South East Jazz Festival

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Amsterdam Zuidoost sounds different from any other day. South East Jazz Festival fills the neighborhood with jazz, soul, funk and world music, ranging from established names to fresh talent, and entry is completely free. The festival spans four stages around Bijlmer ArenA station, and one of them stands on Groot Bijlmerplein, right at the door of the Zandkasteel. Reason enough to be there.

A festival that gives Zuidoost its voice

South East Jazz Festival calls itself a yearly celebration of music, culture and community in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam Zuidoost. The festival puts accessibility, sustainability and connection first. It separates waste, uses reusable cups and sits a three minute walk from Bijlmer ArenA station, so you travel there easily by public transport. Entry is free for everyone, and that is exactly why a donation is more than welcome, so the festival can happen again next year.

Four stages, one route through the neighborhood

The program links four spots along a route of roughly one and a half kilometers. At the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the Grachtenfestival joins in, Hoekenrodeplein puts Latin and world music center stage through Extremos, and Bijlmer Parktheater partners with the Amsterdam Conservatory. Walk the route in one afternoon and you hear the full range of what Zuidoost has to offer musically.

Right at our door, on Groot Bijlmerplein

The fourth stage stands on Groot Bijlmerplein, against the facade of the Zandkasteel. This part of the festival is run by ZOJazz Stage, which operates its own concert hall, foyer and rehearsal house here year round. During the festival, the stage moves outdoors and Zuidoost keeps sounding all day long. The program starts at 1.30 pm and runs until 10 pm, featuring Yael Daila, the Ellister van der Molen Hammond Trio, Anne Marie Hunsel and Gianna Tam y La Bonda, among others. Around 9 pm, the Jazz Focus Big Band closes the night in style.

Why this festival fits the Zandkasteel

The Zandkasteel brings working, meeting and experiencing together under one roof, and a day like this shows exactly what that means. Our offices, courtyard gardens and hospitality sit within walking distance of a stage where thousands of people gather for free live music. That is precisely the energy we want to show in Zuidoost: a building that stands in the middle of the neighborhood and is there for the neighborhood too. We are Zuidoost, for Zuidoost.

Come by, or talk to us

Mark August 23 in your calendar, walk the route past all four stages and end at Groot Bijlmerplein. Would you rather explore your own collaboration, for example as a company, a good cause or an organization that, like South East Jazz Festival, wants to use our spaces for an event or gathering? Reach out via reception@zandkasteelamsterdam.nl and discover with us what is possible in this iconic building in Amsterdam Zuidoost.