Elsass Rock & Jive Festival
Alsace's biggest vintage and rockabilly festival
About Elsass Rock & Jive
Coco Das Vegas and the Birth of a Rockabilly Dream
In 2014, Coco Das Vegas, revue presenter and founder of the troupe Alsace Pin-Up, decided to create in Alsace the equivalent of the major vintage festivals she attended worldwide, notably the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival. The idea was simple: to allow Alsatian and European enthusiasts to experience the rockabilly scene without crossing the Atlantic. The Elsass Rock & Jive Festival was thus born in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, on the outskirts of Strasbourg, and settled at L'Illiade, a performance and congress venue with professional infrastructure.
Five Days in the 50s
The festival spans five days in May, offering a dense and varied program that immerses visitors in the world of original rock'n'roll. The concerts feature international artists of rock'n'roll, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and jive: the 2026 edition notably welcomes Bernie Dexter (USA, festival ambassador), Gizzelle (USA), Barrence Whitfield (USA), Bun-Jon & The Big Jive (Germany), and The Hi-Ballin' Daddies (Mexico).
A Complete Universe: Burlesque, Vintage, and Elvis
Elsass Rock & Jive stands out for the richness of its side program. The burlesque shows — a unique feature among French vintage festivals — add a glamorous and quirky touch to the evenings. The car show (vintage American car exhibition, free entry) attracts vintage car enthusiasts. The vintage market offers retro clothing, jewelry, and items. Elvis weddings, celebrated in the kitsch ambiance of the King, offer couples an unforgettable experience. The Miss contest, the pin-up parade, the dance competitions (rock'n'roll, jive, swing), and the outdoor dance floor complete a program that makes this festival a total immersion into the culture of the fifties.
The Third Largest Vintage Festival in France
With over 15,000 visitors in 2025, Elsass Rock & Jive has risen to become the third largest vintage festival in France. Its international reach — artists from the United States, Germany, Mexico, and elsewhere — and its strong identity make it a unique event in the Alsatian and French festival landscape, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Elsass Rock & Jive — edition 2026
9th Edition: International Artists and Burlesque
The 2026 edition of the Elsass Rock & Jive Festival promises five days of celebration from May 13 to 17 at L'Illiade. Bernie Dexter (USA) is the festival ambassador, joined by Gizzelle (USA), Barrence Whitfield (USA), Bun-Jon & The Big Jive (Germany), The Hi-Ballin' Daddies (Mexico), and Barny and the All Stars. Concerts, burlesque shows, car show, vintage market, Elvis weddings, Miss contest, and dance competitions will punctuate this 9th edition.
Programme Elsass Rock & Jive 2026
2026 Edition Program — May 13 to 17
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (5 PM - midnight)
Festival opening night. Opening concerts, first burlesque acts, and launch of activities.
Thursday, May 14, Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026 (12 PM - midnight)
Heart of the festival on three stages (rock'n'roll, swing/jive, outdoor track) with an international rock'n'roll, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and jive program:
- Bernie Dexter (USA) — Festival godmother, international icon of vintage glamour and pin-up culture
- Gizzelle (USA) — Soul-rockabilly singer, between Amy Winehouse and the American vintage scene
- Barrence Whitfield (USA) — Veteran of American rhythm'n'blues and rock'n'roll
- Bun-Jon & The Big Jive (Germany) — Jump blues / jive band
- The Hi-Ballin' Daddies (Mexico) — South American rockabilly
- Barny and the All Stars — Rockabilly lineup
- Full lineup also including The Goose Bumps, The Furies, and other bands from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and France
Sunday, May 17, 2026 (12 PM - 6 PM)
Happy Sunday Dancing day — gentle closing with a swing/jive dance floor open to all and final concerts.
Activities throughout the festival
- International burlesque shows (Bernie Dexter, Serafina Hart, and other guest artists) — a unique feature among French vintage festivals
- Car show — exhibition of vintage American cars, free entry for the driver and passengers
- Vintage market — retro clothing, jewelry, furniture, accessories
- Elvis weddings celebrated in the King's kitsch atmosphere
- Miss Elsass Rock & Jive 2026 contest and pin-up parade
- Dance competitions: rock'n'roll, jive, swing on a dedicated dance floor
- Retro dance classes open to all
- Rumble Circus — mechanical bull, arm wrestling
- Cabinet of curiosities
- Deckchair cinema — screenings of period films
- Retro quizzes and blind tests
- Chili Hot Challenge
- Barber shop, tattoo artists, piercings
- Food trucks and retro bars
Highlights Elsass Rock & Jive 2026
- 9th edition of the festival, 11,000 m² and three stages at L'Illiade
- Bernie Dexter (USA) festival godmother
- International lineup: USA, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, France
- International burlesque shows, a unique feature in France for a vintage festival
- Car show, vintage market, Elvis weddings, Miss contest
- 5-day Retro Rebel Pass for 20 €, daily entries at 3-6 €
Prices Elsass Rock & Jive 2026
Practical information — Elsass Rock & Jive
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place at L'Illiade, 11 allée François Mitterrand, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden. The performance and congress hall hosts the festival across nearly 11,000 m², with three stages and an outdoor area dedicated to the car show.
By car : A35 exit Illkirch. Free parking immediately next to L'Illiade (approx. 300 spaces).
By tram : Tram A, Illkirch-Lixenbuhl station (10-minute walk from L'Illiade).
Usual Hours
- Wednesday: 5 PM - midnight
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12 PM - midnight (free entry from 12 PM to 1 PM)
- Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM (free entry from 12 PM to 1 PM)
Prices
Retro Rebel 5-day Pass: 20 €. Day tickets also available. The car show is free for drivers and passengers of vintage vehicles. VIP Pass limited to 80 places per evening, with access to the main stage balcony and a complimentary drink. Free for children under 12.
Ticketing
Tickets on Billetweb and HelloAsso (Pin-Up d'Alsace association).
Contact
General email: [email protected]
Volunteers: [email protected]
Press: [email protected]
Official website: elsassrockandjivefestival.com
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Where does it take place — Elsass Rock & Jive
L'Illiade
11 Allée François Mitterrand, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden