The best jazz festivals

Are you particularly passionate about music with a broad history, eclectic style, and a slew of classic and upcoming artists? What we’ve got in store here might be a bit of you. Formed in New Orleans and drawing from a concoction of genres, ranging from blues to African rhythms and everything in-between, jazz has become one of the most listened-to genres today. Some of the many greats in the genre make it just that much sweeter, including Jazzie B, Andre 3000, Anderson Pakk & The Free Nationals, Kool & The Gang, Erykah Badu, and many more.

The UK has an incredibly active jazz scene and has the festivals to back it up. Events range from sprawling weekend-long outdoor occasions to smaller, more intimate day festivals, but that’s not where they stop. From Indonesia to the US, Scandinavia to Mallorca, jazz is everywhere. 

With that in mind, here’s our list of the best jazz festivals to keep an eye on in 2025. With lineups that boast household names and up-and-coming talent, you’re certain to find a festival that speaks to you here. 

 

  

Cross The Tracks

2025 Lineup: Michael Kiwanuka, Bashy, Gilles Peterson, Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, and many more

When: Sunday 25th May 2025 

Where: Brockwell Park in London

Widely known as Brixton's #1 soul, jazz and funk festival, Cross The Tracks festival has become a staple for all soulful music lovers down south. With 9 stages, 70 of the hottest local street food vendors, sections to explore beautifully created art, craft beer brewers, and talks, Cross The Tracks creates a sense of unity amongst the community. 

And that’s just with the extras, when it comes to the music, Cross The Tracks is not afraid to push the boat out and bag some of the biggest names to decorate their stages with. As with every year, 2025 will not be one to miss as names like Michael Kiwanuka, Bashy, Gilles Peterson, Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, and so many more are taking their talents to Brixton!

So get yourself down to one of the biggest events in South London and embrace the fresh air amongst the festival landscape of the luscious Brockwell Park.

 

Find more information on Cross The Tracks - here

 

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We Out Here

2025 lineup: Michael Kiwanuka, MJ Cole, Pa Salieu, Incognito, Kokoroko, Rosie Lowe, Emma-Jean Thackray, and many more

When: Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th August 2025

Where: Wimborne St Giles in Wimborne

We Out Here is a festival for everyone, with this ethos reflected in the bold and wild-spanning programme which extends from spiritual jazz to live drum and bass, bossa nova to British funk, all represented by true pioneers and exciting emerging talent alike.

This year, it's Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka alongside stars like Michael Kiwanuka, MJ Cole, Pa Salieu, Incognito, Kokoroko, Rosie Lowe, Emma-Jean Thackray, and many more bringing an authentic mixture of jazz and soul.  It's one of the best jazz festivals in the UK, but the relatively intimate vibe means that the essence of the music isn't drowned out. Get those tickets, you won't regret it. 

 

Find more information on Cross The Tracks - here

 

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Love Supreme Jazz Festival

2025 Lineup: The Roots, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jacob Collier, Sampa the Great, and many more

When: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th July 2025

Where: Glynde Palace, East Sussex

Love Supreme have been one of the best jazz festivals since its 2013 inception, bringing some of the genre’s finest to Brighton and East Sussex every summer. The 3-day festival is more than just music, set against the stunning surroundings of Glynde Park in East Sussex’s beautiful South Downs. 

It is the first full weekend camping jazz festival in the UK, and if the lineups have anything to go off, it's going to be a real treat for any genre fans. On their radar this year, covering the festival’s five stages, are The Roots, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jacob Collier, Sampa the Great, and many more.  

 

Find more information on Love Supreme Jazz Festival - here

 

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Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival

2025 lineup: Maribou State, Goldie, Ezra Collective, Craig Charles, Jalen Ngonda, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, and many more

When: Friday 11th - Sunday 13th July 2025

Where: Mosely Park in Birmingham

Another one on the list of some of the best jazz festivals is the Birmingham-based Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival. This intimate festival has been running in Moseley, one of the city’s most 'hip' areas, on the beautiful grounds at Moseley Park. Providing the perfect ratio of international and local artists, Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival know how to keep on track providing a storm of incredible acts under those genres.  

This year they have released their Sunday lineup as it's looking juicy for those of you wanting to attend, with Maribou State, Goldie, Ezra Collective, and Craig Charles on the list to bring you some unreal jazzy groves.

 

Find more information on Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival - here

 

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Jazz Cafe Festival

2025 lineup: Masego, Elmiene, Nooriyah, Westside Gunn, Amy Gadiaga, and many more

When: Sunday 3rd August 2025

Where: Burgess Park in London

The brainchild of iconic Camden venue The Jazz Cafe, its namesake festival is a lovely day of soulful music admist Southwark's largest bit of green space, Burgess Park. Expect some quality live performances, fronted by the legendary saxophone wielding Masego, while some of the best jazz talent from the UK and beyond will join him along the way. 

If you're looking for a soulful way to soak up a summer's day this August, you can't go wrong with this gem of a festival. 

 

 

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Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival

 

Image: Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival / Facebook.com

2025 lineup: Tunde, Jacob Collier, and many more

When: Friday 30th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Where: Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta

We're heading to the other side of the world with this one, all the way to Indonesia, for the biggest Jazz festival in the entire southern hemisphere, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, and it's back for its 19th edition. Since its establishment in 2005, the festival has become one of the biggest events on the Indonesian festival calendar, attracting more than 1,000 Jazz players from Indonesia and beyond. 

Like every other year, Jakarta brings homegrown and international artists to its stages and this year is no different. No matter what, Jakarta will not disappoint with this beautiful, jazzy affair. 

Whilst the plane ticket for this one will set you back a few bob, it'll be more than worth it, plus, you'll get he chance to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the world whilst you're out there.

 

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Telluride Jazz Festival

Image: Telluride Jazz Festival / Facebook.com

2025 lineup: Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, End All Quintet, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Kokoroko, Cimafunk, and many more

When: Friday 8th - Sunday 10th August 2025

Where: Telluride, Colorado

Back for their 48th edition, Telluride Jazz Festival claim to be one of the best jazz festivals and certainly has one of the most unique locations on Earth. Perched high above in the Rocky Mountains in South-West Colorado, the backdrop alone makes it worthwhile. Since its first edition in 1977, this historic festival has been three days centred entirely around jazz.

This year is seeing the likes of Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, End All Quintet, Trombone Shortly & Orleans Avenue, Kokoroko, Cimafunk, and many more skilfully jazzed artists.

While small in size, Telluride Jazz Festival makes for an intimate experience, and is the most scenic way to witness of acclaimed artists, Grammy winners and some excellent upcoming student bands. This is a unique chance to get close to some of your favourites.

 

 

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Copenhagen Jazz Festival

Image: Copenhagen Jazz Festival / Facebook.com

2025 Lineup: Norah Jones, Salif Keita, Aja Monet, Samara Joy, Makaya McCraven, Lee Ritenour, and many more

When: Friday 4th July - Sunday 13th July 2025

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark

Well regarded within jazz circles, Copenhagen Jazz Festival is one of the most esteemed and essential jazz festivals in the world. Established in 1979, the 10 day fest now contains more than 100 venues, 1100 concerts, and approximately 260,000 guests. 

It’s not one to be missed, and you can bet all the stops are being pulled for its 2025 edition. Get your bags packed, your flights booked, and your ears ready, as this one is set to be the best of the lot.

 

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Good Vibrations Society Festival

 

 Image: Good Vibrations Society / Facebook.com

2025 Lineup: Soul II Soul, Paul Simon’s Graceland, So Solid Crew, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, Norman Jay, General Levy, and many more

When: Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd August 2025

Where: Pippingford Park in Nutley

Although not entirely a jazz festival, the Good Society Festival possesses enough traits to qualify. 

From their strong wellness background, combined with the beauty of Pippingford Park, Good Vibrations Festival welcomes like-minded people to co-exist and indulge in their love for funky sounds. Good Vibrations Festival is the perfect place to embrace some strong elements of escapism, and even better, you can do it while being surrounded by the beauty of music from different genres, from jazz, soul, reggae, drum and bass, world music and more.

This year’s lineup is a knockout, featuring Soul II Soul, Paul Simon’s Graceland, So Solid Crew, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, and loads more to get stuck into. Plus, if the music starts to get a bit much, there is still a bucket load of things to do, from daily talks and conversations to guided walks and even an onsite pub!

 

Find more information on Good Vibrations Society Festival - here

 

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There are plenty of amazing jazz festivals just waiting for you to discover them and explore. However, if you're feeling inspired by something a bit more up-tempo we've got you covered. 

To also find the best, House and Techno, Trance, and EDM festivals plus any other festivals that may tickle your fancy, click here.

 

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Have these jazz festivals got you excited for festival season this year? Click here to take a look at our festival guides and choose from a whole host of events that are going ahead in 2025.

 

 

Header Image: Love Supreme Festival / Facebook.com