Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2026
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Start date
July 17, 2026 9:00 am
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End date
July 26, 2026
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Queen's Hall
85-89 Clerk Street, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JG
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns in July 2026, bringing ten days of live music across the city with a line-up that blends international stars, Scottish talent, and new emerging artists.
It’s one of the city’s longest-running summer festivals and a major fixture in the cultural calendar, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Expect everything from classic swing and big band sets to contemporary jazz, soul, funk, blues, and world music. Over 150 concerts take place in venues ranging from intimate clubs to outdoor stages, with late-night sessions and free community events adding to the atmosphere across the city centre.
Festival Highlights
• Headline concerts from world-class jazz and blues artists
• Dedicated blues programme featuring electric, acoustic, and modern styles
• The popular Mardi Gras celebration at the Grassmarket
• Festival Carnival, a huge free street parade through the city centre
• Late sessions, jam nights, and emerging artist showcases
• Special one-off collaborations and commissioned performances
• Family-friendly daytime events and outdoor music spots
Venues
The festival uses a wide mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, typically including:
• The Queen’s Hall
• The Jazz Bar
• Edinburgh Festival Theatre
• Teviot Debating Hall
• St Bride’s Centre
• Grassmarket outdoor stage
• Assembly Rooms
• Various pop-up venues and clubs around the Old and New Towns
Tickets & Programme
Tickets are available for individual concerts, with multi-buy deals and festival passes often released closer to the programme launch. Many outdoor events, including the Carnival and Mardi Gras, are free to attend and draw large crowds each year.
The full 2026 programme will be announced in spring, with a mix of returning favourites and new collaborations expected.
Dates & Location
• Dates: 17–26 July 2026
• Location: Venues across Edinburgh city centre
• Address (HQ / key venue): The Queen’s Hall, 85–89 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG
Contact & Info
• Website: https://ejbf.co.uk/
• Email: info@ejbf.co.uk
• Phone: 0131 467 5200