It is 20° in Bansko now. clear sky
Bansko Jazz Festival
● BANSKO · BULGARIA · SINCE 1998 ●

BanskoJazz Festival

The most prestigious jazz forum in the Balkans

July 31 — August 9, 2026
Nikola Vaptsarov Square · Bansko
— Since 1998 —

History of The festival

The Bansko Jazz Festival was born from the love of music and the vision of Dr. Emil Iliev, who transformed the small mountain town into an international jazz capital in 1998. Starting as a modest local event, the festival has grown into one of the most significant musical events in the Balkans.

„"Jazz is an impulse that connects generations and cultures, and Bansko is the place where this impulse turns into an unforgettable celebration.""

— Organizers of Bansko Jazz Fest

Year after year, the stage at Nikola Vaptsarov Square attracts legends of the world jazz scene - Grammy winners, innovators and young talents. Music sounds everywhere in the city: from the Jazz Alley to City Park, in cozy cafes and in spontaneous jam sessions.

With 29 editions and over 135 performers from 18 countries, the festival proves that Bansko is not just a stage — it is a living spirit, uniting people from all over the world around the magic of jazz.

29
Editions
1998
Founded
18
Countries
10
Days Music
1998First edition of the festival in Bansko
2004International recognition — participants from 5 continents
2012Solemn 15th anniversary edition
2019Record audience — 50,000+ viewers
202629th Anniversary Edition — July 31 – August 9
— Lineup 2026 —

Artists & Program

📅
Music Calendar See all upcoming concerts and music events in the city. To the calendar →
🎉
All Festivals A complete guide to all music and cultural festivals in the region. See all →
🇺🇸
John Beasley
USA · Pianist · Grammy Winner
A visionary pianist with a unique style, intertwining jazz, fusion and world music.
🇮🇱
Anat Cohen
Israel · Clarinet / Saxophone
A global ambassador of jazz with 21 albums, her magnetic presence captivates festivals around the world.
🇺🇸
Catherine Russell
USA · Vocalist · Grammy Winner
Vocal perfection with jazz classics and original works. A key figure in contemporary jazz.
🇧🇬
Hristo Yotsov
Bulgaria · Big Band Project
An impressive formation of exceptional Bulgarian musicians in a large-scale big band project.
🇫🇷
Sara Lecka
France · Vocalist
A voice carrying the weight of history and the intimacy of confession—a new vocabulary for jazz storytelling.
🇺🇸
Emmet Cohen
USA · Pianist & Composer
One of the most exciting trio sounds in contemporary jazz - a must-see experience.
🇧🇷
Mirla Riomar
Brazil Vocals / Percussion
Born in Salvador de Bahia, she brings the roots of Brazil into her music: rhythm, passion, and life.
🇸🇮
It's a shame.
Slovenia · Collective
A unique author's project by Rok Zalokar, crossing the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
🇦🇱
AJS Quartet
Albania · Jazz Quartet
The most popular jazz band from Albania. Together for 10 years — every concert is almost a new album.
🇮🇱
Michel Sahraoui
Israel Guitarist
The guitarist from Nazareth with a unique style, combining oriental melodies and modern jazz.
🇧🇬
CapriHorns
Bulgaria Brass Trio
An original program by three of the brightest names on the Bulgarian brass scene.
🇧🇬
Theodosius Spasov
Bulgaria Kaval
The world's kavaldist — playing on stages on all continents with a huge circle of fans.
— Moments from the festival —

Gallery & Memories

— Reserve a Seat —

Tickets & Prices

Day Ticket
from 30
BGN / Evening
  • Access for 1 night
  • Reserved seat next to the stage
  • Free access to the park
Buy
VIP Package
from 260
BGN / 10 Days
  • VIP area with a view of the stage
  • Meet & Greet with artists
  • All 10 dinners included
Buy
— Find Us —

Location & Map

Pirin Street Todor Alexandrov Street Urban Park Nikola Vaptsarov Square N
  • 📍
    Address
    Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov Square„
    Bansko, Blagoevgrad 2770, Bulgaria
  • 🚗
    How to get there
    160 km from Sofia on the Trakia highway and E79. Regular buses from Sofia and Blagoevgrad.
  • 🕗
    Start of concerts
    Every evening from 8:30 p.m.
    Daily concerts from 11:00 a.m. in City Park
  • 🌄
    Locations in the city
    Main Stage · Jazz Alley · City Park · Jazz in the Cafes
— Contact us —

Contacts & Information

Dates 2026
July 31 — August 9, 2026
Organizer
Dr. Emil Iliev
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