clear skyThe most prestigious jazz forum in the Balkans
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 FestYear 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.