🎵 Hepcats Festival 2026

Hepcats Festival returns for its 2nd Edition from June 11–14, 2026, bringing four days of high-quality Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz to the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Hosted by Hepcats Istanbul, it lands at the perfect moment — when spring turns into summer and the city is at its best.

More than just classes, Hepcats is built around connection: dancers from all over the world meet, share their cultures, and dive into the energy of a young, fast-growing scene where East meets West.

The festival keeps its focus on Lindy Hop & Authentic Jazz, live music, and the warm, high-energy community feeling that defined its celebrated first edition.

Days flow through workshops and social dancing, while nights turn into long parties with a live band, DJs, shows and competitions — all wrapped in genuine Turkish hospitality.

📅 Dates & Registration

Festival Dates: June 11 – 14, 2026

Registration Opens: January 13, 2026 (2 PM CET / 4 PM Istanbul)

🎟 Registration & Info

https://hepcatsfestival.com/register/

Pass Type:

  • Lindy Hop Pass — 3 levels, 6 hours of Lindy Hop classes + 4 nights of parties (€230)
  • Solo Jazz Pass — open level, 6 hours of Solo Jazz classes + 4 nights of parties (€230)
  • Performance Pass — 8 hours of performance classes + showcase at the Sunday party (€230)
  • Concept Pass — 2 concept classes (4 hours) + 4 nights of parties (€200)
  • Party Pass — 4 nights of parties, shows & competitions (€140)

📍 What & Where

Country: Turkey 🇹🇷

Location: Istanbul (Beşiktaş & Beyoğlu)

The main hub is IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş, one of Istanbul's key live music venues, set in the heart of Beşiktaş. With its spacious stage, wooden parquet flooring and professional sound and lighting, it hosts all main parties plus some festival classes.

Additional classes take place at the Hepcats Istanbul Studio in the Taksim / Beyoğlu area — a dedicated dance space for learning, movement and community. Together, the two venues create the perfect setting to dance, learn and celebrate jazz culture in the middle of the city.

💃 Dance Styles

  • Lindy Hop
  • Solo Jazz / Authentic Jazz

🎭 Activities & Highlights

Workshops

  • Lindy Hop classes across 3 levels (Intermediate / Intermediate-Advanced / Advanced)
  • Open-level Solo Jazz and dedicated Performance track
  • Concept classes, including a special Blues Concept Class

Social Dancing

  • 4 nights of parties from 9 PM to 4 AM
  • Smooth wooden parquet dance floors and a professional sound system

Live Music & Parties

  • Live music every night from The Shirt Tail Stompers
  • DJ sets by international artists, including some festival teachers
  • Performances and shows throughout the nights, with Sep Vermeersch as MC

Competitions

  • Mix & Match (Open & Advanced)
  • Strictly (Open)
  • Solo Jazz (Open)

Special Themes

  • 🎉 Welcome Party (Thursday opening night — venue to be announced)
  • Themed / dress-code parties: Information not available yet

Atmosphere

Warm, welcoming and high-energy — an international gathering with genuine touches of traditional Turkish culture.

👣 Teachers & Artists

The Hepcats Festival 2026 brings together an international lineup of Lindy Hop & Authentic Jazz teachers, a live swing band and DJs, blending world-class dancing with the warmth of the Istanbul scene.

🎓 Teachers

  • Wilma 🇸🇪 & Viktor 🇸🇪
  • Clàudia 🇪🇸 & Coline 🇫🇷
  • Asael 🇲🇽 & Elle 🇦🇺
  • Marion 🇫🇷 & Sylvain 🇫🇷
  • Sep 🇧🇪 & Juls
  • Karl Brochard "SwingHappy" 🇫🇷

A diverse international team — from Swedish National Team and Boogie Woogie World Champions Wilma & Viktor to Berlin-based Asael & Elle and Barcelona's Clàudia Fonte — sharing musicality, creativity and deep respect for jazz culture.

🎺 Live Bands

  • The Shirt Tail Stompers 🇬🇧

Recognised as one of Europe's best social dance bands, the Shirt Tail Stompers have played dance camps in over 25 countries. Drawing on Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and the swing greats, they bring authentic, danceable energy to every night.

🎧 DJs

Information not available yet

The full DJ lineup will be announced closer to the festival. Sets will be played by international artists, including some of the festival's own teachers, ensuring continuous social dancing across all four nights.

🌿 Festival Vibe

Hepcats has a warm, comfortable and genuinely high-energy atmosphere.

It feels like a young, passionate community opening its doors to the world — where teachers and dancers connect, share their cultures, and discover Istanbul together.

Expect:

  • a friendly, welcoming crowd
  • non-stop social dancing
  • live music and electric party nights
  • authentic touches of Turkish hospitality

This is a festival where the dancing is excellent — and the human connection is even better.

🎟 Why You Should Come

Hepcats isn't only about leveling up your dance — it's about experiencing Istanbul through swing.

You come for the swing, but you stay for:

  • the international community
  • the live band and party nights
  • the city, at the best time of year
  • the warmth of the Hepcats family

Four days of dancing, culture and connection in one of the world's most fascinating cities — and a scene that welcomes you like an old friend.

🪩 Quick Overview

Event: Hepcats Festival 2026 (2nd Edition)

Dates: June 11 – 14, 2026

Location: Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷

Dance Styles

  • Lindy Hop
  • Solo Jazz / Authentic Jazz

Highlights

  • 4-day Lindy Hop & Authentic Jazz festival
  • International teaching lineup
  • Live music by The Shirt Tail Stompers
  • 4 nights of parties, shows & competitions
  • Two venues in Beşiktaş & Beyoğlu
  • A vibrant scene in the heart of Istanbul

Website

https://hepcatsfestival.com/

Instagram

@hepcatsfestival