Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Set up in 1978, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival now presents high quality musicians from all over the world.

About Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

	, Various Locations Edinburgh
	01314675200
	Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

Edinburgh Jazz Festival was set up in 1978 by banjo-player and guitarist, Mike Hart. Mike's initial focus was on traditional jazz and a host of events taking place for free admission in pubs. By the mid-80's the Festival had added ticketed events, and had broadened its musical policy to encompass swing and mainstream jazz and occasionally some more modern groups.

From the Festival's commencement the artistic policy has been to concentrate on musical excellence (rather than the "star system") and to champion spontaneous creativity: music making on the spot in Edinburgh. These virtues have been developed in the 21st Century with the production of a wide range of new music, the establishment of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra, and an on-going commitment to supporting Scottish musicians to realise creative ideas, and to link with international musicians. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has also grown its world outlook, presenting high quality musicians from all over the world.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Music

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

22nd July 2026

Usher Hall, Edinburgh West

Experience an unforgettable night of world-class music as Jools Holland and his renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra take over Usher Hall for the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival!

Festivals

NT Art Month

, Edinburgh New Town

NT Art Month is a month-long celebration of the incredible arts quarter in Edinburgh's New Town.

Festivals

TravFest 2025

Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED

TravFest 2025 sees the iconic festival and fringe venue showcase an incredible programme of brilliant and bold theatre.

Festivals

Edinburgh Horror Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Horror Festival is one of the most popular Hallowe'en events in Edinburgh. Incorporating theatre, comedy, magic, spoken word, movies, games, improv, workshops and more!

Festivals

Porty Festival

, Portobello

Porty Festival, a family friendly festival, returns to Portobello on Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May - highlighting all things Portobello.

Festivals

Edinburgh Science Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh Science Festival is the first and still one of Europe's biggest science festivals, taking place annually over the Easter holidays!

Festivals

Cymera Festival

The Pleasance 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh South EH8 9TJ

Cymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 6th to 8th June.

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.

Festivals

Luminate Festival: Edinburgh & Lothians

NA NA, NA NA

Luminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!

Festivals

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival

30B Grindlay Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AX

Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.

Festivals

Edinburghs Christmas

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!

Festivals