Press Releases

• Around 300,000 by Sunday lunchtime, almost sold-out concerts
• 44 bands and soloists from 8 countries, 275 hours on 58 stages
• Jazzmeile’s first Schlossplatz main stage: festival presence in the historic centre
• Sunshine Brass named audience favourites; replacement Dan Popek receives standing ovations
• Terrassenufer assembly instead of parade: Förderverein Jazztradition Dresden e.V. makes its message heard
• 55th INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL DRESDEN: 16–23 May 2027

• Seven Jazzmeile stages from main station to Schlossplatz
• Hot Jazz in der Festung first uses Bärenzwinger, Kasematten and Kanonenhof
• Parkhotel Prohibitionsparty: Roaring Twenties attire, porcelain cup mandatory
• Junge Garde Open-Air-Gala offers a concentrated musical overview
• Sunday assembly replaces parade: bands protest enforced cancellation through music
• Remaining tickets for selected events

• Dresden’s traditional Dixieland-Parade 2026 is cancelled at short notice because key security requirements were specified only shortly before opening.
• Extremely late official decisions make legally compliant, responsible implementation impossible for the largely volunteer team.
• Organisers criticise absent timely, practical administration and seek reliable, clear security requirements.
• The 54th INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL (10–17 May 2026) nevertheless proceeds with club and hall concerts across Dresden.

• Four new formats – Hot Jazz in der Festung, Late Night Boogie, Prohibitionsparty and Diksi Disko – demonstrate rejuvenation at the world’s largest traditional jazz festival.
• Dan Popek, the Mozart of boogie-woogie, replaces Ladyva following her health-related withdrawal: a fortunate development for Dresden audiences.
• Dresdner Jazzmeile returns with seven stages: 276 live hours, 142 free, 44 bands and soloists from 8 countries.

• The world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival offers Riverboat-Shuffle, Dixietram and new Late Night Boogie at Tresor and Hot Jazz in der Festung.
• Over 250 hours, around half free, with world-renowned Ladyva, Mama Shakers, Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics and The Busquitos.
• Tradition meets innovation: international jazz, young talent and celebrations across generations.

• Around 320,000 German and international visitors despite changeable weather
• Excellent young bands and new venues delighted audiences – Portugal’s Xaral’s Dixie named 2025 audience favourites
• Concern over Dresdner Jazzmeile: organisers need clarity on counter-terrorism responsibilities

11 May begins eight full days: 277 jazz hours, 148 free, 42 bands/soloists from eight countries in 48 events.

11 May begins eight full days: 277 jazz hours, 148 free, 42 bands/soloists from eight countries in 48 events.

Unexpected counter-terrorism barriers costing at least €120,000 forced festival replanning. Organisers adapted programmes and accepted a €60,000 deficit to save it. They seek clear responsibilities, financial assistance and liability rules from political decision-makers to secure future festivals.

The INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in Dresden faces financial and logistical challenges following increased security requirements after attacks in Germany. Dresden demands additional Dresdner Jazzmeile protection funded by organisers. SFV seeks municipal support, considering counter-terrorism a state duty.

This year we have excellent news: Substantial WT Energiesysteme GmbH sponsorship finally secures Dresdner Jazzmeile after years of uncertainty and financial difficulty! Jazz enthusiasts, families with children, Lindy Hop and swing dancers and people with disabilities can anticipate a varied programme with 13 international and 26 German bands and solo artists. Forty-eight events offer 250 hours, around half free.

The world’s largest and oldest music festival for traditional jazz
The 52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL opened today, Sunday, with five events across Dresden. Until 19 May, the world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival transforms the beautiful Florence on the Elbe into Dixieland’s capital. Thousands enjoyed compelling music in excellent weather at the eight-day festival’s opening.

The 52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL, the world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival, opens this coming Sunday and runs from 12 May to Whit Sunday, 19 May 2024.

52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL approaches
Just over two and a half weeks remain until the 52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in Dresden, the world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival, from 12 May to Whit Sunday, 19 May 2024.

On Tuesday evening (5 March 2024), Altstadt’s district advisory council unanimously approved €40,000 for the free Dresdner Jazzmeile and Dixieland-Parade, preventing cancellation of these exceptionally popular, widely renowned events.

Until last year’s end, no substantial conditions enabled the full Dresdner Jazzmeile and major Dixieland-Parade. There is now positive news for visitors to the 52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in May 2024.

The good news first: organisers announced today that the 52nd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL takes place from 12 to 19 May 2024, continuing the world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival’s tradition. However, there are dark clouds on the horizon...

Outstanding young bands brought fresh energy to the world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival. The 51st INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL concludes today, Sunday. Tens of thousands more visitors are expected before the early-evening finale at Neumarkt.

The INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL invites audiences to eight days of compelling jazz from 14 to 21 May 2023. The world’s largest and oldest traditional jazz festival will be especially youthful and dance-oriented, reflecting a fascinating trend.

• 400,000 visitors at the 50th INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in Dresden
• A magnificent culmination of an exceptional career:
  Founder and artistic director Joachim Schlese concludes his active career as festival director at the anniversary edition
• 42 events, 35 stages, 42 bands and soloists from ten countries, 280 musicians, 250 hours of music, over 130 free

• A magnificent opening to the 50th Dixieland festival last Sunday
• 50th INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in Dresden offers many further highlights until Sunday

At the third attempt:
50th INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL takes place from 15 to 22 May 2022