ELBJAZZ

The festival is back!

Set in the heart of the Port of Hamburg, surrounded by water, shipping containers, and imposing cranes, ELBJAZZ offers one of the most spectacular festival backdrops in Europe.
Over two summer days, the Hanseatic city transforms into a vibrant venue where music, industrial charm, and maritime flair come together in a unique way. On the historic Blohm+Voss shipyard grounds, visitors can experience the sheer diversity of jazz and all its variations across multiple stages. When the seagulls circle overhead and a ship’s horn sounds in the distance, it’s pure Hamburg magic.

An exciting 2026 lineup promises unforgettable concert moments:

This year, Tom Jones (UK)—one of the greatest singers of all time—will take the main stage. His legendary voice effortlessly transcends eras and genres, and the global star’s career spans more than six decades. Jamie Cullum (UK) embodies stylistic openness and musical curiosity; this exceptional artist combines jazz virtuosity with pop sensibility like no other. The five-time Grammy-winning Snarky Puppy (USA) get jazz fans dancing. Soul singer Greentea Peng (UK) captivates audiences with psychedelic grooves, and with Incognito (UK), we welcome a true soul institution.José James & China Moses (USA) present their reinterpretation of Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece “I Want You.”

Grammy-winning guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (USA) captivates audiences with his powerful playing that bridges tradition and modernity. Lizz Wright (USA) is one of the most important voices in contemporary jazz. Saxophonist Nubya Garcia (UK) blends jazz, classical, R&B, and dubstep. The NDR Big Band (Germany) celebrates the 100th birthday of Miles Davis with John Beasley (USA).

Herbert & Momoko (UK) create experimental soundscapes, while The Bad Plus (USA) blend avant-garde jazz with rock and pop. Dominique Fils-Aimé (CAN), one of the leading figures in vocal jazz, will take the stage, while trumpeter and composer daoud (FR/MAR) uses hip hop, R&B, and electronic music—uncompromisingly—and in a way that’s perfect for dancing. Multi-instrumentalist Jowee Omicil (CAN) showcases his personal sonic universe. Behind In Cahoots feat. Ingrid Laubrock (DE) is composer and woodwind instrumentalist Frank Gratkowski and his band, which finds a perfect complement in saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock. Luca Ciarla Molisound (IT) coaxes fascinating sounds from his violin, straddling the line between tradition and modernity. Future Utopia (GB) by Fraser T. Smith combines rave soundscapes with socially critical observations. We’re also looking forward to saxophonist Nicole Johänntgen (DE) and her young trio!

For theofficial ELBJAZZ opening concert atthe Schiffbauhalle, the HfMT Big Band will present a special program together with China Moses (US).

We are pleased to present the new Hamburg Stage —presented by the Haspa Music Foundation—at ELBJAZZ for the first time, in collaboration with the HfMT and the Jazzbüro Hamburg. The Hamburg Stage reflects the diversity of Hamburg’s jazz scene and offers a platform for both up-and-coming talents and established artists. This brings the total number of live stages on the Blohm+Voss grounds to four, completing this year’s lineup.

NEW: For the first time, the festival combo ticket is also available with grandstand seating (limited availability) at the main stage.

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ELBPHILHARMONIE SPECIALS
These exclusive one-off concerts will take place on both days of the festival and promise musical highlights of the highest caliber. In addition to British soul icon Joss Stone (GB), who will perform live there on July 10 with support from Don West (AUS), the second ELBJAZZ “Elbphilharmonie Special” will follow on July 11 featuring composer, pianist, and wordsmith Chilly Gonzales (CAN). Both Elbphilharmonie Specials are already sold out.