International Jazz Day: 10 of the world's best jazz festivals

On 30 April every year, the musical genre of jazz is celebrated with its own special day. UNESCO proclaimed World Jazz Day as a way to 'promote dialogue among cultures, freedom of expression, and mutual understanding'. The genre was born in New Orleans, Louisiana by African-American communities, who were experimenting with different forms of blues and ragtime. Now, jazz is celebrated across the world, with dedicated festivals taking place year round and its popularity growing.

Here are ten of the best jazz festivals in the world...

When? 30 April-12 May 2024

Against the lush backdrop of the historical Pigeon Island National Park, attendees can immerse themselves in open-air performances with a musical programme spanning classic jazz, Afro beats, soca, gospel, and jazz-pop with a line-up of world-renowned musicians. Expect the ilk of Samara Joy who has already been compared to diva Ella Fitgerald for her deep soulful voice. The addition of art and delicious food make St Lucia’s jazz festival even more enjoyable. 

More information: stluciajazzandartsfestival.com 

When? 24-26 May 2024

It may be one of the newer jazz festivals, yet Java Jazz Festival is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and welcomes more than a thousand musicians over a dozen stages. The emphasis is on cultural, genre and instrument diversity from African sax to Japanese ska and USA jazz-fusion stars of the stature of Chick Corea. There is capacity to welcome large ensembles such as the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. Indonesian musicians are invariably a highlight with Endah N Resa a stalwart. Significant jazz appreciation is relatively new to Indonesia, so musicians like Laufey bringing jazz/bossa nova mainstream for Gen Z are key draws.

More information: javajazzfestival.com

When? 5-14 July 2024

Jazz joyously envelopes Copenhagen during the festival with music on the streets, in clubs, concert halls and late-night open-air venues with 1,200 concerts in 120 venues. American jazz icons like Dexter Gordon lived in Copenhagen and have drawn inspiration from the ever thriving jazz scene. As well as regular luminaries performing, including Gregory Porter- arguably the finest, earthy baritone cross pollinating jazz, soul and gospel globally, there is a sharp focus on new departures in jazz from both Danish and international musicians.

More information: jazz.dk

When? 5-20 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, it is returning to the Casino with stages on Lake Geneva too. Additional themed concerts, such as Bahia, Blues, and World Music are held on boats cruising the lake. Montreux has hosted the world’s greatest jazz figures including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett. They showcase the highest calibre of contemporary musicians.

More information: montreuxjazzfestival.com

When? 12-21 July 2024

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. It was founded in 1973 by Italian music producer Carlo Pagnotta. Returning stars include Lenny Kravitz and high energy Afro-Cuban pianist Chucho Valdé with Irakere as well as newcomers from one of the most streamed artists Raye to Richard Galliano’s Tango Trio. There’s also a winter jazz festival in Orvieto (28 Dec 2024-1 2025).

More information: umbriajazz.it

When? 18 July-4 August 2024

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. Performing for the first time at Marciac this year are Pink Martini and four Grammy award-winning young Jacob Collier with Take 6 in the Big Top. As ever there will be a highly impressive female line up with Africa’s premier diva, the mesmerising singer, songwriter, activist Angelique Kidjo whose performances in her native Benin, Yorubá are electrifying, South Korean trailblazing vocalist Youn Sun Nah, and Japanese composer-pianist Hiromi.

More information: jazzinmarciac.com

When? 23-28 July 2024

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.

More information: jazzaldia.eus

When? 4-19 August 2024 

This is the 50th year of Brecon Jazz festival held in the Georgian market town in the Welsh Hills which was created by local jazz enthusiasts and has always been envisaged as a community event, and modelled on New Orleans jazz events. George Melly who lived close by and Humphrey Lyttleton were on the first bill. Concerts take place in the Guildhall, Market Hall, and the Cathedral, with a fringe jazz event in pubs and on the streets. The line up ranges from international stars like Dionne Warwick to homegrown, local Welsh talent.

More information: breconjazz.org

When? 27- 29 September 2024

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

When? 18-27 October 2024

With 130 performances across 25 Melbourne venues, this is Australia’s largest jazz festival and brilliantly diverse. Last year’s 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