Umbria Jazz
Italy's most important jazz festival in the heart of Perugia
About Umbria Jazz
The symbolic festival of the Umbrian summer
Born in 1973, Umbria Jazz has become over time one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world and undoubtedly the most important in Italy. Every July, the festival transforms Perugia, the capital of Umbria, into a large, widespread stage: from the panoramic terraces of the medieval historic center to the greenery of the Giardini del Frontone and the imposing Arena Santa Giuliana, the true home of concerts by international stars.
A unique formula
The strength of Umbria Jazz lies in its dual soul. On one hand, the major ticketed concerts at the Arena Santa Giuliana, featuring global stars of jazz, pop, and soul; on the other, a rich free program that invades Perugia's squares and streets with itinerant jazz bands, gospel, swing, and blues. More than half of the approximately 275 scheduled events are free admission, confirming the popular spirit that has always characterized the festival.
The venues
The festival unfolds across various city spaces: the Arena Santa Giuliana for the big names, the refined Teatro Morlacchi for authorial and contemporary jazz, the Sala Podiani of the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria for solo concerts, and the timeless Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia's monumental heart, where free music enlivens the days.
A heritage of Umbria
Umbria Jazz is not just a music festival: it is a cultural and economic driver for the entire region, capable of attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. For the city of Perugia, it represents a moment of identity, a period when the international dimension of great music merges with the intimate and secluded atmosphere of the Umbrian medieval village.
Umbria Jazz — edition 2026
The 53rd edition of Umbria Jazz will be held in Perugia from July 3 to 12, 2026, with a monumental program: approximately 275 events, over 80 groups, 500 musicians spread across 15 stages. The edition celebrates the birth centenaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane and pays homage to Dario Fo ten years after his passing. More than half of the program is free admission, true to the festival's popular tradition.
Among the notable new additions is the inclusion of the first Perugia Jazz Half Marathon in the official program, a half marathon that will run on Saturday, July 4th, along the Tiber River from Ponte Pattoli to Ponte San Giovanni, with jazz music points along the route.
Programme Umbria Jazz 2026
Arena Santa Giuliana — The Big Concerts
- July 3 — Sting (opening concert)
- July 4 — Perigeo and Beat
- July 5 — Jon Batiste
- July 6 — Charles Lloyd
- July 7 — Laurie Anderson with Sexmob and Kingfish
- July 8 — Snarky Puppy with Metropole Orkest
- July 9 — screening of the film "Tutta Vita" + All Stars super band led by Stefano Bollani
- July 10 — Gilberto Gil
- July 11 — Zucchero
- July 12 — Elvis Costello (closing)
Teatro Morlacchi — Authorial Jazz (July 4-12)
- Cécile McLorin Salvant (July 5)
- Steve Coleman (July 6)
- Jason Moran (July 8)
- Bill Frisell (July 9)
- Fred Hersch (July 11)
- Kenny Barron (July 12)
Sala Podiani — Solo Concerts
Intimate performances at the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, from July 4 to 12.
Free Events in the Historic Center (July 3-12)
More than half of the 275 events are free: blues, soul, and swing liven up the squares and streets of the center, with concerts in Piazza IV Novembre and in the main city spaces.
Sports
- July 4 — First Perugia Jazz Half Marathon, along the Tiber River from Ponte Pattoli to Ponte San Giovanni (organized by Umbria Crossing)
Full program and tickets at umbriajazz.it.
Highlights Umbria Jazz 2026
Prices Umbria Jazz 2026
Practical information — Umbria Jazz
How to get there
Perugia is reachable by train (Perugia Fontivegge station) and by car from the Perugia-Bettolle junction or the E45 highway. The Arena Santa Giuliana is a few minutes from the historic center, connected by the Minimetrò (mini-metro) and escalators.
Tickets
Concerts at the Arena Santa Giuliana and Teatro Morlacchi are ticketed, with tickets available on official circuits. More than half of the events (in the squares and streets of the historic center) are free admission.
Tips
Book accommodation well in advance: Perugia is fully booked during the festival. Arrive early for the free concerts in the squares, which are very popular.
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Where does it take place — Umbria Jazz
Arena Santa Giuliana
Arena Santa Giuliana, 06121 Perugia