Queen Máxima opens NN North Sea Jazz Festival

The opening takes place at 2:30 PM. A festive tour of the festival grounds follows, where the first live performances can be heard and the launch of a special edition is celebrated.

On July 16, 2026, it will be exactly fifty years since North Sea Jazz first opened its doors, back then still in The Hague. The festival celebrates this anniversary by looking ahead, while also reflecting on the past and celebrating with the people who made North Sea Jazz great: artists, visitors, creators, and partners.

This is also reflected in the program. Fifty Years of North Sea Jazz does not tell just one story, but shows how jazz has continuously evolved and produced various movements that come together at this edition. Moreover, each festival day concludes festively with an NSJ50 Afterparty. On Friday, Questlove takes his place behind the turntables; on Saturday, it is Gilles Peterson's turn; and on Sunday, Anderson .Paak closes the festival as DJ Pee .Wee.

The anniversary is being celebrated in various ways at and around the festival. On Sunday, an episode of the NTR podcast series 50 Jaar North Sea Jazz will be recorded. This series has been available to listen to weekly since June 1. The short film North Sea Jazz 50: The Artist’s Take, in which artists share what the festival means to them, can also be seen. Additionally, the photo exhibition 50 Jaar North Sea Jazz Fotografie and the interactive North Sea Jazz 50 Years Experience can be visited at the festival. Personal memories can be found at mystory.northseajazz.com.

The anniversary is also being celebrated in the city. North Sea Jazz is providing program elements at the returning Dunya Festival in Rotterdam. On Sunday, July 5, the program includes a workshop and performance with Rotterdam Brass Band School, alongside performances by La Rouge and Theon Cross. On the final weekend of North Sea Round Town, North Sea Jazz booking Assia Brass Benin plays on the Nieuwe Binnenweg.