6 Music Festivals in Denmark That You Shouldn't Miss

Every single summer since 1979 Copenhagen Jazz Festival has been taking over Copenhagen as one of Europe’s most important international music events based on eminent artistic quality and a sharp focus on new departures in both Danish and international jazz. Lasting 10 days, the festival envelops the Danish capital, offering af sumptuous musical feast to the 250.000 guests who join us year after year. Enjoying live jazz on the city’s streets, in its clubs, cafes and concert halls, and at open-air night venues – all in the very heart of historical Copenhagen. Copenhagen’s legendary status as one of the jazz capitals of Europe grew in the 1950s and 1960s, when a whole host of leading American jazz icons had their creative base in the city. Among those who have called Copenhagen home are Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Ben Webster, Stuff Smith, Ed Thigpen, Thad Jones and Kenny Drew. Each and every one of them has drawn inspiration from Denmark’s jazz scene and the era’s most important jazz club: Jazzhus Montmartre. This was also the time when some of Denmark’s best musicians had their international breakthrough, musicians like Alex Riel, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Palle Mikkelborg. Copenhagen’s unique jazz history is a key factor in the exceptionally high level of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, something that can be experienced at the many free open-air stages strategically located throughout the historical city centre. Together with Copenhagen’s record number of cafes and music venues, these stages create a unique atmosphere, bringing the city alive with jazz from early morning to late at night. People don’t only come for a fantastic musical experience, but for the unique atmosphere throughout Copenhagen when jazz takes over the city. The festival audience can listen to top international jazz names at the stunning Royal Theatre, Copenhagen’s Opera House and Jean Nouvel’s architectural world-class Koncerthus – as well as along the harbour front, where they can take a dip in the clear waters to the sound of Danish and international jazz. Copenhagen Jazz Festival also proudly presents music at the border of jazz and other genres as part of the programme ‘Something Else’. And everyone’s welcome to take their kids to the beautiful parks to the east of the city where thousand of children and their parents flock every summer to enjoy a packed programme of live jazz, circus, painting workshops and singing – all part of the ‘Jazz for Kids’ festival programme. Copenhagen Jazz Festival takes a pride in reaching many – and new – audiences, with tailor-made programmes for pensioners and teenagers, kids and their families, as well as catering for jazz aficionados and enthusiasts. Visitors can look forward to Copenhagen as a friendly and creative city where it’s safe to wander around accompanied by jazz night and day. A modern and open-minded metropolis that can be experienced at its very best during Copenhagen Jazz Festival.

Roskilde Festival has provided music, mud and mayhem to the people since 1971. Over four days, the festival presents an impressive slew of artists, from established rock gods to exciting newcomers. It is the largest music and culture festival in Northern Europe with eight stages, over 175 artists, 130,000 visitors, and a positive social and environmental attitude to go with it. 32,000 volunteers work tirelessly to transform a field outside of Copenhagen into a mini-city of music which boasts its own supermarket and launderette! The festival is run by a charity that supports children and young people, however, the festival itself has an age-limit of 15.

Distortion is one of Denmark’s youngest and hippest festivals. It's a massive five-day street party that celebrates night life, dance music and "orchestrated chaos". It started out in 1998 as a modest one-day music event, but now takes over entire areas of Copenhagen whilst thousands of revellers enjoy a veritable moveable feast in the streets of the Danish capital.

For more than 44 years Tønder Festival has been one of Europe´s most respected festivals. We present traditional music, americana, country, blues, nordic and everything inbetween. Artists who have performed are amo. Emmylou Harris, Sturgill Simpson, John Prine, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Lucinda Williams, Tyler Childers and many more.