The Jazz Open is an internationally renowned city festival for Jazz & Beyond. Its exclusive mix of mainstream acts and top-class jazz concerts has been bringing together people of all generations and social backgrounds for over 32 years to experience and celebrate the diversity of music live.
Parov Stelar, superstar of electro-swing and at home on festivals all over the world, hardly ever reaches the final chord during his performances at Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz. “The Jazz Open,” says the Austrian, “are a unique success story. They manage to generate explosive emotions without being too cerebral.” Jamie Cullum, a regular guest and friend of the festival, also appreciates the extraordinary atmosphere around Stuttgart’s most beautiful square. “As an artist, you always feel welcome here. The best food, the best sound, the best lighting,” says the Brit.
“The Jazz Open are a unique success story.”
— Parov Stelar
More than 60,000 Visitors
The live event in the heart of Stuttgart now sets the city’s rhythm for 12 days at the beginning of July and attracts over 60,000 visitors. It all began in 1994 as a small, refined festival for connoisseurs at the Stuttgart Liederhalle. When promoter Jürgen Schlensog took over the festival in 2008 as a newcomer to the music business, his goal was to develop an internationally renowned city festival. Since then, stars and legends from all musical genres have been regular guests. Big names like David Gilmour, Carlos Santana, Robert Plant, Chick Corea, Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk, Sting, Christina Aguilera, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, Lang Lang, and Lionel Richie have all enjoyed – many more than once – the special Stuttgart feeling.
Jazz – the Basis of Everything
The musical concept emphasizes high quality, and the style is open. Since jazz is considered the basis of all popular music, it also determines a large part of the program at the Jazz Open. These concerts are mainly presented on the festival’s club stages. The two main stages, Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz and the Arkadenhof of the Old Castle – two of the most attractive venues on the European festival tour – primarily host the mainstream acts. With a variety of free Open Stage shows, the festival also gives young artists a chance and opens up to a younger audience.
Independence Supported by a Strong Sponsor Network
The Jazz Open place great value on their independence. To ensure this sustainably, the festival relies on a dense, stable network of high-quality sponsors. The Jazz Open work with global brands such as Mastercard, Allianz, and Ferrari, as well as other high-quality regional partners. This has made the Jazz Open one of the most successful European festivals for Jazz & Beyond, attracting both stars and audiences alike.
Quality, Sound, and Sustainability
Technical production quality is a top priority at the Jazz Open. The festival is renowned in the scene for its sound. The Jazz Open are climate-neutral and cashless.
“The sound at this festival is amazing!”
— Joe Bonamassa
The concept is now so refined that it is ready for international rollout. In 2026, the Jazz Open will take place for the first time in Modena, Italy.
The Jazz Open Story
1994
The Jazz Open celebrates its premiere at Stuttgart Liederhalle at around 10.000 sales. Featuring: Joanne Brackeen, John Scofield, Randy Crawford, Pat Metheny, and others. The Jazz Open celebrates its premiere at Stuttgart's Liederhalle with around 10,000 guests.
2005
Jazz Open moves to Pariser Platz Open Air with a capacity of almost 5,000 music fans for the first time. Artists include James Brown, Katie Melua, and Till Brönner.
2008
Juergen Schlensog takes sole responsibility for the Jazz Open festival. Headliners include Paul Simon and Lenny Kravitz. The festival opens a second stage at the Mercedes Benz Museum. The Bix Jazz Club has now become the festival's club stage.
2009
The Paris Square is history as a venue. The main stage of the Jazz Open is moving to the Landesmesse. Lineup includes Grace Jones, Marianne Faithfull, Joe Jackson and more.
2010
Jazz Open main venue is moving to the Porsche Arena. The lineup includes Earth Wind & Fire, David Sanborn, Till Brönner, and many more.
2011
It's done: Jazz Open has come of age and is allowed to take place on Stuttgart's Schlossplatz. Line Up shows B.B. King, Chicago, Blood Sweat Tears and more.
2016
David Gilmour hnors Jazz Open besides Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Lizz Wright and many more. The SpardaWelt Eventcenter becomes the festival's fourth stage.
2017
Honored: Jazz Open receives the Live Entertainment Award (LEA) for “Festival of the Year”. Quincy Jones arranges an orchestra project featuring George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jacob Collier and many more. The Stuttgart Old Castle becomes the festival's second main stage.
2018
Music reaches outer space: Kraftwerk's Jazz Open concert with a live link to the ISS and astronaut Alexander Gerst causes an international sensation and receives the LEA Award for “Concert of the Year.” The lineup includes Bob Dylan, among others. The festival's sponsorship pyramid is complete.
2025
Jazz Open lasts for 12 days and attracts over 64,000 visitors. Stars such as Kylie Minogue, RAYE, Zucchero, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Lionel Richie where featured in this edition. The festival produces filming for ARD, arte, and SWR.
2026
The Jazz Open festival becomes international and will also take place in Modena starting in July 2026. The ponsorship features Ferrari, Mastercard Allianz Bank and more .
