Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2026 – Edinburgh, Scotland
Overview
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (EJBF) is one of the oldest and most respected musical celebrations in the United Kingdom, having been founded in 1978. For ten days every July, Scotland’s capital is filled with the soulful sounds of swing, blues, bebop, and modern electronic jazz. The festival is renowned for its diverse programming that bridges the gap between legendary international masters and the vibrant, emerging Scottish jazz scene. Performances take place in a vast array of settings, from the grandeur of the Festival Theatre to the smoky, intimate atmosphere of the city’s hidden jazz cellars.
The 2026 edition (EJBF26) will feature over 130 concerts, workshops, and street events that cater to every musical taste. A hallmark of the festival is its commitment to inclusivity, highlighted by the massive free Mardi Gras and Edinburgh Festival Carnival events that draw tens of thousands to the city center. Whether you are a dedicated jazz scholar or a casual listener looking for a festive atmosphere, the EJBF provides a high-energy platform for cultural exchange. It serves as the perfect precursor to the August festival season, setting a high standard for artistic excellence in the heart of Edinburgh.
Event Highlights
- Mardi Gras and Carnival: Enjoy two days of massive free outdoor celebrations in Grassmarket and Princes Street Gardens, featuring colorful parades, world dance, and live brass bands.
- International Showcases: Experience exclusive collaborations between Scottish musicians and artists from across Europe and the US, curated specifically for the Edinburgh stage.
- Spanning Music History: The festival covers the full spectrum of genres, from 1920s traditional New Orleans jazz and acoustic Delta blues to contemporary jazz-funk and hip-hop.
- Intimate Club Series: Discover the “Jazz Bar” and other basement venues where the music continues late into the night with jam sessions and high-energy ensemble performances.
Why Attend
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is a must-visit for those who want to experience world-class music in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unlike larger commercial festivals, the EJBF maintains a boutique feel, allowing fans to get close to the performers in historic and character-filled venues. It is a time when the city truly comes alive, offering a unique opportunity to witness legendary Grammy-winning artists performing just a few feet away from you in a local jazz club.
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This event is perfectly suited for serious music aficionados, cultural travelers, and families alike. While the evening concerts provide sophisticated entertainment for adults, the weekend street festivals and “Jazz for Kids” programs make it an accessible event for all ages. Attending the festival also allows you to explore Edinburgh’s rich history, from its medieval Old Town to its neoclassical New Town, all while being accompanied by a continuous soundtrack of world-class blues and jazz.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: July 17 to July 26, 2026.
- Total Duration: Ten days of continuous concerts and street performances.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Venue: Various locations including Festival Theatre, The Queen’s Hall, St Bride’s Centre, and the Grassmarket.
- Google Maps Address: 13-15 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EE, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets can be purchased online through the EJBF official website, by phone, or in person at the Festival Box Office.
- Admission Type: Tickets are primarily sold per individual concert, with selected free events like the Carnival and Mardi Gras.
- Ticket Pricing: Individual show prices typically range from $15 for club sets to $65 for major international headliners.
- Minimum and Maximum Range: The price range for ticketed events is approximately $15 to $65, though many street events are free of charge.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Most venues operate on an unreserved, first-come, first-served basis, though premium seated tickets are available for high-profile shows at the Festival Theatre.
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Contact Information
- Email: boxoffice@ejbf.co.uk
- Phone: +44 131 226 0013
- Website: https://ejbf.co.uk/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghJazzandBluesFestival/?locale=en_GB
- https://www.instagram.com/edinburgh_jazz/?hl=en
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClabW5F3MjIHdSA1tkqr8qg
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the primary hub, located 12 km from the city center (~25 minutes by tram or bus).
- Public Transport: The Edinburgh Tram connects the airport directly to the city center for about $10; Lothian Buses (Service 100) run 24/7 for approximately $7.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from the airport to the city center cost roughly $35 to $50; Uber is widely available and ranks are located at the arrivals hall.
- Parking: City center parking is limited; use the Castle Terrace NCP or Q-Park OMNI for about $35 per day.
- Other Access: Edinburgh is extremely walkable, though very hilly; the “Lothian” bus network is one of the best in the UK for moving between venues.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Balmoral Hotel (5-star, 0.4 km, iconic landmark at Waverley Station, ~$450-750 per night); Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (5-star, 0.8 km, historic luxury, ~$400-650 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (4-star, 0.1 km, located directly on the Grassmarket near festival events, ~$180-280 per night); Novotel Edinburgh Centre (4-star, 0.5 km, modern and central, ~$160-250 per night).
- Budget Stays: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile (3-star, 0.3 km, efficient and central, ~$110-170 per night); Code Pod Hostels (Boutique hostel, 0.6 km, innovative pod style, ~$45-90 per night).
Reviews
- The energy during the Mardi Gras in the Grassmarket was absolutely infectious and felt like a mini New Orleans in Scotland.
- I saw an incredible jazz trio in a small basement club that was the highlight of my entire trip to Europe.
- Everything is so close together that you can easily see three different shows in three different venues in a single day.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
What is the best way to get around the different festival venues?
Most of the main venues are located within the Old Town and New Town, making them easily accessible on foot. For venues further out, such as those in Leith or the Southside, the local Lothian Buses are very frequent and accept contactless payments. Edinburgh is a compact city, so a 15-minute walk will usually get you between the most popular jazz hubs.
Are the outdoor events free to attend?
Yes, the two major outdoor events, the Mardi Gras and the Edinburgh Festival Carnival, are completely free for the public. These events take place on the opening weekend and feature a variety of stages with live music and dance performances. While the street events are free, most indoor concerts require a paid ticket which should be booked in advance.
Is there a specific dress code for the jazz concerts?
There is no formal dress code for the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, and most attendees wear comfortable, casual clothing. Even for the larger evening concerts at the Festival Theatre, smart-casual attire is perfectly acceptable and common. Since the weather in Edinburgh can change quickly, bringing a light jacket or rain poncho for walking between venues is advised.
Can children attend the performances?
Many of the daytime concerts and all the outdoor street events are very family-friendly and open to children of all ages. However, some late-night club venues may have age restrictions (usually 18+) due to local licensing laws for premises serving alcohol. It is always best to check the specific event listing on the EJBF website for age recommendations or restrictions.
How do I book tickets if I am traveling from outside the UK?
International visitors can easily book tickets through the official EJBF website using a standard credit or debit card. E-tickets are usually sent via email, which can be printed or displayed on a smartphone at the venue entrance. If you prefer to book in person, the box office on High Street is open throughout the festival for last-minute purchases.
