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Blues, jazz, swing, and bluegrass festivals are flourishing across Europe this year! And as we are in the midst of summer heat right now, what better way to cool down than to visit a jazzy festival in your hometown?

This guide below will introduce you to some of the best blues, swing, and jazz festivals taking place across European cities this summer. Some are widely known, others are more local, but one thing is sure – they are a perfect choice for jazz fans. Enjoy!

Montreux Jazz Festival

When: Fri, Jun 30, 2023 – Sat, Jul 15, 2023

Where: Montreux, Switzerland

The 2023 Montreux Jazz Festival is among the biggest and most popular jazz festivals in the world. It is always happening in the middle of the summer, and so many jazz enthusiasts and music lovers clear up their schedules in preparation for the Montreux festival.

This year, the festival takes place between Jun 30 and July 15, which gives you only a handful of days left to enjoy the fantastic lineup at the Swiss festival. Although the festival is mainly focusing on jazz music, the organization behind the event expanded the offer to include a little something for fans of other genres. Hence, besides jazz, you can also enjoy sets of rock and alternative music, as well as other forms of jazz – such as blues, swing, and similar formats. Over the years, the festival has welcomed a number of music legends, including Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and others. This year, the festival welcomes many stars, including Bob Dylan and Lionel Richie.

Umbria Jazz

When: Fri, Jul 7, 2023 – Sun, Jul 16, 2023

Where: Perugia, Italy

The Umbria Jazz is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year! Traditionally, the full festival will take place this July from July 7 to July 16 in Perugia in Italy. Days and days of soothing jazz mixes and shows from some of the world’s biggest jazz musicians from all over the world seems like a perfect way to spend the summer in Italy. Throw in the beautiful weather, legendary Italian cuisine, and wine and cheeses without end and you get a perfect summer, period.

But that’s not all – the fun does not stop there. In fact, the fun continues in September, when you will get a chance to join the Umbria Jazz Weekend in Terni. The Weekend falls on September 14 and lasts all through to September 17. Finally, another key event is scheduled for December. The Umbria Jazz Winter event will start on December 28 and end on January 1, 2024. This part of the show will take place in Orvieto, Italy.

Bari in Jazz

When: Fri, Jul 14, 2023 – Mon, Aug 7, 2023

Where: Bari, Italy

Another jazz festival in another Italian city. Bari in Jazz is a famous Bari music festival revolving around jazz, blues, and similar genres. An interesting thing about this event is that it transcends music. It’s a cultural event celebrating improvisation, mixing, and interlocking of cultures through musical expressions. It’s an art festival more than anything, and it always attracts a large crowd.

Bari in Jazz is also one of the longest events on our agenda today. The start of Bari in Jazz programme in 2023 starts officially on July 14. The final act will take place on Monday, August 7, with Trans-Global Jazz Trio closing the festival with their concert. It is important to note that the festival goes beyond the city borders, with many concerts taking place in the neighboring cities right next to Bari. Some of the popular locations include Alberobello, Conversano, Corato, Gravina in Puglia, Molfetta, Acquaviva delle Fonti, and many others. If you are living in some of those cities or happen to be there during July and August, be sure to check out some of the jazz concerts happening under the Bari in Jazz festival brand.

Oslo Jazz Festival

When: Sun, Aug 13, 2023 – Sat, Aug 19, 2023

Where: Oslo, Norway

The Oslo Jazz Festival is one of the oldest festivals in Oslo with a very long running time. Each year, millions of jazz fans flock to the capital of Norway for a slice of the finest jazz experience – and this year is no different. Traditionally, the festival used to showcase th major jazz artists with a heavy focus on traditional jazz, but there have been numerous initiatives to expand the offer to cover all forms of jazz. And indeed, the festival now honors all subgenres and currents in jazz music.

An interesting thing about the festival is that it takes place on the 33 week of the year, which always lands in August. This year, the dates for Oslo Jazz festival are August 13 – August 19, and we are hoping for the best weather possible. Additionally, Oslo Jazz is not restricted to one location only; there are over 60 concerts and shows scheduled across the capital. Some of the most popular locations include the Oslo Operahouse, Oslo Concerthouse, the Oslo Cathedral, and the Aula University.

Amersfoort World Jazz Festival

When: Tue, Aug 15, 2023 – Sun, Aug 20, 2023

Where: Amersfoort, Netherlands

The road from Oslo to Amersfoort is long, but it can be done – if you want to hear the latest and best Dutch jazz artists, that is. The Amersfoort World Jazz Festival is an homage to jazz in the Netherlands, and each represents a joyful occasion to meet up and enjoy world-class music. Dutch artists creating music both at home and abroad schedule concerts and shows that span across five whole days. That’s five whole days filled with music and cultural events, where you are guaranteed to find at least something to your liking.

Dubbed the ‘musician’s paradise’ festival, Amersfoort World Jazz 2023 starts on August 15 and will last for five days. The versatile and dynamic lineup for 2023 includes Dutch jazz legends and some lesser-known artists who are busily making a name for themselves on the European jazz scene. It’s important to note that tickets for each individual day cost €20, while a ticket for the entire festival (passe-partout) costs €85 per person. With a day ticket you get entry to any stage you might want to visit (and there are several sought-after stages with promising sets).