Vinterjazzfestivalen 2026 Brings World-Class Jazz to Fredrikstad, Norway
Fredrikstad, Norway — The acclaimed Vinterjazzfestivalen returns for its 2026 edition with an assembled program of extraordinary jazz performances, international artists, and genre-spanning concerts, presented from March 11 to March 15, 2026 at multiple venues including Båthuset Scene and Kulturkirken Gamle Fredrikstad.
Curated to spotlight both Norwegian and international talent, the festival offers audiences a richly varied musical journey — from electrifying jazz fusion and soul grooves to innovative tributes and contemporary ensembles.
Festival Headliners and Program Highlights
• The Real Thing — Esteemed Norwegian soul-jazz ensemble known for their dynamic stage presence and authentic grooves, opening the festival on March 11 at Båthuset Scene.
• D’Sound — Norway’s celebrated pop-jazz-soul outfit performs on March 11, bringing a blend of funk, R&B and jazz-infused grooves that have defined their signature sound.
• Electric Miles — A powerful tribute to the electric era of Miles Davis, celebrating the legacy of one of jazz’s most revolutionary figures with a band of seasoned musicians on March 14.
• Paris/Oslo Collective — A collaboration of top Norwegian jazz talents, presenting an evening of refined interplay and intricate improvisation on March 14.
• Johannes Groth — Fusion and progressive instrumental project showcasing contemporary jazz innovation, scheduled for March 14.
• Billy Cobham – Time Machine — Legendary drummer Billy Cobham returns with his Time Machine septet on March 14, offering virtuosic jazz-fusion that has influenced generations of musicians.
• Paquito D’Rivera — Grammy Award-winning jazz and Latin music icon performs on March 15, delivering an unforgettable blend of rhythmic mastery and melodic brilliance.
• Vincen Garcia — Highly acclaimed bassist and global jazz-funk ambassador appears in Norway for the first time on March 13, presented as part of the festival concerts.
• COUCH (US) – Big Talk Tour — The American funk-soul collective makes its Norwegian debut as part of Vinterjazzfestivalen, promising an energetic and celebratory live show on March 13.
About Vinterjazzfestivalen
Vinterjazzfestivalen is one of Norway’s premier winter jazz festivals, dedicated to celebrating jazz in all its forms — from classic straight-ahead and fusion to modern, genre-crossing explorations. The festival’s mission is to elevate Fredrikstad’s cultural presence and contribute to Norway’s rich jazz legacy by presenting compelling live music experiences for audiences of all ages and tastes.
https://www.facebook.com/vinterjazzfestivalen
In 2025, Made In New York Jazz Competition and Festival entered a creative collaboration with Vinterjazzfestivalen, marking a new chapter in cross-Atlantic artistic exchange. The partnership focuses on shared values of artist development, cultural dialogue, and presenting unique, once-in-a-lifetime performances that connect emerging global talent with established jazz masters.
“Jazz has always been a universal language,” said Michael Brovkine, Founder of the Made In New York Jazz Competition and Festival. “This collaboration is about creating meaningful artistic bridges — bringing together different scenes, cultures, and generations of musicians to inspire audiences and give artists a truly international platform.”
Tickets and Access
Festival passes and individual concert tickets are available now via authorized outlets. A full festival pass grants access to five days of performances and events across participating venues.
https://www.ticketmaster.no/event/vinterjazzfestivalen-festivalpass-11-15-mars-2026-tickets
Media Contacts
For press accreditation, interviews, or festival information, please contact the Vinterjazzfestivalen organizing team via the official website: https://www.vinterjazzfestivalen.no
