September 24–27, 2026 | Cologne
Cologne will become the center of the European jazz world from September 24 to 27, 2026: The European Jazz Conference (EJC) will bring together artists, promoters, networks, and industry professionals from across Europe in the Rhine metropolis. This will be the first time the conference has been presented in Germany – and Cologne, with its rich jazz history and current commitment to the contemporary jazz scene, is the logical venue. EJC2026 is co-organised by EJN with three renowned members of the European Jazz Network (EJN): Stadtgarten Köln as the European Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music, Cologne Jazzweek, and the Monheim Triennale.
Program, locations and public access
The program for EJC2026 will be developed in collaboration with the EJN board during the winter of 2025/26 and presented at jazzahead! in April 2026. It will feature a diverse program of keynote speeches, panels, and twelve curated showcases spanning three evenings, presenting outstanding talents from the European jazz scene. The musical spectrum will range from innovative commissioned compositions to performances by established ensembles. An independent jury of promoters and representatives from the German jazz scene will select the acts from a nationwide open call.
Some of the showcases will also be open to the public, allowing interested visitors outside the professional world to gain insights into the vibrant European jazz scene.
Venues and schedule
EJC2026 takes place from Thursday to Sunday . All main venues are centrally located in Cologne and are easily accessible on foot:
- 25hours Hotel: Headquarters with conference and meeting rooms
- Stadtgarten Cologne & JAKI Club: Showcases
- Sartory Hall: Keynotes and larger sessions
- Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz: EJN General Assembly
Save the Date
From September 24th to 27th, 2026, Cologne will become the meeting place for the European jazz scene. Further information on the program, tickets and terms of participation will follow in April 2026.
The European Jazz Conference 2026 is made possible and supported by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, the City of Cologne, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the Rhineland Regional Association (LVR) and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).
Video teaser: https://youtu.be/OYJP7r5rwO8?si=507vk5ikF8EN9Epk
