Jazz Festival

Between September 11 and 13, 2026, Józsefváros will be taken over by jazz. For three days, Rákóczi Square and the Market Hall will host a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from classic jazz to contemporary and fusion genres, as well as improvisational and world music performances.

Supporting emerging musicians is also an important part of the event.

The winners of the “Show Yourself at the Józsefvárosi Jazz Festival” competition will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience in a dedicated showcase section.

JellyRatChase is a relatively new jazz group that primarily performs original compositions based on the traditions of mainstream jazz. The band has already had the opportunity to perform in Prague and on the stage of Budapest Jazz Club.

Gorg & Benzol may be especially interesting for those who are looking for something beyond traditional jazz. Their music combines jazz with techno, Latin and hip-hop influences, along with unexpected musical twists and turns.

This also highlights one of the festival’s greatest strengths: it is not centered around a single jazz style, but instead gives space to a wide range of musical approaches.

Even if you’re not the world’s biggest jazz fan, it’s still worth checking out one or two of the events, as jazz won’t be the only genre represented during these three days. A wide variety of other musical styles will also be part of the festival. For tourists, the location itself can make this an interesting experience, as the area around Rákóczi Square offers a glimpse into a more authentic, less touristy side of everyday life in Budapest.

Program

Friday, September 11, 2026

16:00 – Rákóczi Square: Baruts Bence Handpan Project
17:00 – Market Hall: Symbiosis 5
18:00 – Rákóczi Square: Balázs Elemér Group feat. Malek Andrea
19:00 – Market Hall: Jáger Bandi Soulistic
20:00 – Rákóczi Square: Canarro
21:00 – Market Hall: Egri János Jr. Trio

Saturday, September 12, 2026

14:30–15:00 – Rákóczi Square: Moonbeam Band
15:15–15:45 – Market Hall: Blessed
16:00 – Rákóczi Square: East Gipsy Band
17:00 – Market Hall: Gáspár Károly Trio
18:00 – Rákóczi Square: Soul&The Blaze + special guest
19:00 – Market Hall: Manuel Buda / Mediterrantes
20:00 – Rákóczi Square: Snétberger Foundation – Student & Alumni
21:00 – Market Hall: Fictional Heat

Sunday, September 13, 2026

14:30–15:00 – Rákóczi Square: JellyRatChase
15:15–15:45 – Market Hall: Gorg & Benzol
16:00 – Rákóczi Square: AppleBlue
17:00 – Market Hall: Oláh Kálmán Next Generation Trio
18:00 – Rákóczi Square: Tilia
19:00 – Market Hall: Oláh Dezső Vibratone Quartet
20:00 – Rákóczi Square: Koncz Kriszta Group
21:00 – Market Hall: Rafael Márió Trio

Venue: Rákóczi Square, Budapest

Dates: September 11–13, 2026

Admission: Free

Time: 16:00–22:00

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