Dear ELBJAZZ-friends, 

ELBJAZZ will be taking a break in 2025. We have made this decision with a heavy heart to work on the strategic reorientation of the event in peace and without pressure from deadlines.

Since it was founded in 2010, ELBJAZZ has become an indispensable part of the European jazz scene. With more than 22,000 visitors in 2024 alone, more than 50 international acts every year, and exceptional venues along the Elbe - from the Blohm+Voss shipyard to HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall - the festival offers a unique blend of music, culture and maritime flair. ELBJAZZ has always stood for overcoming supposed genre boundaries, and the two post-pandemic festival editions in 2023 and 2024 in particular have taken account of the pursuit of even greater musical openness. However, we have reached our limits in some areas, which now need to be analysed. 

Why this break? 

Challenges in signing jazz headlining acts for 2025 that are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts lead to significant difficulties in programme planning. Compromises that water down our musical vision are not an option for us. The decision to take a break gives us the space to continue working on our vision. In addition to the musical reorientation, the rising production costs and the further development of the sustainable festival structure also play a major role in this decision. We will use the time gained to make ELBJAZZ 2026 an even more impressive and diverse experience for you.

 

What does this mean for you?

Pre-sales for ELBJAZZ on 5 and 6 June 2026 have started - tickets are available at an attractive early-bird price here.

If you have already purchased tickets for ELBJAZZ 2025, they will remain valid for the event on 5 and 6 June 2026 and do not need to be exchanged. 

If you want to return your tickets, you can do so easily via your ticket shop account here. In this case, the purchase price including the booking fee will be refunded.

We thank you for your understanding and are looking forward to welcoming you back to Hamburg in 2026!

Your ELBJAZZ team