingin' clothes and join in!

Dancing people

New places to enjoy jazz

I read it already. The festival is bigger than ever this year, with no fewer than four new stages, providing even more places to enjoy the music.

  • Franciscanessenplein | Nieuwe Mark
    At the 'back' of Hotel Nassau Breda, there is a stage on the water of the Nieuwe Mark, which has been extended from the Harbour over the past few years (see photo)
  • Café Lievense, Prinsenkade 7
    At many requests, a stage especially for Breda jazz orchestras is back. Jazz from our own region! 
  • Blue Dog, Karnemelkstraat 20a
    Small but fine! The Blue Dog stage is reserved for soloists and duos. How intimate do you want it?
  • Café de Beyerd, Boschstraat 26
    Do you love blues? Then this will be your favourite spot. Café de Beyerd has been one of the city's most well-known cafés for decades and is now officially part of the festival accommodations. 

Breda Jazz Festival Award for Frits Landesbergen

The Breda Jazz Festival has been committed for over fifty years to keeping jazz and related styles alive. This is only possible when passionate musicians transmit their authentic sound and love for jazz to future generations. 

The Breda Jazz Festival has been awarding a special prize annually since last year to a musician who, as an ambassador, makes a significant contribution in their own way. Last year, the first award was given to drummer Chris Strik. The 2026 award goes to vibraphonist, drummer, and arranger Frits Landesbergen. 

The award consists of a sculpture and a prominent role during the opening and in the program of the Breda Jazz Festival 2026.

The sculpture will be presented during the opening on Thursday, 14 May. 

Grote Markt Breda with a large crowd and stage during the opening of Breda Jazz Festival
Photo: Frank Pellens

More pages about the Breda Jazz Festival 2026