Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Edinburgh’s Summer Soundtrack
Every summer, the much-loved Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival turns the city into a celebration of rhythm, soul, and live music.
The festival started in 1978 as a small local event. Now, it attracts musicians from around the world, local artists, and large crowds. It’s seen as the way Edinburgh starts its summer festivals, bringing lots of energy and excitement before the busy August festival season.
The festival was created by Edinburgh jazz musician and banjo player Mike Hart MBE, who wanted to bring jazz and blues into the heart of the city.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a broad celebration of musical styles, covering everything from traditional New Orleans jazz and swing to soul, funk, gospel, boogie-woogie, blues rock, and contemporary fusion.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival – Venues
Performances take place across Edinburgh, from concert halls and theatres to intimate basement clubs, churches, bars, and outdoor stages.
The event regularly uses venues such as Assembly Rooms, The Queen’s Hall, and others across the Old Town and New Town, helping the music spread throughout the city rather than being confined to a single festival site.
Mardi Gras
A highlight of the festival is the famous Mardi Gras celebration, inspired by New Orleans’ street culture. Colourful parades, brass bands, dancers, carnival costumes, and outdoor performances bring a burst of carnival spirit to Edinburgh’s streets. For many visitors, it is one of the most joyful weekends of the city’s festival year.
Visitors exploring Edinburgh during the festival often find music in surprising places. You might hear a brass band in a square, a blues trio in a historic pub, or catch late-night jazz sessions that go on after the main concerts. This mix of top-quality performances and a relaxed vibe is what makes the festival unique.
Today, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is still one of the UK’s top jazz festivals and a key part of Scotland’s cultural life. With international stars, local talent, historic venues, and the lively energy of live music, it brings rhythm and colour to Edinburgh’s streets every summer.