Forbach, a town in northeastern France’s Moselle department, is set to host its annual jazz festival from May 8 to May 10, 2026, featuring internationally recognized musicians Sanseverino and Luis Salinas as headlining acts. The event will take place at the Centre des Congrès du Burghof, with performances scheduled each evening at 7:00 PM. This year’s edition marks a significant step in the festival’s growth since its inception in 2018, drawing attention for its blend of local talent and global jazz figures.
Sanseverino, a French artist known for blending swing manouche, rock, blues, and tango influences, will perform on Saturday, May 9, alongside local guitarist Brady Winterstein and Hervé Poulikin. Luis Salinas, an Argentine guitarist based in Buenos Aires who has filled stadiums across Latin America and southern Europe, is slated to headline the final night on Sunday, May 10. Both artists are described by organizers as major international names in contemporary guitar music, contributing to the festival’s rising prestige.
The festival’s programming includes additional acts across the three days. On Friday, May 8, the Hot Sugar Band Swing Project will open the event, featuring Amati Schmitt, Sébastien Giniaux, and Guismo Graf in a tribute to Django Reinhardt. Saturday’s lineup includes the Dario Napoli Trio with Baiju Bhatt, preceding Sanseverino’s performance. On Sunday, Pansch Weiss and Jimmy Hoffmann’s 4TET will accompany Luis Salinas. Free concerts by Mario Hoffman and the David Girardi Project will be held daily from 3:00 PM in the Burghof courtyard.
Ticket pricing for the main evening performances is set at 35 euros for adults, with the event welcoming attendees of all ages. Organizers emphasize the festival’s goal of fostering a festive and welcoming atmosphere centered around gypsy jazz traditions. Benji Winterstein, a key figure in the festival’s organization since its launch, noted in prior statements that securing Sanseverino’s participation was a milestone, citing mutual respect from previous encounters at other concerts.
Luis Salinas, while less widely known in the immediate Forbach region, has established an international reputation through extensive touring and recordings. His appearance represents a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience a musician celebrated for technical mastery and expressive range in the jazz and Latin guitar genres. The inclusion of such artists aligns with the festival’s broader mission to showcase diverse musical voices while maintaining roots in the Gypsy jazz tradition.
Over the years, the Forbach jazz festival has grown from a modest local gathering into a recognized cultural event in the Grand Est region. Its timing each May coincides with broader cultural calendars in northeastern France, often drawing visitors from neighboring Saarland in Germany and Luxembourg. The 2026 edition benefits from continued municipal support and partnerships with regional cultural bodies, though specific funding details were not disclosed in available sources.
As with previous years, the festival adheres to accessibility guidelines, ensuring accommodations for diverse audience needs. The Burghof congress center provides indoor seating for evening performances, while the outdoor courtyard events offer a more casual setting. Weather contingencies for the free afternoon concerts have not been detailed in public announcements, though indoor venues serve as backups for evening shows.
The 2026 festival occurs amid a broader resurgence of interest in acoustic and hybrid jazz forms across Europe, particularly styles influenced by Romani musical traditions. Artists like Sanseverino and Salinas exemplify this trend, bridging technical virtuosity with accessible melodies that appeal to both jazz aficionados and casual listeners. Their participation underscores Forbach’s positioning as a destination for quality jazz programming outside major metropolitan hubs.
Looking ahead, the festival organizers have not announced plans beyond the 2026 edition, though the consistent annual scheduling since 2018 suggests continuity is expected. Attendees seeking updates are encouraged to consult the official municipal channels of Forbach or regional cultural tourism platforms as the event dates approach. No official postponements or cancellations have been indicated for the May 8–10, 2026, window.
For readers interested in experiencing the fusion of traditional jazz motifs with contemporary interpretations, the Forbach festival offers a concentrated opportunity to witness live performances by artists navigating multiple genres. The combination of ticketed evening shows and free daytime performances aims to balance accessibility with sustainable event production.
As the festival draws near, local hospitality providers in Forbach typically prepare for increased visitor volume, particularly from cross-border travelers. While specific economic impact figures for the 2026 edition are not yet available, past iterations have been noted for contributing to seasonal tourism in the SaarLorLux euroregion.
The event remains non-partisan and culturally focused, with no political or commercial sponsorships highlighted in verified sources. Its continued operation relies on a mix of public support, ticket revenue, and community volunteer efforts, reflecting a model common to many mid-sized cultural festivals in France.
Those planning to attend are advised to verify timing and access details through official Forbach municipal communications closer to the event date, as minor schedule adjustments can occur due to logistical or administrative factors. The festival’s adherence to published dates has been consistent in recent years, barring unforeseen circumstances.
With Sanseverino and Luis Salinas confirmed as the 2026 headliners, the Forbach jazz festival promises three evenings of diverse guitar-driven jazz expression, complemented by daytime access to additional musical offerings. The event stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of live jazz in fostering community connection and artistic appreciation.
To share your thoughts on this year’s Forbach jazz festival lineup or ask questions about attending, feel free to leave a comment below. If you found this overview helpful, consider sharing it with others interested in European jazz events or cultural travel in northeastern France.