THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.
Jazz exists in many forms. It can be relaxing, upbeat, slow, fast, erratic, and many other variations. The best jazz music can transport a listener to a different time and place, wringing every ounce of emotion out of them before bringing them back to the present.
Finding these experiences involves making other, more physical journeys. The best place to find the latest and greatest jazz is at one of the many jazz festivals held annually around the world. If you are inclined to travel and love jazz at its finest, check out our list of the top jazz music festivals around the world.
13 Top Jazz Festivals Around the World
1. The Copenhagen Jazz Festival
The Copenhagen Jazz Festival is held near the start of summer – typically beginning in late June or early July – each year in Denmark. In 2026 the festival will be held on July 3rd and running through July 12th.
This event has been held since 1979, making it one of the most distinguished jazz festivals in Europe and one of the most famous jazz festivals around the world. It has something for every jazz lover, hosting over 1,300 concerts featuring a slew of styles. Plus, there are kid- and family-friendly activities, allowing visitors to enjoy far more than great music.
If you’re looking for outstanding accommodations, here are some options in Copenhagen that are worth considering:
2. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday has also been held since 1979 in Clearwater, Florida. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a world-class, multi-day celebration of jazz that’s held every October (October 16 – 19, 2025), often hosting over thirty-five thousand visitors.
This event is held at Coachman Park and features a combination of great artists performing in a wide variety of jazz styles that are sure to inspire and delight jazz fans from all over the world. Because of the beautiful Florida beaches, the warm Florida sun, and amazing jazz, this is one of the top jazz festivals to attend.
When it comes to accommodations, Clearwater has plenty to offer. Here are some options you may want to explore:
3. The Java Jazz Festival
The Java Jazz Festival has been held for more than ten years in Jakarta, Indonesia. While the event previously took place in March, it is scheduled this year from May 29 – 321st, 2026.
This event is considered the biggest jazz festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The Java Jazz Festival features popular Indonesian jazz artists and international greats from all across the globe. The lineups often have some of the biggest names in the jazz world, and the country itself is breathtakingly beautiful, which is why this is one of the most popular international jazz festivals.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada
- Ashley Tanah Abang
- InterContinental Hotels Jakarta Pondok Indah
4. The Montreal International Jazz Festival
The Montreal International Jazz Festival isn’t just one of the top jazz musicians and festivals in the world; it’s officially ranked the world’s largest jazz festival. The event holds the Guinness World Record for hosting more than 1.9 million jazz fans during its 25th-anniversary celebration, cementing its place in history.
The event is held annually, starting in June and running into July in Quebec, Canada. For 2026, the dates will be June 25 – July 4.
For many people, this is easily one of the best jazz festivals for anyone who wants to experience more of what the genre has to offer. This festival has stood the test of time, as it’s been going since the early 1980s. Typically, this long-lasting festival attracts upwards of three thousand artists, both national and international artists, from over thirty-plus countries. You are sure to find your favorite jazz artists at The Montreal International Jazz Festival.
If you want to make sure your accommodations are conveniently located for the festival, here are some options:
5. The Montreux Jazz Festival
The Montreux Jazz Festival takes place in Switzerland, usually starting in late June or early July. In 2026, the event will begin on July 3rd and runs through to July 18.
This event is one of the biggest jazz festivals, coming in second only to Canada’s Montreal International Jazz Festival. The Montreux Jazz Festival attracts between two hundred and three hundred thousand people every year, all of whom come to enjoy fantastic music and a sense of camaraderie.
This grand event was founded in 1967, which has led many to view it as one of the more traditional jazz festivals. However, that isn’t a comment on the music or amenities, as you’ll find modern conveniences and nearly every jazz style represented here.
For great accommodations for your stay in Switzerland, consider these options:
6. The XJazz Festival in Berlin
The XJazz Berlin Festival is a newer event, first occurring in May 2014. However, it quickly became 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 and attendees every May, giving this festival a unique edge. If you’d like to experience it firsthand, plan to be in Berlin between May 29 – 31st, 2026, and make sure to scoop up your tickets in advance.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Berlin, here are some options for accommodations:
7. The Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival
When it comes to jazz festivals in Australia, the Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival is considered by many to be one of the top jazz festivals in the world. It features incredible live music throughout, delectable food, and magnificent wine, making the total experience absolutely stellar.
Usually, this event – which is scheduled for February 27 & 28th, 2026 – features mainly local jazz artists, making it an excellent option for anyone who wants to explore the Australian jazz scene. Plus, the Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival is a free, child-friendly event, so this jazz festival could take your Australian vacation to the next level.
If you’re coming in from another city or country and want some local accommodations, here are some excellent options:
8. Manly Jazz Festival
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. In 2026, this event will take place on September 18 – 20th. Best of all, the Manly Jazz Festival is non-ticketed and free of charge to attend, making it easily accessible to all jazz lovers.
You also have plenty of options for outstanding accommodations. Here are some to consider:
9. Cancun Jazz Fest
From May 16 – 18th, 2025, you can enjoy the Cancun Jazz Festival. This festival runs two times a year, with one event in the spring and another in the fall. The Fall 2025 festival is already sold out. The upcoming spring event scheduled is for May 15 – 17, 2026, as well as for fall 2026 from November 13 to 15. You can enjoy a wide array of jazz artists in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. Whether you prefer smooth jazz or jazz with a bit of soul, there’s something for you.
Finding a great place to stay in Cancun isn’t too challenging. If you want to get started with your search, here are some accommodations you might want to explore:
10. North Sea Jazz Festival
The North Sea Jazz Festival Rotterdam in The Netherlands is taking place from July 10 – 12, 2026. The Rotterdam North Sea Jazz Festival features a mix of jazz legends and local Dutch jazz artists and is typically attended by around 75,000 jazz enthusiasts every year. It offers substantial diversity regarding the types of jazz played, making it an excellent option for music fans of any jazz subgenre.
Getting to the North Sea Jazz Festival from Amsterdam isn’t overly challenging either, as Rotterdam is less than one hour away. Plus, you have plenty of outstanding options for accommodations, including the North Sea Jazz Festival hotels below:
11. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the most prominent jazz festivals in Africa and is often referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering.” This annual festival takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, typically in late March or early April. For 2026 the festival is scheduled for March 27-28.
The festival brings together a mix of international stars and South Africa’s finest jazz talent, delivering an unforgettable blend of jazz, blues, soul, and Afro-jazz. Past lineups have featured icons like Herbie Hancock, Abdullah Ibrahim, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and John Scofield, drawing thousands of jazz enthusiasts to experience world-class performances in Cape Town’s lively cultural scene.
The festival takes place across multiple venues in Cape Town, including the Cape Town International Convention Centre, providing an immersive music experience combined with the beauty and energy of the city.
If you’re planning a tour to this festival, Cape Town offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, making it an excellent destination for jazz enthusiasts looking to explore jazz festivals around the world.
12. Jazz in Marciac, France
The Jazz in Marciac Festival is a renowned jazz festival held annually in the charming town of Marciac, France. Taking place from July 21 to August 7, 2026, this festival attracts jazz lovers from around the world who come to enjoy its unique blend of traditional and contemporary jazz performances.
The festival features concerts, workshops, and masterclasses held in open-air venues throughout the town, providing an immersive experience of jazz culture in the heart of France. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, Jazz in Marciac delivers an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.
Attendees will find a variety of nearby lodging options, from charming boutique hotels to comfortable guesthouses, making it easy to stay close to the festival action.
13. Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is a vibrant annual event held in the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. It typically takes place in late April to early May, with the 2026 festival scheduled from April 30 to May 10th. This festival is renowned for blending world-class jazz performances with Caribbean fusion, art exhibitions, and cultural experiences, attracting over 10,000 attendees each year.
Set across multiple venues including Mindoo Phillip Park, the Pigeon Island National Landmark, and The Pavilion on the Ramp, the festival offers open-air concerts and showcases a diverse lineup of jazz artists, international musicians, and local talent. The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is a must-attend event for jazz lovers looking to experience one of the best jazz festivals around the world in a stunning tropical setting.
Festival-goers can choose from an array of hotels and resorts on the island, offering convenient access to the event and options for every type of traveler.
BONUS: 4 USA Jazz Festivals
After exploring some of the best jazz festivals around the world, you might want to see some of the best of what the USA offers. Overall, there are several top jazz festivals in the USA, with amazing events happening all across the country.
If you’re looking for some of the best jazz festivals in the US, here are four that easily qualify:
- John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Fest – High Point, NC – TBA, 2026
- Monterey Jazz Festival – Monterey, CA – September 25 – 27, 2026
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA – April 23 – May 3, 2026
- PDX Jazz Festival – Portland, OR – March 5 – 14, 2026
Now it’s your turn. What is your favorite jazz festival, and why?
Comments
Manly Jazz
Sydney Australia
Longest running community jazz festival in Australia held at beautiful,seaside resort of Manly, NSW.
Free to attend and offers a range of jazz styles including international artists as well as substantial youth component in school bands performing on 5 stages across the site.
Held on October labour Day Weekend every year since 1978 – 42nd year this year (2019)
Thousands of tourists and locals flock to the event every year so soak up the sun, surf, sand and sounds.
One of the most successful jazz festivals in the world.
YES MONTREAL !!!!!
HAVE been to the Montreal International Jazz Festival since 1994 and year after year the programmation is just unbelievable :Metheny, Marsalis ,Haden, Barber….Exct….Lovely City,Lovely people’s, Lovely Music.
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
24th to the 29th of October
North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam)??
The Rochester International Jazz Fest, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, is celebrating its 20th Edition from June 23 – July 1, 2023 in Rochester, NY. Rochester is located in upstate New York in the Finger Lakes region and on Lake Ontario. RIJF navigates all genres of creative improvised music bringing together unique musical sounds from many countries, highlighting international artists’ take on the only truly American art form – jazz. The 9-day Europeans style festival presents more than 1750 artists from around the world at 20 diverse indoor and outdoor concert venues, all within walking distance. The Club Pass Series of 192 shows at 11 venues is accessible with one ticket, the Club Pass, a value pass to discovery to hear legends and rising stars. Come and go from concerts as you like. Three and nine-day passes are available. In addition to a ticketed reserved seating headliner series, music fans can enjoy more than 100 free shows. Held in the heart of downtown Rochester with four venues located at the renowned Eastman School of Music. See the history of the amazing lineups here: https://www.rochesterjazz.com/history. The 2023 lineup will be announced in March. The multi-dimensional festival was founded in 2002, attendance has grown from 15,000 in 2002 to 210,000 in 2022.
How can you have this list without mentioning the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam??????
Try Gărâna Jazz Festival.
Three decades ago started the most eclectic mix of nordic sounds (ECM, ACT…), with Oriental & MittelEuropa fragrances.
In a Woodstock like scene, surrounded by mountains and forrests, Eberhard Weber, Mike Stern, Jan Garbarek, Charles Lloyd, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Jordan, John Abercrombie, Miroslav Vitous, Zakir Hussain, Magnus Ostrom, Bugge Wesseltoft, Lars Danielsson, Avishai Cohen, Nils Petter Molvaer, Hiromi, Nik Bartsch, Dhafer Youssef, Trygve Seim , Frank Gambale, Eivind Aarset, Håkon Kornstad, Mathias Eick , Per Mathisen, Marcin Pater,
Leszek Możdżer, Marcin Wasilewski … to name a few of the fabulous line-up.
The Umbria Jazz Festival In Italy, is one of the longest-running in the world is a must!
How about Marciac jazz festival? It’s in the south of France, lasting about 3 weeks, with loads of great performers and multiple stages. Last year Pat Metheney, Norah Jones.. in 2022 Herbie Hancock and many others…
https://jazzinmarciac.com
I absolutely love it <3
In 1996 / 1997 I was Stage Monitor Mixer For George Benson. The 1997 Black Sea Jazz Festival in Izmir Turkey stands out as the most amazing experience of my career which turns 50 this year. The location was the Colassus Ruins the terracing and stone formations provided acoustic perfection. Il