TriesteLovesJazz
The international jazz festival of Trieste, between squares, museums, and the sea
About TriesteLovesJazz
Twenty Years of Jazz in the Heart of Trieste
There is a sound that accompanies Trieste evenings every summer: it is TriesteLovesJazz, the festival that for two decades has transformed the Julian city into one of the jazz hubs in the Northeast. Promoted by the Municipality of Trieste as part of TriesteEstate and organized by Casa della Musica / Scuola di Musica55, the festival is an eagerly awaited event for enthusiasts and the curious, capable of uniting major international names with Italian and European talents. In 2026, it reaches its twentieth edition.
The Venues: Squares, Museum Gardens, and the Sea
The beauty of TriesteLovesJazz also lies in its geography. Concerts take place in the very central Piazza Verdi, in the evocative gardens of the Sartorio Museum and the Winckelmann Museum, and on the Molo Audace, where one of the most poetic moments of the festival unfolds each year: a sunrise concert by the sea. The artistic direction is entrusted to Gabriele Centis, who designs a program each year that alternates overseas stars, European ensembles, and voices from the local scene.
A Lineup Between Big Stars and New Voices
The festival's history has seen some of the most representative names in world jazz perform on Trieste's stages. Recent editions have featured artists such as pianist Bill Evans, American voice Lori Williams, singer Sarah Jane Morris, and the youth orchestra JM Jazz World Orchestra, in a program that ranges from classic jazz to contemporary fusions.
A Celebration for the City
All concerts have free admission until capacity is reached: a choice that makes TriesteLovesJazz a true popular celebration, capable of bringing great music into direct contact with the public, amidst the Habsburg architecture and the sea air that make the Trieste summer unique.
TriesteLovesJazz — edition 2026
In 2026, TriesteLovesJazz celebrates its twenty years with an international and Italian lineup. From July 4th to August 12th, the stages of Piazza Verdi, the gardens of the Sartorio and Winckelmann Museums, and the Molo Audace will host major names in world jazz alongside Italian, European, and local talents. Artistic direction remains with Gabriele Centis; all concerts are free admission.
Programme TriesteLovesJazz 2026
The program for the twentieth edition opens and closes with two special events. Among the announced names:
- July 4th — Inaugural concert with the Organ Madness Trio.
- July 5th — Emilia Zamuner with the New Era quartet and double bassist Massimo Moriconi.
- On the lineup — Among the expected artists: Lori Williams, Bill Evans, and the JM Jazz World Orchestra.
- August 12th — Grand finale with a sunset concert at the Bastione Rotondo, on the occasion of the solar eclipse.
The complete program, with dates and times for all concerts, is updated by the organizers on the festival's official website.
Highlights TriesteLovesJazz 2026
Prices TriesteLovesJazz 2026
Practical information — TriesteLovesJazz
How to Get Here
The main venues (Piazza Verdi, Molo Audace, gardens of the Sartorio and Winckelmann Museums) are located in the heart of Trieste, reachable on foot from the station and well-served by public transport.
Tickets
Concerts are free admission until all seats are filled.
Accommodation
Trieste has numerous hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses in the city center, a short distance from the festival venues.
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Where does it take place — TriesteLovesJazz
Piazza Verdi