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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.

From Saturday, October 24, to Friday, October 30, and Sunday, November 1, 2026, Bran Castle hosts the annual Halloween event, presenting The Legend of Dracul.

As the fog lifts and night falls, the legends of Transylvania come to life at Bran Castle, from historical facts to urban myths. This year, the event has been expanded, offering a deeper and darker atmosphere, designed primarily for adult visitors, while remaining captivating for all ages.

Inspired by the phases of the moon, the event suggests a complete cycle of Dracul's return: from a quiet and mysterious beginning, passing through moments of intense transformation and finally reaching a dramatic and contemplative silence.

The available packages are:

Tickets available for Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2026

Step into a dark realm, where shadows come to life and every corner hides a story ready to be revealed. Designed for an adult audience, but captivating for all who dare to enter, visitors are expected to step into a world of mystery.

New Moon Ticket

Perfect for those drawn to the thrill of the unknown, the New Moon ticket offers a Halloween tour suitable for all ages.

This daytime experience welcomes visitors between the hours of 09:00 and 19:00 (last entry). Please note that on Monday, October 26, The castle opens later, at 12:00.

As you walk through the legendary rooms of Bran Castle, you will discover captivating special effects that amplify the suspense, actors who blur the line between fiction and reality, and dimly lit corridors that will create suspense at every turn.

To preserve the magic and ensure a special experience for each visitor, the number of tickets is limited.

Tickets and packages available for Saturday, October 31, 2026

On Halloween night, the story reaches its climax. The atmosphere intensifies, the shadows grow bolder, and every experience becomes more intense and memorable. Choose how far you dare to go!

New Moon Ticket

Designed exclusively for Halloween, this tour is recommended for adults.

Available from 09:00 to 17:00 (last admission), the New Moon tour invites you to step deeper into the unknown. Amplified special effects, more dynamic interactions, and darker spaces await you in a complex story. This is where curiosity becomes anticipation, the perfect introduction to the night ahead. Tickets are limited.

Blood Moon Package

As the sun sets, the transformation begins, drawing visitors into a unique Halloween celebration.

Created exclusively for adults looking for a more intense experience, this package is available for 800 lei per person. It includes an evening Halloween tour (18:00 - 20:00) and access to the famous party in the Royal Park (21:00 - 04:00).

Under the night sky, in a spectacular 600 sq m gala tent, the party comes to life with a live DJ, a lively atmosphere and a costumed audience, as well as a bar full of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (payment will be possible by cash or card). The road to the party is part of the experience, being guided by characters who blur the line between reality and fiction. Once there, you will discover classic horror projections, photo zones and memorable moments. Capacity is limited.

Full Moon Package

For those seeking both intensity and refinement, the Full Moon experience offers the perfect balance.

This premium package, dedicated exclusively to adults, includes a special Halloween tour, an elegant dinner at the Tea House Restaurant in the Royal Garden, and access to the gala tent party.

Each guest can choose their favorite rhythm:

• dinner at 18:00, followed by the tour;

• or a tour to 20:00, followed by a dinner at 21:30.

The menu, created by a renowned chef, transforms the evening into a complete sensory experience. Limited to just 160 guests (80 people per series), the event maintains an intimate and refined setting.

Eclipse Package

For those who dare to go through the entire legend, the Eclipse package reveals the most exclusive side of this experience.

This VIP package includes a Halloween tour and access to a private party inside the Castle (23:00 - 04:00).

Inside the historic walls, guests can enjoy a premium buffet, open bar and a live DJ. Visitors can choose between the exclusive atmosphere of the Castle or the energy of the party outside, which will also last until 04:00 in the morning.

Limited to just 100 participants, this package offers an experience defined by exclusivity and elegance.

Tickets available for Sunday, November 1, 2026

As the echoes of Halloween night fade, a gentler magic persists in Bran Castle, offering one last opportunity this season to discover its special charm.

Blue Moon Ticket

Designed especially for families, this ticket offers a more cheerful and bright tour, where mystery combines with magic in a way that is captivating for children and delightful for adults, between 09:00 and 18:00 (last entry).

Inside, thematic decorations await you that transform the Castle into a fairytale world, adapted special effects, and characters that bring the legend to life in a friendly way.

To ensure comfort and a relaxed experience, the number of tickets is limited.

We invite you to become part of the story that comes to life at the end of October, revealing the complete experience of the Legend of Dracul. Tickets will be available online on our website or on site, on the night of the event.

Be cautious if you suffer from claustrophobia, are sensitive to flashing lights and loud noises, or if you are holding children. Also, consider the low temperatures and slippery walkways or stairs. For your safety, follow the instructions of the Bran Castle staff.