Jazz Festivals

JANUARY

10 — 18
New York Winterfest, New York, USA
Winter Jazzfest is New York City's premiere showcase for improvised music, practically unrivaled in size and scope. The festival's signature event is the Winter Jazzfest Marathon. These endurance-listening sessions offer up to six hours of continuous music by performers from across the jazz spectrum.

15 — 20
Panama Jazz Festival, Panama City, Panama
The brainchild of pianist Danilo Perez, the Panama Jazz Festival is a much-sought-after jazz event in South America, attracting over 300,000 jazz fans worldwide. Its educational component — supported by Berklee College of Music — brings 5,000 music students from all over the world to perform with Berklee faculty and alumni.

21 — 28
Havana Jazz Festival, Havana, Cuba
Kick the Jazz Calendar off Caribbean-style. If Cuba were the only country in the world, Earth would be known as "music planet". That's why celebs and jazz aficionados flock to legendary Cuba like pilgrims to Mecca for the Havana International Jazz Festival. Nos vemos ahí mi amigo.

FEBRUARY

23 — 24
The Eltham Jazz & Wine Festival, Eltham, Austratlia
When it comes to jazz festivals in Australia, the Elthan Festival is considered to be one of the top jazz festivals in Australia. It features incredible music, delectable food, and magnificent wine, making the total experience absolutely stellar and an excellent option for anyone who wants to explore the Australian jazz scene.

MARCH

APRIL

23 — 28
Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Panama City Beach, Florida, USA
The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is a popular annual music event that celebrates smooth jazz in the Panama City beachside setting. Held in a coastal location, this festival offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for attendees to unwind and immerse themselves in smooth jazz melodies.

25 — 5
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
It only makes sense that the birthplace of jazz would be home to one of the most exciting music festivals in the world. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has made its mission to blend a wide mix of artists and genres, attracting some of the biggest names in modern music to its legendary stages.

30 — 12
St. Lucia Jazz Festival, St. Lucia, Greater Antilles
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival Produced in Collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center will showcase more than a dozen performances by world-renowned artists in intimate venues and public settings throughout one of the Caribbean's most magnificent islands. If the pristine beaches, lapping waves and billowing palms aren't enough to entice a visit, consider a jazz cruise under the stars, waterfront concerts, and breathtaking open-air performances.

MAY

1 — 6
Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham, England
With over 20,000 music-fans getting in the festival swing every year, Cheltenham Jazz Festival has become one England's most beloved jazz celebrations. Taking place amid the stunning Montpellier Gardens at the heart of Cheltenham, this fest is the perfect place to soak up the sounds of today's biggest jazz stars — and to catch a glimpse of the jazz stars of tomorrow.

3 — 4
Cape Town Jazz Festival, Cape Town, South Africa
The Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of South Africa's most anticipated musical events, drawing fans from around the world to this coastal city for two days of outstanding music and educational programming. The festival takes a wide-view when it comes to its lineup — past years' headliners have included Chaka Khan and Jeff Lorber — but there's also a strong focus on local artists.

6 — 12
XJazz Berlin Festival, Berlin, Germany
The XJazz Berlin Festival is quickly becoming a favorite among jazz fans and is often considered one of the best jazz festivals in the world for anyone who enjoys boundary-pushing, innovative jazz music. This event brings together an eclectic array of jazz artists — giving this festival a unique edge. If you'd like to experience it firsthand, plan to be in Berlin in early May.

23 — 26
Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
At the Jacksonville Jazz Fest, attendees will experience two stages of live jazz, local food, drinks, shopping and entertainment. Since first taking place in 1981, the Jazz Fest has become one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, offering a fun and vibrant street festival atmosphere in downtown Jax.

24 — 26
Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta International BNI Java Jazz Festival (JJF) is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and arguably the biggest in Southern Hemisphere. Held in Jakarta, Indonesia, this annual Jazz got its start in 2005 when approximately 102 groups and 1,227 artists performed in 146 shows. It recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

24 — 26
Brussels Jazz Festival, Brussels, Belgium
The Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend 2024 is not just an event; it's a vibrant celebration of jazz and a rich cultural tapestry. This festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With a motto that encourages visitors to "discover jazz, discover the city," the festival intertwines the soulful sounds of jazz with the unique charm of Brussels, offering a weekend full of music, exploration, and joy.

25 — 27
Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Over a 40+ year history, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has been the backdrop to musical legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone. This free outdoor fest, held inside the beautiful Piedmont Park, is the perfect way to spend the Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta.

JUNE

21 — 30
Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa, Canada
For over four decades, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has stood as a top festival, embracing the expansive realm of jazz by encompassing various genres, inspirations, cultures, traditions, and styles. Distinguishing itself as the sole outdoor music festival with a prominent presence in Ottawa's bustling downtown core, the festival shines a spotlight on esteemed, internationally renowned artists while also providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.

21 — 29
Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, New York, USA
Now in its 21st year, the Rochester International Jazz Festival has grown to accommodate more than 320+ shows during the course of its weeklong run, including a record 100+ free shows and 1500+ artists from around the world performing in 20 diverse venues in downtown Rochester, New York. The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world.

26 — 8 (September)
Paris Jazz Festival, Paris, France
The Paris Jazz Festival is held outdoors in the lush lawns of the Floral Park in Paris. Taking place from late-June to early-September, the festival spans 8 weekends, featuring over 30 concerts at various locations within the park. The diverse lineup focuses on jazz, world music, and Afro-American music genres such as soul and blues.

21 — 30
Vancouver International Jazz, Vancouver, Canada
The 39th edition of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival is set to grace stages throughout the city. Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, the organizers, will gradually unveil the complete lineup. Granville Island will be the hub for festival activity, with free and ticketed shows scheduled at Performance Works, Ocean Artworks, and the Revue Stage. In addition, downtown theatres, clubs, and North Shore venues feature various live performances throughout the week.

27 — 6
International Fest de Jazz de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Ranked as the world's largest jazz festival in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is among the very best celebrations of jazz anywhere on the planet. Every year for 10 days, the French-speaking metropolis of North America becomes a living, breathing jazz venue, where fans of all types rub shoulders with aficionados of jazz in its purest form. Concerts take place on free outdoor stages in Montreal's beautiful downtown business corridor, as well as in intimate clubs, swanky jazz venues and historic concert halls across the city.

27 — 12
Jazz à Vienne, Vienne, France
Since it was created in 1981 under Jean-Paul Boutellier's leadership, the Jazz à Vienne Festival has been an annual celebration of jazz. Every year, over 200,000 festival-goers flock to performances by a thousand musicians on four different stages. The Théâtre Antique, which was built in the 1st century CE, is Jazz à Vienne's epicentre. Its unique acoustics and history make it an exceptional venue for both audiences and the internationally renowned musicians who perform there. The festival is a true blend of old and new, an authentic musical fusion. Rich in its diversity, it aims to be a pluralist space that is open to all.

JULY

3 — 18
Istanbul Jazz Festival, Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, a city renowned for its rich heritage and diverse influences, serves as a crossroads where various forms of art and culture flourish. One facet that exceptionally complements this mosaic is jazz music — a genre that finds its ultimate expression in the esteemed Akbank Jazz Festival. The festival promises a variety of experiences as always. Once more, the Jazz Boat sets sail for a day of musical bliss along the Bosphorus. Certainly, those in search of an unforgettable fusion of city charm and musical talent will be enchanted by the opportunity to experience the festival in Beyoğlu with 'A Jazz Night in Pera' event.

3 — 6
Kongsberg JazzFestival, Kongsberg, Norway
An energetic and much-lauded jazz festival called the Kongsberg Jazz Festival annually invites thousands of visitors to Kongsberg, Norway. The event has stated itself as one of Europe's top jazz festivals with a long history, spanning for decades. The festival showcases a broad lineup of both established musicians and up-and-coming artists, presenting an alluring fusion of traditional and modern jazz, as well as experimental music.

5 — 20
Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland
The Montreux Jazz Festival is reinventing itself in the heart of the town of Montreux for its edition 2024. An eye-catching stage will be built on the lake, below the Place du Marché, offering the public a breathtaking view. The Festival is also celebrating its return to the Casino, a significant venue in the event's history. A large number of free stages complete the new layout for this 58th edition, which will continue to accommodate its usual capacity of 250,000 attendees.

5 — 14
Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has played an important role in the history of jazz, serving as home to American expatriates and Danish innovators alike. And since 1979, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival has been shining a spotlight on the city's vibrant music scene. Lasting 10 days, the festival envelops the Danish capital, offering a sumptuous musical feast to the 250,000 guests. Attendees can enjoy live jazz on the city's streets, in its clubs, cafés and concert halls, and at open-air night venues - all in the very heart of historical Copenhagen.

12 — 21
Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia, Italy
The Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia is Italy's most famous jazz celebration, known throughout the region as the premier musical celebration of the summer. The fest began in 1973 as a showcase for Italian jazz artists but in the years since has grown to accommodate musicians and ensembles from around the world. Though it has a strong jazz flavor, the fest attracts artists and jazz fans from related genres like funk, soul, experimental music and R&B. All of it takes place amid the modern-meets-historical landscape of Perugia, one of the most beautiful cities in Umbria region of Central Italy.

12 — 20
Pori Jazz Festival, Pori, Finland
It's time for the 57th International Pori Jazz Festival! In order for everyone to have a chance to experience the festival, the program consists of more than 70 percent of concerts that are free of charge. The music plays at Pori Jazz's main concerts on several different stages and from the afternoon until late at night. The full programme of the main concerts and all the stages are included in the price of the same ticket. For the main concerts, both day tickets and multi-day tickets are available. For a more premium concert experience, the festival offers VIP and Lounge tickets.

12 — 14
North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The Netherlands' North Sea Jazz is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known for its pan-generational view of jazz and eclectic musical bookings. Visitors are regularly treated to new and emerging acts in the genres of jazz, blues, avant-garde rock, funk, soul and R&B, and the fest regularly accommodates more than thousand musicians spread out over 150 performances and fifteen different stages. But for such a large-scale event, the North Sea Jazz Fest in Rotterdam still manages to maintain an intimate character, reminiscent of its early days at the Hague, when legends like Count Basie and Stan Getz graced its stage.

15 — 20
Molde International Jazz Festival, Molde, Norway
The festival is organized every year in July and a close relationship with several other festivals both nationally and internationally. During 6 hectic days, the festival is host to about 120 concerts. Approximately 22,000 tickets are sold each year for events that feature around 500 artists. 600 volunteers lend a helping hand and more than 60,000 people visit Molde during the festival week.

18 — 4
Jazz in Marciac, Marciac, France
Jazz in Marciac, held every year in a charming, centuries-old village in southwestern France, turns a very small town into a very big jazz locale. The marquee seats 5,000 people for the prestigious evening concerts — regular headliners include Wynton Marsalis Cecile McLorin Salvant — but just as many people spend time outside of festival grounds. The whole village is the scene of myriad activities: free concerts on the square, art exhibitions, films, a market for local products and stands selling craftwork from further afield, not to mention the cafés and bars on every corner.

18 — 29
JazzOpen, Stuttgart, Germany
The JazzOpen Stuttgart Festival started in 1994 and since then it has been held continuously every summer. In addition to jazz, various genres such as soul music, rock, pop, blues and more are played in various concerts. The festival's events are held on several stages on the leading places over the city. The festival that has evolved over the years brings more than forty concerts played by international performances including Grammy Award winners and important local artists. The musical events attract, to Stuttgart, more than 40,000 visitors, locals and guests every year.

AUGUST

2 — 4
Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, Rhode Island, USA
The granddaddy of American jazz festivals, the Newport Jazz Festival was founded in 1954. The first edition, organized by jazz impresario George Wein, featured performances by the likes of Billie Holiday and Stan Kenton. In the years since, the festival has played home to some of the most iconic live performances in jazz. Live music by the biggest names in jazz, together with Fort Adams' scenic seaside beauty, make this a festival that should be on any serious jazz fan's bucket list.

9 — 11
Telluride Jazz Festival, Telluride, Colorado, USA
Since 1977, Telluride's majestic perch high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado has been the site of an annual jazz fest combining breathtaking natural landscapes with the captivating music. Concerts take place in an intimate format, with abundant musical offerings from nationally touring acts on outdoor stages during the day and historic venues at night.

9 — 11
Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach, California, USA
The 35th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival is a celebrated, 30 year, 3-generation, family produced Jazz festival in Southern California. Bringing together the best in award winning artists of Jazz, Latin, and R&B to create a diverse 3-day symphony of music genres. This premier festival is world renowned for incredible music, food, and an atmosphere of music lovers.

9 — 11
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, San Jose, California, USA
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest truly embodies the Silicon Valley start-up spirit. The first San Jose Jazz Festival took place in 1990 over two days in August at the Plaza de César Chavez, attracting 10,000 attendees. Thirty years later, the plaza remains the festival's epicenter, but the magnitude of the festival has grown exponentially, becoming one of the West Coast's foremost jazz fests, with more than 100 acts taking place across 12 stages.

29 — 1
Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago, Illinois, USA
The Chicago Jazz Festival is the most anticipated jazz event in the Windy City. This free, outdoor celebration of jazz takes place every year in downtown Chicago's beautiful Millenium Park, as well as in additional venues throughout the city. The fest features artists from across the musical spectrum, with a special focus on the city's homegrown avant-garde and blues artists - with the beautiful Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

30 — 2
Detroit Jazz Festival, Detroit, Michigan, USA
The Detroit Jazz Festival is among the largest free outdoor festivals in the country. Taking place over Labor Day, the festival has been a staple of the Midwestern jazz circuit for nearly four decades. Every year, in addition to booking international jazz icons as headliners, the festival also designates an artist-in-residence. Previous artists-in-residence include Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter and electric bass innovator Stanley Clarke. Two-time Grammy-winning drummer Brian Blade is artist-in-residence for the 2024 Festival. For a free festival, the experience is priceless.

SEPTEMBER

20 — 22
Manly Jazz Festival, Manly Beach, Australia
With stages set up alongside Manly Beach in Australia, the Manly Jazz Festival is another fantastic event for jazz fans. Along with traditional jazz artists, you'll find a lot of jazz fusion at this event, making it a fun way to explore new styles. Featuring more than 50 outstanding artists across 4 stages, this year's festival is not one to miss! From smooth saxophones and sultry vocals to the roar of big bands on stage, the diversity of talent guarantees an unforgettable experience for every jazz aficionado.

20 — 22
TanJazz, Tangier, Morocco
TanJazz Festival is a captivating musical event that pulls in big names and visitors from all walks of life to Morocco's famous Palace of Italian Institutions. This annual celebration of jazz's long history is evidence of the country's vibrant cultural environment and respect for music. At the event, festival-goers can enjoy an array of much-lauded and soulful performances by top-notch jazz singers.

27 — 29
Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey, California, USA
Monterey Jazz Festival is much more than a series of concerts. It's a full-blown jazz experience. Now in its sixth decade, the festival offers 20 acres of magnificent oak-studded grounds for fans to enjoy, featuring films, lectures, exhibitions, food and beverages, an international shopping bazaar and 8 stages of live jazz entertainment. With stellar musical programming, a stunning natural landscape and an inclusive social outlook, Monterey is leading the way in a new jazz fest culture.

OCTOBER

11 — 20
Stockholm Jazz Festival, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden's oldest festivals and one of Stockholm's biggest events. In 2024 the festival will be bigger than ever spreading jazz on over 60 venues around Stockholm. It is a festival with a solid reputation in the music world and considered one of Europe's most well-kept and pleasant festivals which for a while has had its home on the island of Skeppsholmen. With the move to Skansen in 2011 the festival began its journey into the future. Since 2012, the festival is housed indoors, on the best stages in Stockholm.

17 — 20
Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Clearwater, Florida, USA
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a four-day and four-night, world-class, live, music festival, enjoyed by over 35,000 people the third week of every October and now in its 40th year. The music festival has evolved from a series of concerts on the back of a flatbed truck and at venues around Clearwater into an annual, international, music festival that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.

18 — 20
Jarasum International Jazz Festival, Jarasum, South Korea
“Stepping onstage at the Jarasum Jazz Festival is like stumbling into an alternate universe where jazz is suddenly young, hip, sexy and cool,” says saxophonist Joshua Redman. The festival — which takes place on an island at the center of the Korean peninsula just a few hours from Seoul — attracts upwards of 100,000 attendees per year from countries far and wide. This is one fest where attendees aren't afraid to get down and dance to the music, so if you're planning a trip, be sure to bring your dancing shoes.

18 — 27
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne, Australia
Every year, Melbourne comes alive with the jazz spirit as the Melbourne Jazz Fest takes place across the city's concert halls, arts venues and jazz clubs. Now in its third decade, the festival typically sees more than 40,000 people attend over 100 public events, with over 500 international and Australian artists performing and collaborating at over 20 of Melbourne's iconic venues. The fest specializes in world premieres by visiting and local jazz artists, making this fest a true one-of-a-kind experience. This fest is the very pinnacle of jazz Down Under.

31 — 3
JazzFest Berlin, Berlin, Germany
In 1964, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the opening remarks at the Berlin Jazz Festival, honoring jazz's role as a force of integration, progress and cross-cultural understanding. More than 50 years later, jazz musicians from Berlin and all over the world continue to come together to play at the Jazzfest, making the festival one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. The festival is jam-packed with music but well-distributed across town, with concerts taking place in intimate jazz clubs throughout the city, allowing you to sample all that Berlin has to offer as you take in sounds of international jazz artists.

NOVEMBER

15 — 24
London Jazz Festival, London, UK
Bringing together musicians from across the world, London's premier Jazz festival showcases a vibrant fusion of talent. The EFG London Jazz Festival, presented by our Associate Producer Serious, sets the stage for an immersive musical experience, spanning the city with its diverse range of performances. With hundreds of gigs taking place throughout London, jazz permeates every corner, from prestigious concert halls to lively street corners. Help celebrate over 30 years of the festival at the Barbican, prepare to be captivated by live performances from an array of thrilling musicians.

DECEMBER