JazzFest Budapest 2026 – Budapest’s Ultimate Summer Jazz Celebration
Six days of world-class jazz in the heart of the city
Imagine six magical evenings where jazz legends from around the world share the same stage with Hungary’s brightest talents — that’s JazzFest Budapest 2026! Hungary’s premier jazz festival returns from June 27 to July 2, 2026 at the stunning open-air City Hall Park in Budapest’s vibrant city center, followed by three free bonus days (July 3–5).
This year’s guest of honor is South Korea, bringing fresh voices like Cho Yoonseung, Youn Sun Nah, and Near East Quartet alongside global icons including Pat Metheny, Charles Lloyd, Al Di Meola, and Marcus Miller’s We Want Miles! tribute to Miles Davis. The festival opens with a breathtaking Miles Davis & John Coltrane 100 celebration by Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane, honoring two giants who reshaped jazz history.
Why JazzFest Budapest is a must-visit
Városháza Park transforms into a jazz oasis each summer — think fairy lights twinkling above the stage, comfortable seating areas, gourmet food stalls serving Hungarian specialties alongside international cuisine, and that perfect summer evening breeze. The festival beautifully balances international superstars with Hungarian excellence, showcasing acts like Borbély 70 (celebrating the legendary reed player’s milestone birthday) and rising stars such as Nagy Emma Quintet and Gyémánt Bálint Trio.
Best deals of Budapest
Day 1 – Saturday, June 27
FREE Sunrise Surprise (4:15 AM at Filozófusok Kertje) – Borbély Mihály, Gyémánt Bálint, Mogyoró Kornél wake up the city with nature-inspired jazz.
Evening Program (17:00 onwards):
- Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane – Miles Davis & John Coltrane 100 tribute
- Bacsó Kristóf Triad feat. Ifj. Tóth István – Experimental Eastern European jazz
- Harold López-Nussa – Cuban piano virtuoso (Nueva Timba album)
- Trio Midnight
Day 2 – Sunday, June 28
- Al Di Meola Acoustic Trio – Guitar legend blending jazz, Latin, and world music
- Kalima – Hungarian fusion masters
- Cho Yoonseung – South Korean pianist blending jazz with Korean traditions
- Atlantico – Italian quintet inspired by Latin American literature
Day 3 – Monday, June 29
- José James & China Moses – Sensual Marvin Gaye tribute
- Youn Sun Nah – Genre-defying Korean jazz vocalist (new album premiere)
- Oláh Kálmán Jr. Quintet – Debut of King’s Gambit album
- Orbay Lilla Quartet
Day 4 – Tuesday, June 30
- Pat Metheny | Side-Eye III+ – Grammy-winning guitarist with young virtuosos
- Gyémánt Bálint Trio – Hungary’s leading jazz guitarist
- Lowland – Avant-garde cimbalom jazz
- Varga Bendegúz Quartet feat. Koncz Kriszta
Day 5 – Wednesday, July 1
- Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet – Jazz legend with Jason Moran, Larry Grenadier
- Borbély 70 – Celebration of Hungary’s jazz-folk pioneer
- Tomoki Sanders – Next-generation innovator (Pharoah Sanders’ son)
- Afrosamba Trio feat. Dom Beats
Day 6 – Thursday, July 2
- We Want Miles! – Marcus Miller, Mike Stern, Bill Evans celebrate Miles Davis
- Nagy Emma Quintet – Award-winning contemporary vocal jazz
- Near East Quartet – Korean fusion masters
FREE Bonus Days (July 3–5):
- Oláh Krisztián Quartet (July 3)
- Yonglee & the Doltang (July 3, Rákóczi tér)
- One Mind Trio (July 5)
Practical Information for Visitors
- Location: City Hall Park (perfectly located between Parliament and the Danube)
- Tickets: Daily passes available; book early for best seats
- Getting there: Metro M1/M2/M3, trams 2/4/6 all within 5-minute walk
- Family-friendly: Free kids’ area, diverse food options, accessible venues
- Weather backup: Covered seating areas and indoor alternatives
JazzFest Budapest isn’t just a concert series — it’s where jazz lovers from around the world discover Hungary’s incredible music scene while enjoying one of Europe’s most beautiful summer settings. Perfect for Budapest summer festivals 2026!
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