Cartagena Jazz Festival 2026 brings international music stars to the Costa Calida

Music lovers in the vibrant Costa Calida city of Cartagena are in the midst of a jazz jubilee as the coastal hotspot celebrates the 45th edition of its annual Jazz Festival, bringing internationally recognised musicians, Spanish artists and emerging talent to venues across the city. The festival, which kicked off on October 28 and is set to run until November 15, features a varied programme with musical genres spanning jazz, flamenco, soul, folk, rock and contemporary, while filling the city’s streets with life, celebration, and catchy tunes.

International stars take to the stage in Cartagena

The festival opened with a performance by Aurora Plazza at Mister Witt Café on October 28, followed by American alternative folk musician Micah P. Hinson at the Ramón Alonso Luzzy the following evening. The opening weekend also featured performances by Spanish singer and trumpeter Andrea Motis, who performed a moving tribute to Amy Winehouse; and blues act Pantera Blue and flamenco guitarist Niño Josele, who marked the 20th anniversary of his album Paz, inspired by the work of jazz pianist Bill Evans.

Free performances bring music to the streets

The programme, which kicked off on a high note, will continue into November. Jazz pianist Kenny Barron will take to the stage on November 7, while November 8 sees vocalist Kurt Elling join jazz fusion group The Yellowjackets for a special performance. One of the major highlights of the festival are the free performances taking place in public spaces around Cartagena.

A spectacular finale awaits music lovers on the Costa Calida in November

Upcoming outdoor performances include the Big Band of Cartagena’s Professional Music Conservatory at Plaza Cartagenas del Mundo on November 14 at 12:30pm. Other artists appearing during the final week include Spanish singer-songwriter Nacho Vegas, flamenco vocalist Rocío Márquez, Rita Payés and Lucía Fumero, and rockabilly performer La Perra Blanco.

The festival will close on Sunday, November 15 with a lunchtime performance by La Perra Blanco at El Batel’s terrace, followed by American jazz vocalist Samara Joy at 7:00pm.

Thousands of visitors to enjoy the 45th edition of the Cartagena Jazz Festival

The Cartagena Jazz Festival has been known to attract thousands of music fans from the Region of Murcia and beyond across its previous 44 editions, and the 2026 iteration of the festival will be no different. Taking place in all corners of the city, including official indoor concerts, street performances, and club events, the festival is a major fixture on the coastline’s autumn musical calendar, and visitors regularly make trips to Cartagena to enjoy it.

The 45th Cartagena Jazz Festival continues its tradition of bringing established international performers and emerging musical talent together, offering audiences a varied programme across the city.