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
	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

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: Tuba Skinny

17th July 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Making their Edinburgh debut, Tuba Skinny are a powerhouse ensemble channelling the spirit of early New Orleans jazz, don't miss them at the Queen's Hall as part of Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

17th July 2026 - 26th July 2026

Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 17th to 26th July 2026, presenting a programme that spans the entire history of the music from ragtime to modern jazz to Chicago blues and beyond.

Music

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: Davina & The Vagabonds

18th July 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Davina & The Vagabonds are a long-standing Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival favourite, each visit feels more electric than the last, so it’s no surprise their shows so often sell out!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: 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!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: Brian Kellock: A Life in Music

23rd July 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Expect an evening of world-class music, packed with generosity, humour and wonderful storytelling, as Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival pay tribute to the musical genius and virtuosity of Brian Kellock!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: Jerron Paxton

24th July 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Soulful and irresistibly engaging, this American bluesman delivers concerts that stay with you long after the final note. A must-see performance from a true audience favourite!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: Afrobeat Party: London Afrobeat Collective + Samson Sounds + Samedia Shebeen

25th July 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

They have rocked major stages around the world from Glastonbury Festival to the Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria – don't miss them when they come to Edinburgh!

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling is back with a nine-day festival, across Edinburgh (and maybe beyond) between Friday 31st May and Sunday 9th June.

Festivals

Leith Comedy Festival

, Leith

The first full Leith Comedy Festival will take place in popular live venues and community hubs across Leith this October.

Festivals

Festival of Migration

Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9ER

Edinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!

Festivals

Lammermuir Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

Lammermuir Festival is East Lothian's celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

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

Festivals

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh South EH3 9EF

The Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.

Festivals

Scotlands Economics Festival

, Leith

If you believe Scotland needs BIG ideas, not just small tweaks, join us in Leith across three days for over twenty talks on future-shaping conversations.

Festivals

Edinburgh Krampus Festival

29 - 35 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

While Santa and his elves frolic under snowflakes, something sinister is lurking in the icy caverns of Niddry Street.

Festivals

Baroque Music Festival

Institut français d'Ecosse West Parliament Square, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RF

In April 2026, join us for a musical journey through Europe with the second edition of the Baroque Music Festival!

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

Just Festival

St John's Church Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4BJ

Edinburgh’s Just Festival Celebrates 21st Year With Bumper Programme. Free to attend programme online and at St. John’s Church, Princes Street from 6th – 30th August.

Festivals