Jazz Fest Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025

Background & History

Jazz Fest Sarajevo, known as Sarajevski džez festival, was founded in 1997 by Edin Zubčević and has grown into Southeastern Europe’s largest jazz festival, celebrated for its focus on contemporary, jazz-related, and improvised music. Held annually in the first week of November, it attracts over 600 artists from 60 countries, hosting more than 300 concerts in its 28-year history. Notable past performers include Håkon Kornstad, Arve Henriksen, Amira Medunjanin, and Dianne Reeves.

The festival is a cultural cornerstone in Sarajevo, blending global talent with local and regional artists through programs like Xenophonia, fostering collaboration and innovation. Its high production standards, educational initiatives (e.g., Music Meeting, Kids’ Day), and striking visual identity (award-winning posters) have earned it a trendsetting reputation in the Balkans.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: Features over 20 performances by international and local jazz artists, emphasizing experimental and contemporary styles. The 2024 lineup included Macedonian National Jazz Orchestra with Rambo Amadeus, Roberto Fonseca’s La Gran Diversión, Fakebooks, and Theo Croker (6–9 November). The 2025 program is TBD but expected to feature similar diversity, potentially with artists like Gregory Porter or Kamasi Washington (speculative, based on past trends).
• Xenophonia: A platform for collaboration between Bosnian and international musicians, positioning local talent on the global stage. Past examples include joint performances with Norwegian and American artists.
• Music Meeting: Regional educational project (since 2012) for young musicians from Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, and more. Includes 5-day workshops, talks, jam sessions, and concerts, fostering emerging talent.
• Kid’s Day: Free family-friendly program with interactive music workshops for children, promoting jazz appreciation (details TBD, typically one day during festival).
• Cultural Events: Includes masterclasses, jam sessions, and visual art exhibitions tied to the festival’s iconic poster designs. 2025 may feature a tribute to past performers like Håkon Kornstad, whose Live in Sarajevo (2014) was recorded at the festival.
• Awards: Audience and critic awards for standout performances (e.g., Best Soloist, Best Ensemble, speculative for 2025).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues (National Theatre, Youth Theatre). English/Bosnian signage and staff. Limited audio descriptions (contact info@jazzfest.ba). Disability parking is free with a permit.
• Eco-Initiatives: Encourage public transport (trams, buses) and digital programs to reduce waste. Reusable cups at select venues (~BAM 2 deposit, speculative).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 5–8 November 2025 (speculative, based on the traditional first week of November and the 2024 dates of 6–9 November). Duration: 4 days.
• Hours: Performances typically 19:00–22:00. Workshops and Kids’ Day daytime (TBD, likely 11:00–15:00). Box office: 11:00–18:00 (except Sunday, La Benevolencija 14). Full schedule at jazzfest.ba (October 2025).
• Note: All-ages; under 14s need supervision for evening concerts. November weather (40–50°F, rain/snow possible); bring warm jackets, waterproof shoes.

Main Event Address

• Venues:
  • Bosnian National Theatre: Obala Kulina bana 9, 71000 Sarajevo (main stage, seated performances, preference form for seating).
  • Sarajevo Youth Theatre: Kulovica 8, 71000 Sarajevo (non-numbered seating, intimate shows).
  • Other Halls: Venues like Bosnian Cultural Center (Branilaca Sarajeva 24) or Kamerni Teatar 55 (Maršala Tita 54/I) may host select performances (speculative, based on past editions).
• Administrative Contact: Jazz Fest Sarajevo, La Benevolencija 14, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; info@jazzfest.ba; +387 33 550 480, box office +387 33 550 481 (11:00–18:00, except Sunday).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible venues. Public transport: trams (lines 3, 6 to Marijin Dvor, 5-minute walk to National Theatre), buses (Centar stop, 10-minute walk). Limited parking (~BAM 5/day, ~$2.80 USD, disability parking free). Bicycle racks (~10–15 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@jazzfest.ba (inquiries, accessibility); boxoffice@jazzfest.ba (ticketing).
• Phone: +387 33 550 480 (general), +387 33 550 481 (box office, 11:00–18:00, except Sunday).
• Website: https://jazzfest.ba
• Social Media: @JazzFestSarajevo (Facebook, Instagram, X).
• Press: Contact info@jazzfest.ba for accreditation (deadline October 2025).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteer inquiries via info@jazzfest.ba.

Ticket Information

• Admission (based on 2024, speculative for 2025):
  • Standard Tickets: BAM 20–55 (~$11.20–$30.80 USD).
  • Early Bird: BAM 18 (~$10.10 USD).
  • Marathon Pass: BAM 62 (~$34.70 USD, e.g., for multi-performance programs like John Zorn’s Sarajevo Marathon).
  • Kid’s Day: Free.
• How to Buy:
  • Online: Via jazzfest.ba (card only, available October 2025). Specify National Theatre seating preferences in the form. Collect tickets at the box office (28–30 October, La Benevolencija 14).
  • Box Office: Opens 31 October, La Benevolencija 14, 11:00–18:00 (except Sunday, cash/card).
  • Concert Day: Available 30 minutes before shows at National Theatre and Youth Theatre (card preferred, cash accepted).
• Ticket Range:
  • BAM: 0–62.
  • USD: ~$0–$34.70 (1 BAM ≈ $0.56, mid-2025).
• Note: Youth Theatre tickets are non-numbered. No refunds unless the event is cancelled. Group discounts (~20% off for 5+ tickets, speculative). Avoid unofficial resellers.

Cultural Experience

Jazz Fest Sarajevo celebrates Bosnia’s vibrant cultural scene, blending global jazz with local traditions like sevdalinka (Bosnian urban folk, UNESCO-listed). Performances at the historic Bosnian National Theatre and intimate Youth Theatre reflect Sarajevo’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage. The festival fosters cross-cultural dialogue through Xenophonia, showcasing collaborations like Bosnian artists with Scandinavian or Middle Eastern musicians. Culinary offerings at venues include Bosnian specialties (ćevapi, baklava, tufahija, ~BAM 5–15, ~$2.80–$8.40 USD) and coffee culture, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Visual art, including festival posters, adds a creative layer, often exhibited at venues like the JAVA Gallery.

Food & Drinks

• Venue Stalls: Limited food at venues (ćevapi, burek, baklava, coffee, ~BAM 5–15, ~$2.80–$8.40 USD). Non-alcoholic drinks (~BAM 2–5, ~$1.12–$2.80 USD, age 19+ for alcohol).
• Nearby Dining (Sarajevo Old Town):
  • Dveri (Prote Bakovića 4, Bosnian, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk from National Theatre).
  • Ćevabdžinica Željo (Kundurdžiluk 19, ćevapi, $3–$8 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • House of Bosnian Tradition (Ćurčiluk Veliki 59, traditional, $8–$20 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Note: Card accepted at venues; cash (BAM) advised for stalls. No outside food/drinks. Water stations at major venues. Reusable cups (~BAM 2 deposit, speculative).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages; Kids Day tailored for children (free, under 14s need supervision). Guide dogs only.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues (National Theatre, Youth Theatre). English/Bosnian signage. Limited audio descriptions (contact info@jazzfest.ba). Disability parking is free with a permit.

Getting There

• By Air: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ, 10 km, 15-minute drive, $10–$20 USD taxi).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 3, 6 to Marijin Dvor (5-minute walk to National Theatre), ~BAM 1.80 (~$1 USD, Centrotrans app).
  • Bus: Centar stop (10-minute walk to Youth Theatre), ~BAM 2 (~$1.12 USD).
• By Car: Limited parking at venues (~BAM 5/day, ~$2.80 USD). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~10–15 spaces, free). Walkable between venues (National Theatre to Youth Theatre, 10 minutes).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt from Sarajevo center ($3–$7 USD). Local taxis (+387 33 660 666, $5–$10 USD).

Program Details

• October 2025: Full lineup announced (jazzfest.ba).
• 5–8 November 2025: Main festival, performances (19:00–22:00, speculative). Venues: Bosnian National Theatre, Sarajevo Youth Theatre, others TBD.
• Kid’s Day: Workshops, music activities (TBD, likely one day, 11:00–15:00).
• Music Meeting: Workshops, jam sessions for young musicians (TBD, likely daytime).
• Note: Schedule speculative based on 2024 (,,). Some performances N15+. Check jazzfest.ba for updates.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: 6–9 November, featured John Zorn’s Sarajevo Marathon, Roberto Fonseca, and Theo Croker. Introduced new visual identity.
• 2014: Håkon Kornstad’s Live in Sarajevo was recorded and released by Jazzland Recordings.
• 1997: Founded during post-war recovery, emphasizing cultural revival.
• 2012: Launched Music Meeting for regional youth.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Promotes jazz and Bosnian music (sevdalinka) through performances and workshops. Free exhibits (posters, JAVA Gallery) are ideal for cultural studies.
• Community Engagement: Xenophonia and Music Meeting connects local/global artists, fostering collaboration. Kid’s Day engages young audiences.
• Historical Context: Reflects Sarajevo’s resilience, from post-war recovery to modern cultural hub.

Cultural Activities

• Performances: 20+ jazz concerts (5–8 November, National Theatre, Youth Theatre).
• Workshops: Music Meeting, Kids’ Day (TBD, daytime).
• Exhibitions: Poster displays, visual art (JAVA Gallery, speculative).
• Jam Sessions: Informal performances at select venues (TBD, evening).
• Masterclasses: Led by international artists (TBD, jazzfest.ba).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets available October 2025 (jazzfest.ba). Hotels fill in November; book 3–6 months.
• Weather Prep: 40–50°F, rain/snow possible; bring jackets, waterproof shoes.
• Explore Locally: Baščaršija (free, 10-minute walk), Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque ($2 USD, 7-minute walk), War Childhood Museum ($5 USD, 15-minute walk).
• Transport: Use the Centrotrans app for trams/buses. Walkable venues. Avoid driving due to limited parking.
• Crowd Tips: Book early bird tickets for savings. Evening concerts are busier; daytime workshops are less crowded.

Local Attractions

• Baščaršija: Free, historic market (10-minute walk from the National Theatre).
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: $2 USD (7-minute walk).
• War Childhood Museum: $5 USD (15-minute walk).
• Vijećnica (City Hall): $5 USD (10-minute walk).
• Yellow Fortress: Free, views (15-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Hotel Europe (Vladislava Škarića 5, $80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Swissotel Sarajevo (Vrbanja 1, $100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Halvat Guesthouse (Kasima Ef. Dobrace 5, $40–$80 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($30–$70 USD/night, city center).
• Note: Book early for November; limited central availability.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; the nearest hospital is Koševo (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks are optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (October 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children at crowded venues.