Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Set up in 1978, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival now presents high quality musicians from all over the world.

About Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

	, Various Locations Edinburgh
	01314675200
	Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

Edinburgh Jazz Festival was set up in 1978 by banjo-player and guitarist, Mike Hart. Mike's initial focus was on traditional jazz and a host of events taking place for free admission in pubs. By the mid-80's the Festival had added ticketed events, and had broadened its musical policy to encompass swing and mainstream jazz and occasionally some more modern groups.

From the Festival's commencement the artistic policy has been to concentrate on musical excellence (rather than the "star system") and to champion spontaneous creativity: music making on the spot in Edinburgh. These virtues have been developed in the 21st Century with the production of a wide range of new music, the establishment of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra, and an on-going commitment to supporting Scottish musicians to realise creative ideas, and to link with international musicians. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has also grown its world outlook, presenting high quality musicians from all over the world.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

11th July 2025 - 20th July 2025

Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 11th to 20th July 2025, presenting a programme that spans the entire history of the music from ragtime to modern jazz to Chicago blues and beyond.

Music

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

13th July 2025

Usher Hall, Edinburgh West

Back by popular demand, musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra play the Usher Hall on Sunday 13th July!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: Curtis Stigers

17th July 2025

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is delighted to welcome back one of the greatest jazz singers of our age, Curtis Stigers and top-class US band on 17th July!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: Colin Steele: STRAMASH

18th July 2025

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Colin Steele’s STRAMASH has made waves since its inception in 2006 and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival are delighted to premiere new music from the second album!

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: corto.alto + support

19th July 2025

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

A lynchpin of Glasgow’s flourishing jazz scene, corto.alto brings together some of Scotland’s finest players to create a heady mix of jazz, hip-hop, broken beat, electronica, dub, and punk.

Music

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: An Evening with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush

20th July 2025

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated global superstar Kenny Wayne Shepherd performs with the legendary Bobby Rush, following the massive success of their album ‘Young Fashioned Ways’!

Festivals

Edinburgh International Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of music, theatre, opera and dance performed across our beautiful city.

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Edinburgh International Film Festival

88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 14th to 20th August 2025 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.

Festivals

Festival of Politics

, Edinburgh Old Town EH99 1SP

The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in August, with a five-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.

Festivals

Edinburgh Deaf Featival

49 Albany Street, Edinburgh New town EH1 3QY

Edinburgh Deaf Festival is an accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. Join us for a variety of performances and events throughout the week.

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Edinburghs Hogmanay

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is back to celebrate the end of 2024 and the new year with an unforgettable experience for Edinburgh and beyond.

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Just Festival

St John's Church Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4BJ

Edinburgh’s Just Festival Celebrates 21st Year With Bumper Programme. Free to attend programme online and at St. John’s Church, Princes Street from 6th – 30th August.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

George Watson's College 69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh South EH10 5EG

The Edinburgh International Harp Festival returns for its 42nd year in April, showcasing an eclectic array of harp talent from across the globe.

Festivals

Edinburgh Tradfest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 2nd to 12th May 2025.

Festivals

Festival of Migration

Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9ER

Edinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.

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Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

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Edinburghs Christmas

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!

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