Dixieland

- 10 May 2026
- 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Event
When the Zoo Swings: A Family Festival with a Dixie Flair
When the gates of Dresden Zoo open on a sunny May day and cheerful jazz tunes ring out amidst elephants, giraffes and lions, it’s time once again for Dixieland in the Family. This atmospheric spectacle combines intergenerational joie de vivre with animal fun – a musical outing of a special kind, where visitors of all ages get their money’s worth.
For children: learning, laughing, living with jazz – the ‘Dixieland ABC’ & animal fun
The day offers exciting journeys of discovery, especially for young jazz fans: through entertaining excerpts from the lovingly designed Dixieland ABC, children are playfully introduced to the world of jazz. What is a banjo? Why do musicians swing when they play? What does ‘improvisation’ actually sound like? – Answers to all these questions are provided in an age-appropriate, pedagogically sound manner. In addition, numerous creative play stations, hands-on activities and, of course, the zoo’s animal stars ensure an all-round successful experience.
A traditional festival opener: Dixieland in Familie
For years, “Dixieland in Familie” has marked the festive opening of the INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL Dresden – the world’s largest and oldest old-time jazz festival. This opening event is not only a musical highlight, but also a lovingly staged celebration of community spirit, joie de vivre and cultural diversity. The unique combination of live music, a family-friendly programme and the chance to experience nature makes this day a firm favourite in Dresden’s festival calendar.
Programme: Dixieland at the Zoo
| Stage at the Afrikahaus | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 am | Dixielanders Jena |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Thomas Stelzer Trio |
| 13:00 | Sunshine Brass performs in the beer garden |
| 13:00 | SZ prize draw – Part 1 |
| 13:30 – 14:15 | Sunshine Brass |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Thomas Stelzer Trio |
| 15:30 | SZ prize draw – Part 2 |
| 16:15 – 17:00 | Sunshine Brass |
| Stage by the petting zoo | |
| 10:30 – 12:00 | Excerpts from the Dixieland ABC -Sunshine Brass |
| 12.45 – 13.30 | Brass Band Rakovnik (CZ) |
| 14.00 – 15.00 | Dixielanders Jena |
| 15.30 – 16.15 | Dixielanders Jena |
