World Jazz Day: 10 jazz festivals to book this year
World Jazz Day is celebrated annually on 30 April. Here are some of the best festivals around the world to enjoy this soulful and swinging music genre…
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, by African-American communities who were experimenting with different forms of blues and ragtime, jazz changed the cultural world as we know it during the 1920s.
In recognition of its impact, UNESCO declared 30 April as World Jazz Day back in 2011. A chance to celebrate the musical genre, the organisation hopes the occasion will ‘promote dialogue among cultures, freedom of expression, and mutual understanding’.
Not satisfied with sticking your headphones in and jamming out to jazz on your way to work? Here are some of the best jazz festivals you can attend around the world…
Here are ten of the best jazz festivals in the world to book this year…
St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, Caribbean
When? 30 April-11 May 2025
Held across venues including Mindoo Phillip Park, the Pigeon Island National Landmark and The Pavillion on the Ramp, attendees can immerse themselves in open-air performances over seven nights. While the musical programme encompasses a number of classic jazz days, with performances from Matteo Mancuso, Jazzmeia Horn and Etienne Charles, there are also nights dedicated to Caribbean fusion and world beats. The closing night will be the highlight, with performances from John Legend and Earth, Wind & Fire.
More information: saintluciajazzandartsfestival.com
Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia
When? 30 May-1 June 2024
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Java Jazz Festival is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 100 shows across 10 stages over three days. The emphasis is on cultural, genre and instrument diversity from African sax to Japanese ska and USA jazz-fusion stars. Indonesian musicians are invariably a highlight, with Endah N Resa a stalwart. This year’s star performers include British singer-songwriter Raye, Tunde Baiyewu, the vocalist of Lighthouse Family, and Grammy award-winning artist Jacob Collier.
More information: javajazzfestival.com
Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Denmark
When? 4-13 July 2025
It should hardly come as a surprise to you that Copenhagen hosts one of the world’s best jazz festivals, given successful jazz artists like Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and Ben Webster have all called the city home once upon a time. Over 10 days, jazz joyously envelopes Copenhagen with music on the streets, in clubs, concert halls and late-night open-air venues, with 1,200 concerts in 120 venues. While some events are ticketed, many of the performances have free admission. Headliners for 2025 include Norah Jones, Aja Monet and Samara Joy, but you’ll find there is a sharp focus on new departures in jazz from both Danish and international musicians.
More information: jazz.dk
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
When? 4-19 July 2024
Founded in 1967, Montreux’s festival was originally held at the Montreux Casino which burned down in December 1971 during Frank Zappa’s performance (as referenced in ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple!). This year will mark the last time the festival takes place at the casino and the Lake Geneva Stage, as the 60th anniversary next year will see the event move to a new-and-improved Convention Centre. Montreux has hosted greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett in the past, and the line-up each year never fails to impress. This year, expect performances from Chaka Khan (who is celebrating 50 years in the industry), Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Benson Boone and Alanis Morrisette on the Lake Stage, plus James Blake, Samara Joy and Dianne Reeves on the Casino stage.
More information: montreuxjazzfestival.com
Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia, Italy
When? 11-20 July 2025
With an impeccable pedigree of jazz, and styles beyond, icons including Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, and more unexpectedly, Liza Minnelli, Perugia’s repertoire has remained gloriously diverse since its Hot Club origins. Founded in 1973 by Italian music producer Carlo Pagnotta, this year’s event will see stars like Lionel Richie, Mika, Gregory Porter and Dianne Reeves hit the stage in July. Can’t make it? There’s a four-day jazz weekend in Terni 11-14 September, as well as a winter jazz festival in Orvieto (30 Dec 2025-3 Jan 2026).
More information: umbriajazz.it
Jazz in Marciac, France
When? 21 July-7 August 2025
This small-town jazz festival draws local and international jazz musicians to southwestern France for two weeks of bucolic escapism. Renowned for being relaxed and welcoming, expect workshops, masterclasses and exhibitions alongside starry performances. Over its 47-year history, big names like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Kool & the Gang have graced the stage, and this year will see performances from Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock, Rhoda Scott, Gregory Porter and Robert Plant, of Led Zeppelin fame, with Dee Dee Bridgewater and Wynton Marsalis both set to return.
More information: jazzinmarciac.com
San Sebastian Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia), Spain
When? 19-27 July 2025
Founded in 1966, Jazzaldia is one of Europe’s longest running jazz festival. The green stage located on the sand on Zurriola beach is, unsurprisingly, the most popular part of the festival. Bring jamón bocadillos and beers and enjoy the music whilst chilling on the beach. The Trinidad Square stage in the heart of San Sebastian’s Old Town, home to the most drool-worthy pinxtos bars, many with their own speciality: anchovies, tortilla or Basque cheese, is the original and main stage of sixteen. Each year the Donostiako Jazzaldia prize is given in recognition of a jazz artist’s career. 2023’s winner was the South African pianist maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, aged 89, who gave a sublime performance with his trio, while 2024’s winner was American free jazz double bassist William Parker.
More information: jazzaldia.eus
Brecon Jazz Festival, Wales
When? 8-10 August 2025
Created by local jazz enthusiasts and always envisaged as a community event, Brecon Jazz festival, held in the Georgian market town in the Welsh Hills, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. George Melly who lived close by and Humphrey Lyttleton were on the first bill, and previous editions since then have included Dionne Warwick, Amy Winehouse and Van Morrison alongside homegrown, local Welsh talent. Concerts take place in the Guildhall, Market Hall, and the Cathedral, with a fringe jazz event in pubs and on the streets.
More information: breconjazzfestival2025.co.uk
Monterey Jazz Festival, California, USA
When: 26-28 September 2025
The longest continually running jazz festival in the world, it was founded in 1958 by jazz DJ icon Jimmy Lyons and jazz critic Ralph Gleason, and championed by Dave Brubeck. It takes place in the 20-acre pine tree studded Monterey County Fairgrounds. Almost every major jazz artist has played at Monterey, from Billie Holiday to Tony Bennett to contemporary icons Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis and Esperanza Spalding. As a nonprofit, Monterey Jazz Festival is devoted to education and showcases many benefactors of their scholarships.
More information: montereyjazzfestival.org
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Australia
When: 17-26 October 2024
With 130 performances across 25 Melbourne venues, this is Australia’s largest jazz festival and brilliantly diverse. Past hits included a one-off collaboration of Chaka Khan with Nile Rodgers and Chic – with South African virtuoso musician-composer Ndudu Zomak Hathinus among the Modern Master performers. There’s a big emphasis on women in jazz and emerging talent as well as plenty of late night concerts.
More information: melbournejazz.com
