Jazz in Duketown

Jazz in Duketown is the annual jazz festival in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Every Pentecost weekend, our Brabant capital turns into one big open-air stage where jazz lovers from everywhere come together. From intimate performances to major concerts in packed squares: this free festival has truly been a household name in the Netherlands for over fifty years.

From modest beginnings to nationally known

The first edition of Jazz in Duketown took place in the early seventies. A number of jazz enthusiasts from Den Bosch decided to organize performances together in local cafés and small venues. The love for jazz turned out to be greater than expected. The event soon grew into a festival with national and international artists. Today, Jazz in Duketown is the largest free-to-access jazz festival in the Netherlands.

Musical diversity in the Den Bosch city center

What makes Jazz in Duketown unique is the way the city and the music merge. The Markt, the Parade and Kerkplein provide the backdrop for performances in every imaginable jazz style: from traditional swing to modern fusion, soul, funk and world music. As a result, the festival attracts not only seasoned jazz fans, but also many curious visitors, young people and families who want to soak up the atmosphere.

Young talent and big names

In addition to performances by top international artists, Jazz in Duketown also offers a stage to young talent. The Conservatorium Talent Award is an annual part of the festival, where promising students from Dutch conservatories present themselves to a large audience. 

Accessible to Everyone

The atmosphere during Jazz in Duketown is warm, relaxed and accessible. Visitors stroll from performance to performance, enjoy live music on terraces with a beer and let themselves be surprised by new songs. The free admission and varied program make the festival suitable for a wide audience.

2026 Edition: What did you miss :-)

For more than fifty years, Jazz in Duketown has proven that jazz is alive, evolving and connecting people. A weekend full of music, atmosphere and Den Bosch hospitality that you should not miss.  https://www.jazzinduketown.nl/

📣 Book a hotel in good time

Do you want to miss nothing during Jazz in Duketown and fully enjoy all the music and atmosphere? Then reserve a hotel room in the city center in good time. That weekend, the city fills up with music lovers and rooms are often fully booked quickly.

An absolute recommendation is Hotel Central on the Markt, right in the heart of the city. During Jazz in Duketown, this atmospheric hotel is known for its own live jazz program in the cozy Brasserie Cé and the bar. This way, you can enjoy music not only outside on the squares, but also indoors with intimate performances in a unique setting. From Hotel Central, you can also walk straight onto the Markt, where the biggest performances take place.

View the agenda here of Hotel Central during Jazz in Duketown.

Do you want to be sure of a place? Book your room or package quickly and experience the festival up close — day and night.