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Ville de Nice / Julien Veran

The Nice Jazz Fest'

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Dates: 23–26 July 2026

The Jazz Festival, which became the Nice Jazz Festival in 1992, is now the Nice Jazz Fest’!

For over 70 years, the Nice Jazz Fest’ has been a legendary musical event on the Côte d’Azur. As the world’s first jazz festival, it remains an unmissable, emotionally charged event where the legends of yesterday meet the talents of tomorrow.

THE WORLD’S NO. 1 JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Nice Jazz Fest ’: a legendary venue where jazz history is made!

It was in February 1948, at the end of the Carnival, that the City of Nice conceived the world’s first jazz festival.

Louis Armstrong & The All Stars, Django Reinhardt, Yves Montand and other iconic figures of the era came together, for the very first time, in the capital of the Côte d’Azur: Nice.

At the time, the event was split between the Nice Opera House and the Municipal Casino on Place Masséna (where the water mirror stands today), before drawing to a spectacular close atthe Hôtel Negresco.

Everything you need to know about the Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026

The Nice Jazz Fest’ will celebrate its 78th edition this year from 23 to 26 July 2026, with an ever-more diverse and daring line-up. In 2026, the city of Nice will be buzzing to the beat of jazz, welcoming international legends as well as promising new talent.

As every year, the city’s iconic venues – the Théâtre de Verdure and Place Masséna – will provide the perfect setting for memorable concerts, blending classic and contemporary jazz with innovative musical explorations.

Beyond the stages, the festival will offer a truly immersive cultural experience: workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, exhibitions and events will punctuate these four days of celebration, making the Nice Jazz Fest’ 2025 an unmissable event for all lovers of music and culture.

Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026: Kids’ Club

A safe and fun space for children

The Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026 Kids’ Club will be an entertainment programme specially designed for children aged 4 to 10, open every evening of the festival from 6.30 pm to 12.45 am. Located at the heart of the event, this club will allow younger children to enjoyfun and musical activities whilst their parents enjoy the concerts with complete peace of mind.

Supervised by a teamof experienced professional activity leaders, children will take part in creative workshops, group games and musical exploration, in a safe and caring environment. Access to the Kid’s Club is available from €28, including admission to the concerts for the child.

Bookings can be made via the festival’s official ticket office — booking is recommended to guarantee a place.

The Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026 Village

La Merenda: a blend of fine dining, music and conviviality

At the heart of the Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026, the La Merenda village opened its doors every evening from 5.30 pm, offering festival-goers a genuine space for relaxation, socialising and sensory discoveries. Under the direction of JoeyStarr, alongside leading chefs, La Merenda offered an original culinary experience in a festive setting.

On site: pétanque courts, bars, a food court, local traders and a small music stage were bustling from the moment the village opened and during the interval between performances at the Théâtre de Verdure.

After the concerts, the village was transformed into a magical venue for open-air acoustic jam sessions from midnight onwards, keeping the party going until the early hours.

Full details on food and drink options and entertainment were available.

Line-up for the Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026

Unforgettable Concert Evenings in Nice

The line-up for the Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026 will be unveiled in the coming months, promising an exceptional edition blending jazz, soul, hip-hop and contemporary music. On the iconic stages of Masséna and the Théâtre de Verdure, festival-goers will be able to enjoy performances by renowned international artists and emerging talents across 28 concerts spread over four evenings from 23 to 26 July.

Be among the first to attend – you’re in for a real treat!

Whilst we await the full line-up, BLIND PASS 2026 tickets are already available to enjoy this unique experience right in the city centre, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

The line-up promises to be rich and eclectic, reflecting the festival’s DNA and the vitality of contemporary jazz.

Aftermovie

Nice Jazz Fest 2024

Aftermovie - Nice Jazz Fest 2024
Aftermovie - Nice Jazz Fest 2024
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THE NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL

By Mickaël Mugnaini, Mister Riviera Blog

Since July 2015, I have been sharing my favourite spots on the Côte d’Azur daily on the Mister Riviera blog, featuring top dining and trendy hotspots, my shopping guide and a calendar of must-see concerts and festivals on the Côte d’Azur.

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