Rome Jazz Festival

Half a century of jazz in the Capital

The Rome Jazz Festival is one of Europe's most prestigious and enduring musical events. Established in 1976 on the Gianicolo Hill, it has brought the greatest names in world jazz to Rome over the years, becoming an essential destination for genre enthusiasts. In November 2026, the festival marks its 50th edition, a milestone that cements its role as a cultural landmark for the city and the entire Lazio region.

Rereading Miles, Rethinking Jazz

The 2026 edition, titled "Rereading Miles, Rethinking Jazz," celebrates the centenary of the birth of Miles Davis (1926-1991), a figure who revolutionized 20th-century music. This is not merely a commemoration, but a reinterpretation: artistic director Mario Ciampà has curated a program where Davis's legacy is reimagined by contemporary musicians through both explicit tributes and new creative directions. A common thread connects the concerts throughout November, fostering a continuous dialogue between tradition and the future.

The 2026 Program

The festival opens on November 1 with Paolo Fresu and his "Kind of Lives" project, continuing throughout the month with an international lineup:

• Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets — "Celebrate Weather Report" (November 4)
• Steve Coleman and Five Elements (November 5)
• Hamilton De Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba (November 6)
• Erik Truffaz & Antonio Lizana — "New Sketches of Spain" (November 17)
• Gregory Hutchinson — "Kind of Now - The Pulse of Miles Davis" (November 18)
• Jeremy Pelt Quintet (November 21)
• Jason Miles — "100 Miles for Miles Davis," grand finale on November 24

The program also features space for new Italian talent and younger audiences, with the "Fiabe Jazz" (Jazz Fairy Tales) series designed for families.

Venues: Auditorium and Casa del Jazz

Concerts are held in two iconic Roman music venues. The Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, in the Flaminio district, hosts the main events in the Sala Petrassi. The Casa del Jazz, nestled in a park near the Aurelian Walls, hosts more intimate performances and experimental projects.

Jazz in the heart of Rome

Organized in the Municipality of Rome, the capital of the Lazio region, the Rome Jazz Festival is more than just a series of concerts: it is a month-long listening journey across the city, featuring international masters, world music influences, and contemporary sounds. A unique opportunity to experience the Capital through the power of live music.