Festival de Jazz de Madrid 2026 – Spain

Overview

Festival de Jazz de Madrid, widely known as JAZZMADRID, is one of Spain’s leading jazz festivals and a major part of Madrid’s cultural programme. Rather than operating from one enclosed festival ground, the event transforms different theatres, cultural centres, concert halls and jazz clubs across the city into performance spaces.

The festival brings together internationally recognized musicians, established Spanish artists, emerging performers and projects that explore the relationship between jazz and other musical traditions. Its programme ranges from traditional and contemporary jazz to avant-garde music, flamenco, electronic sounds, African rhythms, soul, Latin influences and other forms of musical fusion. Madrid’s official tourism website describes the programme as combining tradition and innovation with more than one hundred concerts.

The principal official venues include Teatro Fernán Gómez. Centro Cultural de la Villa, CentroCentro and Contemporánea Condeduque. The wider programme is strengthened through collaborations with Villanos del Jazz, Madrid en Vivo, Círculo de Bellas Artes, Festival de Jazz de Ciudad Lineal, 21Distritos, IMPULSO and other cultural partners.

This multi-venue structure gives JAZZMADRID a distinctly urban character. Visitors can attend a major theatre performance one evening, discover an intimate jazz club on another night and explore Madrid’s museums, neighbourhoods and restaurants between concerts.

The festival is therefore suitable both for dedicated jazz followers planning several performances and for visitors who simply want to experience a high-quality concert while exploring Madrid.

What Makes This Event Special

One of the strongest characteristics of JAZZMADRID is the breadth of its musical programme. The festival does not limit itself to one interpretation of jazz. Instead, it presents music that connects the genre with contemporary production, improvisation, flamenco, African traditions, electronic music, hip-hop, soul and other influences.

The 2026 programme is particularly notable for its tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The official programme includes projects such as Emmet Cohen’s “Miles & Coltrane at 100,” James Carter’s “Trane – A Centennial Supreme,” Jason Miles’ “100 Miles for Miles Davis,” Emma-Jean Thackray’s “Dear Miles – A Love Letter” and “Jazz CaLó for Coltrane.”

Other characteristics include:

• International artists: The programme includes musicians from Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the international jazz community.
• Musical diversity: Traditional jazz appears alongside contemporary, experimental and genre-crossing projects.
• Multiple venues: Performances take place across theatres, cultural institutions and specialist music clubs.
• Club culture: Madrid en Vivo’s Jazz con Sabor a Club programme expands the festival into numerous smaller venues.
• Emerging musicians: Alongside established performers, the festival provides opportunities for newer artists and contemporary projects.
• Cultural collaborations: JAZZMADRID works with different Madrid institutions and neighbourhood programmes to make jazz accessible across the city.

The result is a festival that can appeal to different musical tastes. A listener interested in classic piano-led jazz can find appropriate performances, while someone more interested in electronic, soul, hip-hop or experimental sounds can explore completely different parts of the programme.

Lineup / Featured Artists

The 2026 lineup is extensive and includes a mixture of internationally respected jazz musicians, Spanish performers and artists working across contemporary musical styles. The official programme contains 90 official concerts alongside additional programmes such as Festival de Jazz de Ciudad Lineal, 21Distritos, IMPULSO, Jazz con Sabor a Club and Jazz Círculo.

Featured performers include Kenny Barron, Chris Potter, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Shai Maestro, Richard Bona, Al Di Meola, Alfredo Rodríguez, Ibrahim Maalouf, Samara Joy, Lizz Wright, Andrea Motis, Judith Hill, Mark Guiliana, Nate Smith and Camilla George.

The programme also features David Murray Quartet feat. George Burton, Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner, Paquito D’Rivera Trio, Rita Payés & Lucía Fumero, Moisés P. Sánchez and Marco Mezquida, and other major performers.

Among the programme highlights are:

• Kenny Barron Trio: The celebrated pianist appears with Linda Oh, Greg Hutchinson and vocalist Ekep Nkwelle in a small-group performance.
• Emmet Cohen: His “Miles & Coltrane at 100” project explores the musical legacy of two central figures in jazz history.
• Alfa Mist: His contemporary sound combines jazz with soul, hip-hop and cinematic influences.
• Ibrahim Maalouf: His programme brings a distinctive international perspective to the festival.
• Lizz Wright: The acclaimed vocalist appears as part of the Villanos del Jazz programme.
• Richard Bona: The Cameroonian bassist and singer brings his internationally recognized fusion of jazz and African influences.
• Judith Hill: Her performance adds elements of soul, funk and contemporary vocal music.
• David Murray Quartet: The saxophonist returns with a quartet featuring George Burton.

The programme also includes artists such as Takuya Kuroda, Aruán Ortiz, Camilla George, Roberto Fonseca, Munir Hossn, Shabaka, Laura Misch, Ana Popovic, Duquende, Clara Peya and many others.

Event Experience

JAZZMADRID offers an experience that is closely connected with the city itself. There is no single entrance through which every visitor passes. Instead, audiences move between different venues according to their selected concerts.

The major theatre performances provide a formal concert environment, while the club programmes offer a much more intimate setting. Visitors can therefore experience different sides of Madrid’s jazz culture during the same festival.

The official programme includes concerts at Teatro Fernán Gómez, Teatro Albéniz, CentroCentro, Contemporánea Condeduque, Círculo de Bellas Artes and numerous specialist clubs.

The festival also incorporates educational, cultural and neighbourhood-based activities. The programming categories include IMPULSO, 21Distritos, Festival de Jazz de Ciudad Lineal and Jazz con Sabor a Club, allowing performances to reach audiences outside the principal cultural venues.

For music lovers, this creates an opportunity to build an individual itinerary. Visitors can select several concerts based on preferred artists, musical styles and locations.

The experience can also extend beyond the concerts. Madrid’s museums, historic streets, restaurants, cafés and nightlife areas are often within easy reach of the festival venues, making it possible to combine live music with sightseeing.

Date & Schedule

Festival de Jazz de Madrid 2026 takes place from 2 October to 30 November 2026 in Madrid, Spain. The programme is distributed across numerous venues throughout the city.

The schedule includes more than one hundred concerts across the wider festival programme. Official categories include the principal JAZZMADRID concerts, Festival de Jazz de Ciudad Lineal, 21Distritos, IMPULSO, Jazz con Sabor a Club, Jazz Círculo and other partner programmes.

Examples from the published programme include:

• 2 October: Hans Luchs & Felipe Arce Quartet, Clarence Bekker Band + Quentin Moore and Kraak & Smaak Soundsystem.
• 5 November: Emmet Cohen, Nate Smith and other performances.
• 6 November: James Carter, Judith Hill, Albert Vila Organ Quartet and additional concerts.
• 8 November: Kurt Rosenwinkel, Al Di Meola, Takuya Kuroda, Aruán Ortiz and Emma-Jean Thackray.
• 10 November: Kenny Barron Trio, Camilla George and other performances.
• 11 November: David Murray-related programming, Kurt Elling & The Yellowjackets and Roberto Fonseca.
• 12 November: Alfredo Rodríguez, Isaiah Sharkey, Munir Hossn and additional concerts.
• 21 November: Moisés P. Sánchez and Marco Mezquida.
• 22 November: Paquito D’Rivera Trio.
• 24 November: Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner.
• 28 November: Rita Payés & Lucía Fumero.

The official programme warns that programming is subject to change, so visitors should verify individual concert information before travelling.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Location & Venue

JAZZMADRID is a citywide festival with performances spread across Madrid rather than a single festival site.

The principal official venues are Teatro Fernán Gómez. Centro Cultural de la Villa, CentroCentro and Contemporánea Condeduque. The programme also uses Teatro Albéniz, Sala Villanos, Círculo de Bellas Artes, Café Berlín, Café Central Ateneo, Sala Tempo, MOE, Babylon Club and other venues.

Teatro Fernán Gómez is one of the key locations for major performances, hosting artists such as Kenny Barron, Emmet Cohen, James Carter, Alfredo Rodríguez, David Murray Quartet and other leading musicians.

Teatro Albéniz also plays an important role, with performances including Lizz Wright, Alfa Mist, Judith Hill, Richard Bona and Leonor Watling & Leo Sidran.

Smaller venues create a different atmosphere. Café Central Ateneo, Sala Tempo, Café Berlín and other clubs allow visitors to experience more intimate performances.

Because the festival uses different locations, attendees should always check the exact venue listed for their chosen concert.

Event History

Festival de Jazz de Madrid has developed into one of the most established jazz events in the Spanish capital. Its identity has evolved from a traditional city jazz festival into a much broader cultural programme incorporating multiple musical languages and venues.

The festival has built a reputation for bringing major international jazz musicians to Madrid while supporting Spanish performers and emerging artists. Its official presentation emphasizes the ability of jazz to encourage intercultural dialogue and connect different musical traditions.

The event has also become increasingly connected with Madrid’s established jazz-club network. The Jazz con Sabor a Club programme brings performances into smaller venues, allowing the festival to reach audiences beyond major theatres.

Its historical programming has included artists from different generations and musical backgrounds. The festival has presented major figures in piano, saxophone, guitar, trumpet, bass and vocal jazz while also supporting experimental and genre-crossing projects.

This mixture of tradition and innovation remains central to JAZZMADRID’s identity and is reflected in its current programming. Rather than treating jazz as one fixed musical style, the festival presents it as a constantly evolving form of artistic expression.

Getting to the Event

Because JAZZMADRID uses multiple venues, transportation depends on the individual concert.

Madrid’s Metro system is one of the most practical ways to move between central districts and the festival locations. Visitors should check the venue address on their ticket before planning their journey.

Public buses provide another useful option, while taxis and ride-hailing services can be convenient for late-night concerts.

Visitors attending more than one performance on the same day should pay particular attention to travel time. The distance between two venues can be significant, especially when one performance takes place in a central theatre and another takes place in a club elsewhere in the city.

The official programme provides individual venue information, and many concert pages include accessibility details such as reduced-mobility access, magnetic loops and amplified sound.

For visitors unfamiliar with Madrid, staying near a central Metro connection can make moving between venues considerably easier.

Where to Stay Nearby

Since the festival is distributed throughout Madrid, there is no single hotel district that is officially designated as the festival accommodation area.

Central Madrid is generally practical for visitors attending several concerts. Areas such as Centro, Malasaña, Chamberí, Lavapiés, Chueca and nearby districts provide convenient access to cultural venues, restaurants and public transport.

Centro: Useful for visitors who want to stay close to many major attractions and central cultural venues.

Malasaña: A lively neighbourhood with cafés, bars, restaurants, independent shops and nightlife.

Chamberí: Well connected and suitable for visitors interested in cultural venues and a more residential atmosphere.

Lavapiés: A multicultural district with a wide selection of international restaurants and cultural spaces.

Chueca: Convenient for nightlife, restaurants and central Madrid attractions.

Visitors planning to attend several popular concerts should book accommodation according to their preferred venue locations rather than waiting until the final programme period.

A hotel near a major Metro station can be especially useful because it provides flexibility when moving between venues.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

Madrid offers numerous attractions that can be combined with a JAZZMADRID visit.

• Prado Museum: One of Spain’s most important art museums.
• Museo Reina Sofía: A major destination for modern and contemporary art.
• Retiro Park: A large green space suitable for walking and relaxing.
• Royal Palace: One of Madrid’s best-known historic landmarks.
• Plaza Mayor: A central square surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants.
• Gran Vía: A major entertainment and shopping avenue.
• Círculo de Bellas Artes: A cultural institution that also participates in the festival programme.
• Malasaña: Popular for cafés, independent businesses, bars and nightlife.
• Lavapiés: A multicultural neighbourhood with restaurants and cultural venues.
• Madrid jazz clubs: Visitors can explore specialist music venues beyond their scheduled festival concert.

The citywide nature of the festival makes sightseeing particularly easy. Visitors can select a museum or attraction near their concert venue and spend the afternoon exploring before attending an evening performance.

Restaurants & Dining Nearby

Madrid has one of Spain’s most varied dining scenes, with traditional Spanish restaurants, tapas bars, international cuisine, cafés, bakeries and contemporary restaurants spread throughout the city.

Visitors attending concerts in central Madrid can easily find restaurants within walking distance of many venues. Areas around Centro, Malasaña, Chueca and Lavapiés are particularly useful for visitors who want to combine music with dining.

Traditional dishes worth trying include tortilla española, croquetas, jamón, grilled meats, tapas and regional Spanish specialities.

Lavapiés is especially well known for its multicultural food scene, while Malasaña and Chueca offer numerous casual and contemporary restaurants.

The festival’s club venues can also be part of the evening experience. Madrid’s jazz-club culture combines live performances with drinks and social spaces, making some venues suitable for spending several hours rather than simply attending a short concert.

For popular performances, visitors should consider dining before the concert because restaurants close to major venues can become busy around performance times.

Ticket Information

Tickets are sold for individual concerts rather than through one universal festival admission ticket. The official ticket page instructs visitors to select a specific concert from the programme and purchase its corresponding ticket.

Current official examples include:

• Kenny Barron Trio: approximately $44.90.
• Emmet Cohen: approximately $33.68.
• Alfa Mist: approximately $31.43.

These amounts are converted from the official listed ticket prices using the European Central Bank reference rate of 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD published on 2 October 2026.

Ticket prices vary according to the artist, venue and programme. Some club concerts may have different pricing structures from major theatre performances.

The official ticket system also states that if an event is cancelled, refunds for tickets purchased by bank card are processed automatically, while tickets bought at a box office require the purchaser to contact the relevant sales point.

Visitors should always check the individual concert page for the latest ticket availability, accessibility information and purchasing instructions.

Tips Before You Go

• Check the venue carefully: JAZZMADRID uses many locations across Madrid.
• Plan your transport: Public transportation is useful when attending concerts in different neighbourhoods.
• Allow enough travel time: Avoid booking two performances that are difficult to reach consecutively.
• Book popular concerts early: High-profile international artists can attract strong demand.
• Check accessibility information: Individual concert pages identify available accessibility features.
• Explore smaller clubs: Club performances provide a different atmosphere from major theatre concerts.
• Arrive early: Give yourself time to find the venue and complete entry procedures.
• Keep your ticket accessible: Digital tickets and venue-specific instructions may apply.
• Combine music with sightseeing: Madrid’s museums, restaurants and neighbourhoods make good additions to a concert itinerary.
• Check programme updates: The official festival notes that programming is subject to change.

Official Event Information

Festival de Jazz de Madrid is organized by Madrid Destino Cultura Turismo y Negocio, a municipal company of Madrid responsible for cultural, tourism and artistic programmes.

Official website: Festival de Jazz de Madrid official website

Official email: redes.festivaljazz@madrid-destino.com

The official website provides the complete programme, individual concert pages, ticket information, accessibility information, press information and festival announcements.

The official programme should be treated as the primary source for any changes to artists, venues, concert times or ticket availability.

Attendee Experiences

The biggest advantage of attending JAZZMADRID is the variety of experiences available within the same festival.

A visitor attending a performance at Teatro Fernán Gómez can experience a formal concert environment featuring an internationally recognized jazz musician. Another visitor can choose a small club performance and experience the music in a much more intimate setting.

The programme also provides opportunities to hear different generations of musicians. Established figures such as Kenny Barron and Al Di Meola appear alongside contemporary artists such as Alfa Mist, Camilla George, Nate Smith and Mark Guiliana.

The variety of musical styles makes the festival accessible to listeners who may not normally describe themselves as dedicated jazz fans. Contemporary projects can incorporate soul, hip-hop, electronic production, African rhythms and flamenco, while other performances remain closely connected with traditional jazz.

The citywide format also encourages visitors to explore Madrid. A concert can be combined with dinner, a museum visit, a walk through a historic neighbourhood or a late-night club performance.

For dedicated jazz followers, the extensive programme allows multiple concerts to be combined into a personalized festival itinerary. For tourists, attending a single performance can provide an introduction to Madrid’s broader jazz and cultural scene.