Jazz music has been around for centuries, and it has been a major influence in the music industry. From the early days of ragtime to the modern-day fusion of jazz and hip-hop, jazz has been a major part of the music scene. And while jazz is popular all over the world, Europe is home to some of the best jazz festivals in the world. From Copenhagen to Montreux, here are some of the best jazz festivals in Europe. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the most popular jazz festivals in the world.
Held annually in South Africa, this festival brings together some of the biggest names in jazz from around the globe. With more than 50,000 attendees each year, this festival is a must-see for any jazz fan. The Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival is another great event for jazz lovers. Held in Melbourne, Australia, this festival features some of the best local and international jazz acts. With a focus on local food and wine, this festival is a great way to experience some of Australia's best cuisine while enjoying some great music. Vinterjazz is one of Europe's oldest jazz festivals.
Held every February in Copenhagen, Denmark, this festival has been running since 1979 and features more than 300 concerts over 17 days. With special program series such as Jazz for Kids, Future Sound of Jazz and Jazz'n Poetry, Vinterjazz is a great way to experience some of Europe's best jazz. The Monterrey Jazz Festival is another great event for jazz fans. Held annually in Mexico, this festival donates its profits to music education. With more than 50,000 attendees each year, this festival is a great way to experience some of Mexico's best jazz. The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is one of New England's largest free jazz events.
Held annually in mid-July in Hartford, Connecticut, this festival features some of the biggest names in the world performing on the main stage of Bushnell Park. With regional and local artists also performing at Trinity Street Market, this festival is a great way to experience some of America's best jazz. The Reno Jazz Festival is another great event for jazz fans. Held annually at the University of Nevada, this festival focuses on education and welcomes students, educators and professional musicians to participate in exhibits, impromptu sessions, contests and prizes. The Oslo Jazz Festival is one of Norway's most popular events. Held annually in August in Oslo, this festival features more than 90 unique performances from some of the world's best jazz musicians.
With a street party atmosphere and some of the world's most talented musicians performing, this festival is a must-see for any jazz fan. The Montreal Jazz Fest holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world's largest jazz festival. Held annually in early July in Montreux, Switzerland, this festival features an eclectic selection of musical genres from jazz to zydeco. The Panama Jazz Festival is another great event for jazz fans. Held annually in January in Panama City, this festival features jam sessions, masterclasses, gala nights and more. With more than 150,000 attendees each year, this festival is a great way to experience some of Latin America's best jazz. The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of America's oldest festivals.
First organized in honor of Duke Ellington after his death in 1974, this festival now attracts more than 150,000 music lovers each year to various events in Millennium Park and downtown on Labor Day weekend. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is another great event for jazz fans. Held annually in Florida, this festival offers a more traditional lineup of some of the biggest names in the genre. With street party atmosphere and some of the world's most talented musicians performing live music, this festival is a must-see for any jazz fan. XJAZZ Berlin is one of Europe's newest festivals. Held annually in May in Berlin Germany, this festival features an eclectic selection of musical genres from jazz to zydeco.
With more than 200 performances over two weekends each year, this festival is a great way to experience some of Europe's best music. The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival has been held for more than four decades at the University of Idaho in Moscow Idaho. This festival features some of the biggest names in jazz from around the globe. The Eltham Jazz Food and Wine Festival is another great event for jazz lovers. Held annually in February in Melbourne Australia, this festival features some local and international acts with an emphasis on local food and wine. The Blue Note is one of New York City's legendary jazz clubs run by Danny Bensusan who is largely credited with reviving New York City's jazz scene. If you're not able to attend one of these festivals you can still catch a live performance at The Blue Note seven nights a week. Finally there’s Vienne’s Jazz Festival which takes place every summer since 1960s when it was first created by Claude Nobs who wanted to honor those who have made jazz what it is today as well as those who will continue to promote it.
This charming town with its historic setting hosts one of Europe’s most important festivals with over 200 000 people attending every year. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience full with amazing music then these are definitely some of the best options when it comes to attending a European Jazz Festival!.
