Jazz Festivals Around the World: A Guide to the Best Music Experiences

For jazz enthusiasts with a passion for travel, take a look at our compilation of the best jazz festivals globally   From Montreux to Newport, North Sea to Jakarta, Vienne to Montreal and Jazzahead, discover the best jazz festivals worldwide and plan your next jazz adventure.

  1. Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland): This festival has been held annually since 1967 and features a diverse lineup of jazz, blues, soul, and R&B artists.
  2. Newport Jazz Festival (USA): This festival has been held annually since 1954 and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world.
  3. North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands): This festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, featuring a wide range of jazz, funk, and soul acts.
  4. Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (Indonesia) : one of the most important jazz festivals in Asia and features acts from around the world.
  5. Jazz a Vienne (France): This festival has been held annually since 1981 and features a diverse lineup of jazz, funk, and soul artists.
  6. Montreal International Jazz Festival (Canada): This is the world’s largest jazz festival and has been held annually since 1980, with a diverse range of jazz, funk, and world music acts.
  7. Jazzahead! (Germany): This international trade fair for jazz and its cultural context, hosted annualy, is a professional industry meeting point for the international jazz scene.
  8. The Jazz Cruise (USA):The Jazz Cruise is a yearly event that takes place on a cruise ship, where jazz enthusiasts can enjoy performances by some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the world. The cruise typically departs from a port in the United States and sails to various Caribbean destinations, such as Mexico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

    The cruise features a wide range of jazz styles, including traditional jazz, swing, bebop, and fusion. The performers include both established jazz legends and rising stars, and there are also special theme nights that highlight specific jazz subgenres, such as Latin jazz or gospel jazz.

    In addition to the live music performances, there are also jazz workshops, clinics, and jam sessions where passengers can learn from and interact with the performers. The cruise also offers a variety of other activities, such as poolside parties, dancing, and excursions to the various port destinations.

    The Jazz Cruise is a unique opportunity for jazz lovers to experience an immersive jazz vacation, with an all-star lineup of musicians and a variety of other activities and entertainment.

Anissa Sutton, founder of Pump It Up Magazine, is a visionary singer, performer, and industry leader. Through her magazine and KPIU RADIO, she empowers individuals in entertainment, lifestyle, and humanitarian fields by offering resources, advice, and a platform for showcasing talent. Discover how Anissa is helping artists and entrepreneurs reach their full potential with the guidance and support they need to succeed