Internationales Dixieland Festival Dresden, which commenced in 1971, is a one-off jazz festival, famous as the oldest one in Germany. Moreover, the event is also listed among Europe's largest jazz festivals. Spread out over eight days in mid-May, Dixieland Dresden pulls in about half a million jazz buffs if the weather is favorable. The top draws must be the riverboat shuffle on the Elbe River, when a historic fleet of paddle-streamers turns into a floating stage, inviting concertgoers aboard too. Yet, the pinnacle of merriments remains the Dixieland parade, making its way across Downtown Dresden and striking spectators with a farewell jazz session.
The lineups of Dixieland Festival Dresden are as impressive as the event's program of events is. The latest editions featured Dan Popek, celebrated as the 'Mozart of Boogie Woogie,' Swing'it, Boogiemen's Friends, Blue Wonder Jazzband, Jackpot, 2Hot, and other big names in jazz, swing, and rock&roll. The concerts run at the Palace of Culture and different venues across the city. You can stay tuned for announcements concerning directories, venues, and also tickets on the event's official website or Facebook, mentioned in our External Resources below.
As for your stay during this week-long revelry, consider the map below, showcasing all available options throughout the capital of Saxony and the state overall. Note that this area in eastern Germany is dotted with magnificent palaces and castles, some dating back to the Middle Ages.
