Breda Jazz Festival 2026

If you say 'Ascension Day' in Breda, then you say 'Jazz Festival', after more than fifty editions an inseparable part of Breda. Local and international artists and a quarter of a million visitors from all over the world know our hospitable city to find every year. Old-style jazz, modern jazz or related styles; Breda Jazz Festival offers them all. This year from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 17 May.

The information below is largely still from 2025. Updated information will follow as soon as possible.

270 bands and solo artists on 26 stages

Across the 26 indoors and outdoor stages scattered throughout the city center of Breda, you can enjoy over 270 acts from around the world. More than thirty (international) soloists form a Festival Surprise Band in various line-ups.  

So, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the Breda Jazz Festival. 

All locations of the Breda Jazz Festival

The Breda Jazz Festival takes place on 26 stages in the city centre. Both indoors and outdoors, each with its own ambiance or music genre. We made an overview so that you can see the wood for the trees again and visit the spots you like best.

New at the Breda Jazz Festival 2026

Even after 54 years, the Breda Jazz Festival is still going strong. It continues to innovate and bring people together. This year, for instance, new stages have been added to the already impressive line-up, and there is an increasing focus on young talent. Furthermore, the organisers are collaborating even more closely with Breda’s cultural sector. 

Photo: JKey Photography

What you mustn't miss during the Breda Jazz Festival

It’s impossible, isn’t it, choosing from over two hundred concerts in four days? We asked Meike Polman, PR & Communications Team Leader at the Breda Jazz Festival, to share her list of favourite free concerts with us. For inspiration!

Pre-sale for indoor concerts 2026

The vast majority of concerts during the Breda Jazz Festival are free to attend, but for a number of special indoor concerts you will need tickets.

  • Thursday 14 May 2026

    De Avenue, Waterstraat 5
    - Paradox Jazz Orchestra - Remembering the Skymasters | 8.30 pm – 11.00 pm | €20.00

  • Friday 15 May 2026, 
    Nieuwe Veste    , Molenstraat 6
    - Children’s concert Songs Without Borders ft. Peer de Graaf | 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm and 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm | €0.01

  • Friday 15 May 2026
    Hotel Nassau Breda    , Nieuwstraat 23
    - MILES! 100 ft. Michael Varekamp & Eric Vloeimans | 8.30 pm – 10.30 pm | €20.00

  • Friday 15 May 2026
    Chassé Theater    ,  Claudius Prinsenlaan 8
    - Sonic Bridges | 8.30 pm – 10.30 pm | €15.00

  • Friday 15 May 2026
    Publieke Werken    , Sint Annastraat 12 
    - Hans Dulfer | 9.30 pm – 12.30 am | €15.00

  • Saturday 16 May 2026
    De Avenue    ,  Waterstraat 5
    - Friends’ Concert ft. Festival Surprise Band | 14:00 – 16:00 | €17.50

  • Saturday 16 May 2026
    De Avenue    , Waterstraat 5 
    - Duo Special | 11:00 – 13:00 | De Avenue | €27.50
    - Classic Jazz Concert Night ft. Frog & Henry | 20:30 – 23:00 | €20.00

  • Sunday 17 May 2026
    Grote Kerk Breda    , Kerkplein 2, Breda
    - Gospel concert ft. Michelle David & Festival Surprise Band & ZA-EL Gospel Choir | 10.30 am – 11.45 am | €22.50


Photo: Stefan Oomes-fotograaf-Breda Jazz Festival
Photo: Stefan Oomes fotograaf Breda Jazz Festival
Photo: Stefan Oomes fotograaf Breda Jazz Festival

Practical information

Want to know where to park your bike during the festival? Where the first aid is or where you can get more info about the city? Check out our page with practical information about the Breda Jazz Festival. 

Snack eating during the Breda Jazz Festival?

Location

Food & drinks

Frequent asked questions - FAQ