Established in 1978, Dresdner Musikfestspiele is held annually over approximately four weeks between May and June. Each edition follows the tradition of presenting a new thematic focus, featuring around 60 concerts spanning diverse genres such as orchestral music, chamber music, solo performances, classical and contemporary music, world music, jazz, and multimedia arts. Events take place across more than 20 venues, including the Dresdner Philharmonie, theaters, churches, and open-air spaces. In 2012, the festival founded the Dresden Festivalorchester to further enrich its artistic offerings.

Organized with funding from the Saxon State Government and corporate sponsors, the festival has become a distinctive cultural landmark in Dresden. It has achieved considerable scale and artistic excellence, exerting significant influence in eastern Germany. Notable orchestras that have performed at the festival include the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Staatskapelle Dresden, and the Munich Philharmonic. Distinguished artists such as Daniel Harding, Christian Thielemann, Fabio Luisi, Tan Dun, and Rudolf Buchbinder have also graced its stages.