Otranto Jazz Festival
A month of music between two seas, in Italy's easternmost city
About OJF
A festival spread across two seas
The Otranto Jazz Festival (OJF) is a staple of the Salento summer and one of the most deeply rooted cultural events in Puglia. Throughout the month of July, the city of Otranto, in the Province of Lecce, becomes a vast open-air stage: music drifts through the alleys of the historic center, the Piazzetta del Lungomare degli Eroi, the city squares, and above all, the evocative former Convento dei Cappuccini, the beating heart of the festival. It is no coincidence that the festival chose the theme of «music between two seas» as its guiding thread, in homage to the unique position of Otranto, Italy's easternmost city overlooking the channel that connects the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Much more than a jazz festival
While keeping jazz at its core, the OJF is a deliberately open and multidisciplinary event. The program features blues, soul, bossa nova, and world music, alongside photography and painting exhibitions, food and wine tastings, nature excursions in the Valle dell'Idro, masterclasses, and literary presentations. The artistic direction is entrusted to Eddy Canonico, while the organization is managed by the cultural association Produzioni Oriente in collaboration with the Municipality of Otranto.
Spotlight on local talent
A distinctive feature of the Otranto Jazz Festival is its focus on the local area: alongside established national and international artists, the festival provides visibility to young Salento talents and students from local music academies, such as the Accademia Musicale di Maglie. Every year, the festival also awards the OJF Award, a recognition conferred upon prominent figures in the world of music and culture.
Otranto, between history and the sea
Attending an OJF concert also means discovering one of Italy's most beautiful towns: the Cathedral with its famous floor mosaic, the Aragonese castle, the fortified walls, and the crystal-clear beaches provide the backdrop for a vacation where culture and music intertwine. The festival, which is free for most events, is designed for families, enthusiasts, and tourists seeking an authentic Salento summer experience.
OJF — edition 2026
The 13th edition of the Otranto Jazz Festival takes place from July 10 to 31, 2026, in Otranto (LE), under the artistic direction of Eddy Canonico. The theme chosen for 2026 is «Music between two seas». As per tradition, the festival alternates jazz, blues, soul, and world music concerts with photography and painting exhibitions, food and wine tastings, excursions in the Valle dell'Idro, masterclasses, and literary presentations. Many events are free to attend and are held at the former Convento dei Cappuccini and in the city squares.
Programme OJF 2026
July 10 — Opening Night
- 8:30 PM — Performance by young talents from the Accademia Musicale di Maglie and Ragtime di Calimera
- 9:30 PM — Ragtime Bubu Band
July 11
- Taryn — «Blue Notes and Bossa Tour»: the Brazilian singer on a journey through soul, jazz, blues, and bossa nova sounds
July 12
- 9:30 PM — Cristina Russo & NeoSoul Combo — «A Pieces of a Woman Tour»
- 10:30 PM — Presentation of the OJF Award 2026
July 25
- Inauguration of the Otranto Short Film Festival, a short film festival hosted within the OJF
Throughout the month, the program continues with other evening concerts at the former Convento dei Cappuccini and on the Lungomare degli Eroi, photography and painting exhibitions, food and wine events, nature excursions in the Valle dell'Idro, masterclasses, and book presentations. The complete day-by-day calendar is updated by the organizers during the festival.
Highlights OJF 2026
- Taryn and the «Blue Notes and Bossa Tour» featuring soul, jazz, and bossa nova (July 11)
- Cristina Russo & NeoSoul Combo (July 12)
- Presentation of the OJF Award 2026
- Otranto Short Film Festival starting July 25
Prices OJF 2026
Practical information — OJF
Location
Events take place in various locations in Otranto (LE): the former Convento dei Cappuccini, the Piazzetta del Lungomare degli Eroi, and several squares in the historic center.
How to get there
By car: the SS16 and SP87 connect Otranto to Lecce (about 45 km) and Maglie. By train: the most convenient stations are Maglie or Lecce, then take a bus or connecting Ferrovie del Sud Est service. By plane: Brindisi airport (about 90 km).
Tickets
Most concerts and events are free to attend. For some activities (excursions, masterclasses), reservations may be required.
Contacts
Organization: Associazione culturale Produzioni Oriente — [email protected]. Municipality of Otranto: +39 0836 871301.
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Where does it take place — OJF
Ex Convento dei Cappuccini