The complete list of jazz festivals worldwide
Looking for a festival this year? You’ve come to the right place! Discover the best jazz festivals near you! Our list will give you an overview of important jazz events not to be missed! Over 20 top-quality festivals with renowned artists are listed. Check them out, and don’t hesitate to take part in the ones that interest you most!
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz
Luanda International Jazz Festival
Madajazzcar
Fez Jazz Festival
Jazz au Chellah
Barbados Jazz Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Barbados Jazz Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Read more
Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Jazz Sudbury Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Berks Jazz Fest
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Wichita Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Read more
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
To find out more
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Chicago Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Park City Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
To find out more
Tanglewood Music Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Jazz-By-The-Bay Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
San Francisco Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
San Francisco Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ /5
Find out more
Cape Town Big Band
Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
Algiers Jazz Meeting
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
Alger Jazz Meeting
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
Nosy Be Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
Nosy Be Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Tanjazz
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Jazz in Carthage
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
To find out more
Saguenay Jazz & Blues Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Fest
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Beaches International
Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
To find out more
Rimouski International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
To find out more
L’Off Jazzz
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Sacramento Jazz Fest and Jubilee
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Playboy Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Long Beach Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
San Jose Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Detroit International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Jazz at the Lake: Lake George Jazz Weekend
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
Clearwater Jazz Holiday
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Standard Bank National Youth
Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
DimaJazz
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More info
DimaJazz
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Jazzablanca
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Jazzablanca
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Lagos International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Tabarka Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Ottawa International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Toronto Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Montreal International Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Guelph Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Jazz Appreciation Month
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Satchmo SummerFest
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Vision Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More about Vision Festival
Vision Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
More about Vision Festival
Newport Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Telluride Jazz Celebration
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Black Men of Labor Parade
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Pacific Rim Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Texas Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Read more
Texas Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
Albertville Jazz Festival
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Find out more
The montreux jazz festival in switzerland
One of the world’s most famous events is undoubtedly the montreux jazz festival, but it’s not in France, it’s in Switzerland! This year, no fewer than 50 free concerts will be available via streaming from March 29 for around 1 month. The montreux jazz festival has a long history: 2020 marks the 54th edition. It’s one of the oldest gatherings of jazz artists. Every year, major artists take to the stage to perform for thousands of festival-goers…
Jazz festivals in Ile-de-France
The Paris region is the most densely populated in France, and also the most artistic city in the country. For these reasons, it’s easy to understand why so many artists are grouped together here, compared with other regions. There are around 5 jazz festivals in this region, notably close to the center of Paris.
The Paris jazz festival at the Parc Floral
The Paris Jazz Festival takes place at the Parc Floral. For 2020, the Parc Floral (Paris 12ᵉ arrondissement) will be open for the month of July on Saturdays and Sundays. Sometimes paying, sometimes free, find the full event program on our paris jazz festival page. Program, reviews, artists, prices and headliners will be on offer!
La défense jazz festival
Every year, the Hauts-de-Seine departmental council organizes the “La défense jazz festival“. For 1 week, discover little-known artists in concert from June 22 to 28! This initiative enables young instrumentalists to launch their careers with the help of the département (and the price of tickets).
The Versailles Jazz Festival
This year’s Versailles Jazz Festival runs from May 8 to 17, 2020. We don’t yet know whether it will be maintained, cancelled or streamed. However, a number of regional headliners are expected to perform at this major festival! Find out all about the program on our page dedicated to the Versailles jazz festival.
A good jazz festival in Saint-Germain
The Saint-Germain jazz festival was due to be launched in May. However, the 20th edition is likely to be postponed until autumn. No more precise dates have yet been announced. The artists announced for this festival in Paris should still be present in the future: Kyle Eastwood, Camille Bertault, Hugh Coltman and virtuoso Ibrahim Maalo.
Festivals in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region
Do you live in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region? Then you’re in luck! Many great events are taking place in your region. Nice, Marseille, Avignon and Juan-les-Pins are all home to famous festivals featuring star jazzmen and jazzwomen.
The Nice jazz festival in the Alpes-Maritimes
The Nice Festival has been around since 1948, making it one of the most historic jazz festivals in France. The announced dates are for May, but some dates have already been cancelled. However, no dates have been rescheduled. Internationally renowned singers Lisa Simone and Robin McKelle were scheduled to perform.
The Marseille Jazz Festival in the Bouches-du-Rhône region
Some dates for the city of Marseille may be maintained, but no news yet. This event also takes place around July, which means that some dates can be maintained. However, dates for the quartet in February and the Snarky Puppy collective have also been cancelled.
Juan-les-pins jazz festival in Alpes-Maritimes
From July 9 to 19, enjoy a superb festival featuring a host of artists. Pianists, saxophonists, guitarists, violinists and trumpeters – there’s something for everyone! For the pleasure of listeners in Juan-les-Pins. The musicians are quite well known, and there are many “stars” from around the world. The dates look set to continue!
In the Vaucluse, the Avignon Festival
The Avignon Jazz Festival has selected the best jazz bands for the 29th European Jazz Competition 2020. These jazz bands are often recognized by winners: jury prize, audience prize or composition prize. The bands include a French quartet and trio, as well as a Belgian and German group. The event is set to continue, as the festival dates are proposed for early August (from 5 to 9 precisely).
Jazz festivals in the Occitanie region
Occitanie is a little less well served when it comes to jazz events, but the Marciac and Nîmes festivals are a must if you live in the Gers or Gard regions. You can’t miss out on these fabulous jazz gatherings.
An ancient jazz festival in Marciac
In 2020, Marciac offers its 43rd edition of jazz from August 24 to 15! Since 1978, the “jazz in Marciac” festival has offered concerts and music of the highest quality. With COVID 19, the date could change, but no announcement yet. Look out for Kandace Spings and Lenny Kravitz at this musical event!
Nîmes jazz festival
The 2020 Nîmes Jazz Festival has not yet been announced, but this year should be the 14th edition. No communication on the event at the moment, only on the global non-jazz music festival. Perhaps the two will be combined into one this year.
Jazz festivals in Hauts-de-France
The Haut-de-France region is also entitled to its own events, and not just any events! The Tourcoing jazz festival and the Saint Omer festival in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region are two of the most not-to-be-missed events in the North! Don’t hesitate to book your tickets.
Tourcoing jazz festival in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Tourcoing Jazz was founded in 1986. This year, from October 10 to 17, you can join in the fun! For the moment, no names of artists, bands or orchestras have been announced, given the rather distant date. However, in 2019, we had some great bands, so don’t worry this year.
saint omer jazz festival in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Still in its infancy, the “Saint-Omer Jaaz Festival” (SOJF) offers a 6th year of festival from July 3 to 7. The team has opened up the program to artists to support them in the face of confinement. During these dates, you’ll be treated to almost every jazz sound: clarinet, saxophone, guitar, drums, flute, piano, double bass, oboe, horn, viola, trombone, cello, etc. You’ll be able to choose the instruments you like best!
Jazz festivals in Brittany
In Brittany, and more specifically in the Morbihan department, you can join the town of Vanne for the event: jazz en ville. It’s one of Brittany’s best jazz events, and well worth experiencing at least once.
Vannes jazz festival in Morbihan
Following the success of the 4th edition, Vanne relaunches its “jazz en ville” for a 5th edition from July 20 to 25. Free concerts and a variety of events are organized by the town. A jury is currently deciding on the candidates for participation, but no names have yet been announced. The event is fairly recent, so you’re bound to be surprised by some talented amateurs.
Jazz festivals in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (ARA), there are just a few surprises in store: you’ll find your favorite music at 3 major festivals, Albertville, Voiron and Grenoble! These superb towns offer some very interesting programs.
Albertville Jazz Festival in Savoie
For the 5th year running, the Albertville Jazz Festival offers a major event over 5 days in July! The program is as ambitious as every year, with national and international artists invited to take part. In 2019, we’ve seen the likes of Agathe Da Rama, Michael Cheret and Skokiaan Brass Ban.
Voiron Jazz Festival in Isère
The Voiron Jazz Festival 2020 has unfortunately been cancelled and not postponed. The year 2021 will be an opportunity to make up for lost time by offering an event worthy of the name. For each day of the festival that has been canceled, old live shows will be set up for the duration of the event (March 21 to April 11).
Grenoble Jazz Festival in Isère
The annual autumn festival has been cancelled. It was due to take place in April, but was not postponed. The aim of the festival was to offer a mix of bands to promote jazz from all angles. From small regional groups to big names, everything was on offer in Grenoble.
Jazz festivals in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
If you had to choose between 2 jazz festivals in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it would be Saint Emilion or Vienne. There’s no excuse not to experience jazz in your own backyard!
Saint Emilion and its festival in Gironde
Not much information has been released about the 2020 Saint Emilion festival. For the moment, the start date is set for June 26, 27 and 28. No program yet. If you don’t know what kind of bands are playing at Saint Emilion, here are some examples from the 2019 edition: OAKLAND, Brass Under Influence, Lyne, R!X, Robyn Bennett.
Vienne Jazz Festival
The festival is huge: since 1981, a mass of visitors have been coming to see hundreds of artists perform on 4 different stages. More than 200,000 festival-goers attend the event every year. For the 40th edition, from June 25 to July 11, here are the headliners: Nas, Jill Scott, Mickel Kiwanuka, Jamie Cullum and Julia Sarr.
Anglet in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region
The Anglet Jazz Festival will take place in September. The exact dates, artists, composers, instrumentalists and singers will be announced very soon. For the time being, we’re delighted with the rather late dates, which mean the festival can continue.
Jazz festivals in Normandy
Only one major festival in Normandy, in Seine-Maritime. There aren’t many large-scale events in this region, but the quality of the artists is always first and foremost!
La Londe in Seine-Maritime
La Londe Jazz Festival is cancelled for 2020! Normally scheduled from July 30 to August 2, the festival has been postponed for security reasons. Some of the musicians scheduled for 2020 have been affected by covid 19. This is why the Mouissaline Prod jazz association has decided to close the festival this year.
Your regular questions about jazz festivals
When should I attend a jazz festival?
Jazz festivals are a great way to enjoy the music you love while sharing a moment with friends, family or even on your own! But what’s the best time of year for jazz concerts and events? If we analyze the dates and periods, most festivals take place between March / April / June / July / August. These are the months to aim for, as many events take place during this period. In March and April, we have some pretty interesting jazz music dates, with fairly mild weather that makes it easier to get out of the house. June, July and August are summer months, with the best music festivals and concerts to listen to outside in the fresh air! Open-air sound and the notes of music have a different sonority to staying indoors. Event organizers are well aware of this, which is why major events take place during these months. And last but not least, June, July and August are also vacation periods, and therefore more conducive to participation, which is also one of the reasons why so many music events are concentrated during this period.
Why take part in a jazz festival?
Why should I? Why? Quite simply because a jazz festival is the perfect way to travel the world of music! The improvisation of great artists with the sounds and rhythms they propose is unique. Experiencing this moment of emotion is nothing like listening to music in a small room, in your own home or even through your headphones. Sometimes you have to follow the rhythm of jazz and let yourself be lulled by the scores and musical notes. Attend a festival and see for yourself!
Where can I find information about festivals in France?
Looking for information? On jazzenligne we’ve put together a list of all the major festivals, with programs, bands and artists, precise dates and lots of useful information to help you make up your mind. It’s always important to find out all you can about a festival before making a decision, so we’ve put together this site to help you do just that.