The Bran Castle Jazz Festival returns for its lucky 13th edition, from August 28 to 30, 2026, bringing a remarkable line-up of international artists to one of Romania's most emblematic cultural landmarks. Held in the spectacular setting of Bran Castle, the former Royal Residence, the festival promises three evenings of high-class music, combining jazz, fusion and experimental sounds.

The festival will run for three days and offers a limited number of tickets in two categories. 200 tickets are available in front of the stage, with both single-day tickets and full season tickets available. For those who want a more refined experience, 50 seats are available on the terrace of the Queen Marie Tea House, behind the stage. This type of ticket includes a glass of carefully selected wine and a light dinner.

Friday, August 28

The festival opens at 19:00 with French double bassist Stéphane Kerecki and his quartet, presenting Liberation Songs, a concert that combines jazz tradition with contemporary expression. A key figure in the French jazz scene and named Musician of the Year at the Victoires du Jazz (2015), Kerecki is known for his international collaborations. Inspired by Charlie Haden and the Liberation Music Orchestra, the show reinterprets emblematic works with themes related to life's hardships and freedom.

From 20:30, the evening continues with legendary drummer Magnus Öström, co-founder of the influential Esbjörn Svensson Trio (est), who returns alongside Andreas Hourdakis (guitar), Daniel Karlsson (keyboards) and Conor Chaplin (bass), in a deeply personal musical concert.

Considered one of the most important jazz artists of the 2000s, Öström achieved international success with est, named Trio of the Decade, and his album Live in Hamburg was named Album of the Decade by The Times. He later built a solid solo career, receiving the ECHO Jazz Award for Best International Drummer (2011) and the Swedish Manifest Award for Best Jazz Album.

Saturday, August 29

At 12:00, the festival expands outside the castle, with a special concert hosted by the Evangelical Church of Râșnov, in the spirit of the tradition preserved since the first edition, with free admission. Guitarists Stephan Thelen and Jon Durant present Crossings, a project born from the Fractal Guitar series. Without drums or bass, the recital creates complex soundscapes through layered guitars, ambient electronics and elaborate rhythms.

From 19:00, guests are welcomed back to the Royal Park, where award-winning drummer Jens Düppe returns with new energy and a refreshed sound. The ensemble combines precision, spontaneity and emotional depth, being appreciated as an important force in contemporary European jazz.

Starting at 20:30, legendary drummer Bill Bruford (Yes and King Crimson), now part of the Pete Roth Trio, brings an interactive mix of jazz, fusion, rock and classical influences. With a repertoire that combines original compositions and reinterpretations of established artists, each concert is spontaneous and full of energy.

The final gig of the evening, at 22:00, brings to the stage an iconic band from the Canterbury scene. Soft Machine has been influencing psychedelic rock, progressive rock and jazz fusion since 1966. Known for their experimental spirit and ever-changing formula, the band continues to push musical boundaries. The Bran concert is part of the 2026 world tour for their latest album, Thirteen.

Sunday, August 30

The final day brings to the stage one of the most promising voices of the new generation of European jazz. From 19:00, saxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz presents Inkyra, a concert that combines rich textures and rhythmic complexity. The artist was named Jazz Newcomer of the Year (2022) and Instrumentalist of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and is part of the BBC New Generation Artist program.

The festival concludes with a concert by The Boxhead Ensemble, at 20:30. Founded in 1991 by composer Michael Krassner, the ensemble is an ever-evolving collective known for its collaborative approach and unique musical experiences. Originally created for live soundtracks, the production has evolved into an artistic platform that blends ambient, jazz, post-rock and chamber music, offering a unique performance every time.

Tickets are available on the official Bran Castle website. For more information, please contact us at +40268237700 or via email at office@bran-castle.com.

The event is organized in partnership with ING, Mercedes-Benz and the Branul Nostru Association.