A week dedicated to jazz – with international stars, experiments and jazz in the open air

26/6/2025 | Forfatter: Rikke Engsig Nielsen | Fotograf: Henning Espersen

From July 11 to 20, Aarhus will once again be filled with live jazz tones when the Aarhus Jazz Festival opens its doors for nine days packed with music, art, play and experimentation.

This year, the festival celebrates its 37th anniversary with a program that includes everything from big international names to unique concerts in unconventional locations, talks and workshops – as well as cozy outdoor spots where you can enjoy the music under the open sky.

Among the year's highlights is Norah Jones, who will open the festival on July 11 in the Great Hall of the Music House. The day before, on July 10, legendary bassist Marcus Miller will guest on stage at this year's Jazz Gala with the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra. Other notable international guests include Madeleine Peyroux, Jo Harrop, Robben Ford, Rosalia de Souza and Mat Maneri.

This year's artist in residence, the Norwegian drummer and composer Paal Nilssen-Love, can be experienced in a wide range of concerts and talks all over the city. With his uncompromising and curious free jazz universe, he sets the rhythm for the festival – and promises both musical discoveries and new friendships.

This year, the festival also focuses on special concerts that break with what we know. Among other things, the audience can experience Maria Faust, who performs her own poetic interpretations of march music from totalitarian regimes at the KØN museum – or Wayne Siegel, who creates a sound universe inspired by insects in the middle of an exhibition about tiny insects at Kunsthal Aarhus. In the Cathedral, organist Kit Downes and instrument builder Calum Builder meet in a unique concert, where the Cathedral's large organ plays together with a home-built organ created from recycled organ pipes.

Jazz for children and families is a permanent part of the festival's DNA. This year, the artist duo En Hemmelig Klub is unfolding a creative jazz playground in four different locations in the city – and inviting the little ones to build, play and listen in the spirit of free improvisation. There is children's jazz every single day, and the festival's festive opening parade gives children the opportunity to build giant puppets themselves, which will become part of the procession through the city's streets.

Jazz in the open air and jazz with food
Aarhus Jazz Festival also invites you to jazz under the open sky – at Klostertorvet, Institut for X, Salling Rooftop and as something new: a picnic by the Aarhus River in front of the venue Turkis. Here, the audience can enjoy free concerts and buy specially composed picnic baskets from the food collective Syv Munde. Around the city, jazz is also served with brunch, café food and dinner at venues such as ARoS, Café Støj and Salling Rooftop – because jazz should be heard, felt and tasted.

Learn more about the world of jazz
For those who want to know more, the festival offers artist talks with, among others, Maria Faust, Wayne Siegel and Paal Nilssen-Love, and you can also try your hand at jazz instruments in FOF Aarhus’ Jazz Me Up! workshops.

In short: Aarhus Jazz Festival 2025 promises unforgettable experiences for both seasoned jazz lovers, curious beginners and adventurous children.