Jazz Spring 2026: Three Nights of World-Class Jazz at Müpa Budapest
Get ready for three unmissable nights of rhythm, soul, and musical brilliance as Jazz Spring 2026 returns to Müpa Budapest from 8–10 May 2026. Now in its 22nd year, this festival has become a Budapest institution—one that consistently attracts top international and Hungarian jazz performers to create a melting pot of sound, energy, and creativity.
Where the future of jazz takes the stage
Jazz Spring doesn’t just celebrate the greats—it introduces new voices and new sounds that are shaping the future of the genre. Across three evenings, the Festival Theatre and the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall will pulse with music that blends tradition and experimentation, from smooth vocals and funk fusion to electrifying performances that defy genre boundaries.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or simply looking for an exciting cultural experience during your stay in Budapest, Jazz Spring is the perfect event to dive into the city’s vibrant live music scene.
Michael Mayo – Soulful beginnings to an extraordinary weekend
8 May 2026 | 8 pm – 10 pm | Festival Theatre
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The festival opens with Michael Mayo, an artist whose velvety voice and emotionally rich sound perfectly bridge jazz and neo-soul. As a graduate of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Mayo has worked alongside legends such as Herbie Hancock, Christian Sands, and Gretchen Parlato, establishing himself as one of the most creative vocalists of his generation.
His acclaimed 2024 debut album Fly is a deeply personal journey through contemporary jazz, shaped by masterful storytelling and immaculate vocal technique. Live, Mayo is magnetic — his performances filled with honesty, warmth, and an effortless groove. Expect an evening of dreamy harmonies, soulful improvisations, and intimate moments in Müpa’s elegant Festival Theatre.
Electro Deluxe & BJC Big Band – Funk, jazz, and pure energy
9 May 2026 | 8 pm – 10 pm | Béla Bartók National Concert Hall
Saturday night will raise the temperature when Electro Deluxe, the dynamic French jazz-funk collective, lights up the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall. Formed in Paris a quarter century ago, this powerhouse band fuses the rhythmic pulse of funk, the improvisational freedom of jazz, and the bold textures of electronic music.
Their concerts have turned heads in major international festivals—from Marciac to Montreal—and their exuberant stage presence always gets the audience moving. In Budapest, they’ll be joined by the impressive brass section of the BJC Big Band, giving their sound even greater depth and sparkle. Together, they promise a night that’s as infectious as it is musically sophisticated — a sonic celebration that’s impossible to sit still through.
Mohini Dey – A global rising star closes the festival
10 May 2026 | 8 pm – 10 pm | Festival Theatre
Closing the weekend is one of the most electrifying young musicians in global jazz today: Mohini Dey, the 29-year-old bass prodigy from India who has been performing professionally since childhood. Having collaborated with icons such as Steve Vai, Quincy Jones, and Zakir Hussain, she’s part of a new generation redefining fusion jazz.
Dey’s bass playing combines dazzling technical skill with raw emotional power, bridging genres from Indian classical and funk to rock and contemporary fusion. She’ll perform with her international band, joined by Hungarian keyboardist Dániel Szebényi, drummer Marco Cirigliano, and saxophonist Jonathan Mones. Expect groove-driven innovation, breathtaking solos, and a closing concert that leaves you buzzing long after the final note.
Practical information
- Event: Jazz Spring 2026
- Dates: 8–10 May 2026
- Venues: Festival Theatre and Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Müpa Budapest
- Address: 1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1
- Tickets: 4,200–19,900 HUF (approx. €10–€50, depending on seats and performance) available online
- Produced by: Müpa Budapest
Tickets can be purchased through the Müpa Budapest official website. As many concerts sell out in advance, early booking is highly recommended for visitors planning their trip to Budapest in May.
Why jazz lovers shouldn’t miss it
Jazz Spring 2026 offers a dazzling cross-section of the global jazz scene, uniting emerging stars and international icons for three nights of unforgettable performances. The event embodies the essence of jazz—spontaneous, expressive, and endlessly evolving—while celebrating Müpa Budapest’s commitment to artistic excellence.
Against the backdrop of the Danube and the city’s stunning skyline, the festival creates the perfect opportunity to experience Budapest not only as a UNESCO City of Music but also as a welcoming hub for creativity and cultural exchange.
Whether you come for the smooth soul of Michael Mayo, the funk firepower of Electro Deluxe, or the virtuosity of Mohini Dey, Jazz Spring 2026 is your invitation to experience Budapest at its most musical, modern, and alive.